- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$254
Average price
$317
Fastest journey
22 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 58 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
1368 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA to Chicago, IL will cost around $317 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $254.
It's difficult to get from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBus+
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $85. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $85, and a train costs an average of $90.
Distance: 850 miles (1368 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$207 Average price Cheapest | $415 Average price | $225 Average price | $301 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 5m Average total duration 24h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 45m Average total duration 22h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.4 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.1 - 8.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL costing on average $225 (€182).
A bus is $208 (€168) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Boston, MA to Chicago, IL costing on average $415 (€336).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 22h 15m.
Bus takes on average 24h 35m.
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 02:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 30h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 27h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $171 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 29h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 30h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 33h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $115 |
The table below shows live departures for Boston, MA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 PM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 33h10 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 10:00 PM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 35h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 2:30 AM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 30h30 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:30 AM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 28h40 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 8:55 AM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 29h50 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· | 12:30 PM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 22h30 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 3:05 PM Boston, Bus Terminal South Station | 23h20 | 1:25 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 Boston, MA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 24h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $85 (€69) but you can travel from only $62 (€50) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 850 miles (1368 km) distance in 22h 30m.
Distance 850 miles (1368 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $85 (€69) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 22h 30m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 7 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 US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Boston, MA 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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