- 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
$152
Average price
$178
Fastest journey
20 h 5 m
Average duration
21 h 47 m
Buses per day
13
Distance
944 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
It's difficult to get from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $107. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $107, and a train costs an average of $189.
Distance: 586 miles (944 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$183 Average price Cheapest | $203 Average price | $399 Average price | $180 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 52m Average total duration 23h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 42m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 44m Average total duration 26h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $20 (€16) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $203 (€164).
A bus is $217 (€175) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $399 (€323).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 22m.
Train takes on average 26h 14m.
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 02:10AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $243 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 20h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $263 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 23h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 25h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 23h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 23h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $246 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:20PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:20PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 31h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h01 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
The table below shows live departures for Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:20 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 21h55 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:10 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 23h00 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · · | 11:40 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 33h20 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 11:40 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 31h30 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 11:59 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 33h01 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 20h05 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:55 AM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 26h05 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:55 AM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 26h30 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:15 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 21h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:15 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 22h10 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 12:50 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 23h40 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 3:15 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 23h55 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 3:15 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 23h30 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 23h 22m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $107 (€86) but you can travel from only $82 (€66) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 586 miles (944 km) distance in 20h 5m.
Distance 586 miles (944 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€86) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 20h 5m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Charlotte, NC 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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