- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$131
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$139
Fastest journey on Aug 29
16 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
17 h 37 m
Buses on Aug 29
8
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 $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $131.
It's difficult to get from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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· · 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 an average ticket price of $136 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 12m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $136, while a train costs an average of $478.
Distance: 577 miles (929 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$136 Average price Cheapest | $478 Average price | $301 Average price | $149 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 34m Average total duration 17h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37h 33m Average total duration 37h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 12m Onboard + 2h 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 $165 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $301.
A bus is $342 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $478.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 4m.
Train takes on average 37h 3m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 16h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h35 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h10 | 8:00 AM 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 | |
· | 9:40 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 16h30 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:40 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 16h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:40 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h30 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
FlixBus+![]() | 2:45 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 17h50 | 8:35 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 | |
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 17h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 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 20m.
Distance 577 miles (929 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 16h 20m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.

Most Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses use the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority is 1 km from Birmingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority. ATMs are available at Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority.
Ticket office support is available at Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority.
Available at Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority: Facility is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
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