- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$111
Average price
$174
Fastest journey
16 h 45 m
Average duration
19 h 4 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
929 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL will cost around $174 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
Of the 5 buses that leave Birmingham, AL for Chicago, IL on Sun, May 31, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 929 km distance in an average of 19 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 45 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 21 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $111, and a train costs an average of $255.
Distance: 577 miles (929 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$206 Average price Cheapest | $493 Average price | $445 Average price | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 26m Average total duration 16h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37h 27m Average total duration 36h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $238 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $445 (€358).
A bus is $287 (€231) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $493 (€397).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 56m.
Train takes on average 36h 57m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $205 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:45AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $150 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $252 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $223 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $260 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $197 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 2:45 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 19h20 | 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 7:25 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 20h55 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h35 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:45 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 19h00 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:45 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 16h45 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:35 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 19h40 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
![]() | 12:45 AM Birmingham, AL | 16h45 | 5:30 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
· | 10:40 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h30 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 16h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $111 (€90) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 577 miles (929 km) distance in 16h 45m.
Distance 577 miles (929 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $111 (€90) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 16h 45m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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