- Must visit
The Walters Art Museum
Major free art museum with collections spanning ancient art, medieval manuscripts, Asian art, and European masterpieces in Mount Vernon.
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$156
Fastest journey
17 h 45 m
Average duration
19 h 14 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
974 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD will cost around $156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
Of the 7 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Baltimore, MD on Thu, Jul 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 974 km distance in an average of 19 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 21 h 10 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.


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FlixBus+

FlixBus+

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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 605 miles (974 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$139 Average price Cheapest | $227 Average price | $270 Average price | $240 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 25m Average total duration 17h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 50m Average total duration 19h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg 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 Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD:
A bus is $88 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD costing on average $227 (€187).
A bus is $131 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD costing on average $270 (€222).
Other travel options to Baltimore, MD take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 55m.
Train takes on average 19h 20m.
Tickets start at around $139 (€114) compared to roughly $240 (€198) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $102 (€84). The journey takes 17h 55m versus 10h 41m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 25h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD buses for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h25 | 1:55 AM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
· · | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h10 | 8:05 AM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 20h50 | 8:05 AM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 17h45 | 12:45 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h00 | 2:15 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 1 transfer |
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 Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD run on average 6 times per day, taking around 17h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) but you can travel from only $76 (€62) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 605 miles (974 km) distance in 17h 40m.
Distance 605 miles (974 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€68) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 40m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Baltimore — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Baltimore trip today.
Major free art museum with collections spanning ancient art, medieval manuscripts, Asian art, and European masterpieces in Mount Vernon.
Leading art museum known for its Cone Collection, contemporary works, sculpture gardens, and strong public programs near Johns Hopkins.
Distinctive museum dedicated to self-taught and outsider art, famous for imaginative exhibitions and a colorful sculptural campus.
Baltimore's best-known waterfront district with promenades, harbor views, major attractions, and easy access to museums and boat tours.
Popular waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and lively harbor atmosphere that photographs well.
Classic viewpoint over the harbor and skyline, especially popular for sunset photos and short scenic walks.
Broiled or lightly fried cakes made with sweet blue crab meat and minimal filler. They are one of Baltimore’s signature dishes and a classic way to taste Chesapeake seafood.
Whole blue crabs steamed with a heavy coating of regional spice blend, then picked by hand. This is a social Baltimore tradition tied closely to the Chesapeake Bay.
A rich soup made with crab meat, cream, and seasoning. It is a longtime Maryland favorite, especially in seafood restaurants around Baltimore.
Popular waterfront restaurant in Fells Point known for oysters, lobster rolls, and refined Chesapeake seafood. Lively but polished atmosphere.
Historic Lexington Market seafood counter famed for its celebrated Maryland crab cakes. Casual, busy, and one of the city’s essential traditional food stops.
Classic spot for Baltimore pit beef sandwiches, sliced to order and served with traditional condiments. Casual, no-frills, and locally famous.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and transport are fairly manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore, MD, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Baltimore, MD buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Baltimore, MD bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need