- Must visit
Birmingham Museum of Art
Major regional museum with strong American, Asian, African, and contemporary collections plus an excellent sculpture garden.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$111
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$115
Fastest journey on Sep 19
14 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
16 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 19
7
Distance
929 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $154 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 40m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $154, while a flight costs an average of $619.
Distance: 577 miles (929 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$154 Average price Cheapest | $490 Average price | $619 Average price | $145 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 8m Average total duration 15h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37h 28m Average total duration 36h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 40m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 9h 49m 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 Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL:
A bus is $336 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL costing on average $490.
A bus is $465 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL costing on average $619.
Other travel options to Birmingham, AL take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 38m.
Train takes on average 36h 58m.
Tickets start at around $154 compared to roughly $145 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.25. The journey takes 15h 38m versus 9h 49m 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.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 9:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h10 | 1:55 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 19h35 | 5:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 1 transfer | |
· | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h05 | 5:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h25 | 12:25 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 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 Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 15h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $90 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 577 miles (929 km) distance in 13h 5m.
Distance 577 miles (929 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 13h 5m |
First bus 1:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Birmingham, AL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Birmingham, AL trip today.
Major regional museum with strong American, Asian, African, and contemporary collections plus an excellent sculpture garden.
Powerful civil rights museum with immersive exhibits that explain Birmingham’s central role in the struggle for equality.
Hands-on museum blending science, technology, and regional history, popular with families and curious adults alike.
Large urban green space with lawns, trails, and a prized skyline view from the hilltop near Vulcan.
Lively downtown entertainment district with bars, murals, music venues, and easy access to theaters and sports.
Trendy neighborhood of shops, coffee spots, nightlife, and colorful streets that showcase Birmingham’s creative energy.
Alabama white sauce barbecue chicken is smoked chicken dressed with a tangy mayo-based sauce, a North Alabama staple that defines the region’s barbecue identity.
Pulled pork barbecue is slow-smoked and served chopped or shredded, often with sauce and sides. It is a classic Birmingham and Alabama comfort food.
Fried green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes sliced, breaded, and fried. They are a beloved Southern starter tied closely to Alabama home cooking.
Refined Southern fine dining destination known for elegant tasting menus, local ingredients, and polished service in an upscale atmosphere.
Long-running meat-and-three favorite serving fried chicken, vegetables, and pies in a classic cafeteria-style Southern setting.
Acclaimed modern restaurant with wood-fired cooking, seasonal Southern dishes, and a stylish but relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels are often cheaper than major metros, while dining and rideshares are typical; transit use is limited for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafes, round up or leave $1-2 on larger orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Birmingham, AL buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
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