- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
$135
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1217 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $135.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC without transferring at least once.
· 10:15 AM31h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL6:30 PMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1351One-way1 transfer- · 9:55 AM31h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:30 PMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1351One-way1 transfer
- +
FlixBus+6:10 AM26h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station9:25 AMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1361One-way2 transfers
- +FlixBus+6:10 AM26h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station9:25 AMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1361One-way2 transfers
- · 10:15 AM31h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL6:30 PMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1351One-way1 transfer
- · 9:55 AM31h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:30 PMCharleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC$1351One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $127. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $127, and a train costs an average of $238.
Distance: 756 miles (1217 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$238 Average price Cheapest | $330 Average price | $408 Average price | $196 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
35h 41m Average total duration 35h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 49m Average total duration 27h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC is a bus with an average price of $238.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $92 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC costing on average $330.
A bus is $170 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC costing on average $408.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 1m.
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Train takes on average 27h 19m.
Bus takes on average 35h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Charleston, SC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 31h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +FlixBus+ | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h15 | 9:25 AM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 2 transfers | |
| · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 31h15 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 1 transfer | |
| · +FlixBus+ | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h45 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 35h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $127 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 10:00, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 756 miles (1217 km) distance in 27h 25m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 756 miles (1217 km) |
Average bus duration 35h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $127 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 27h 25m |
First bus 10:00 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: FlixBus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SCYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC with FlixBus for as low as $127. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
27h 25m
Cheapest Price
$127
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Complete guide to Charleston, SC
Things to do in Charleston, SC
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
- Must visit
Gibbes Museum of Art
Leading Southern museum for contemporary art, known for bold exhibitions and strong local creative connections.
- Must visit
International African American Museum
Powerful museum on Gadsden’s Wharf interpreting the African American journey and Charleston’s global significance.
- Must visit
The Battery
Legendary waterfront promenade lined with antebellum homes, harbor breezes, and some of Charleston’s best views.
- Must visit
East Battery
Historic defensive seawall and walk beside White Point Garden, ideal for sunset, mansions, and harbor panoramas.
- Must visit
Charleston City Market
Lively pedestrian-friendly market district known for crafts, architecture, and easy access to major downtown sights.
- Gluten-free
Perloo
A Lowcountry rice dish with shrimp, sausage, or chicken simmered in rich broth. It reflects Charleston's Gullah Geechee and coastal cooking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Shrimp And Grits
Stone-ground grits cooked creamy and topped with local shrimp, often with bacon or gravy. It is one of Charleston's signature brunch and supper dishes.
She-Crab Soup
A rich soup of blue crab, crab roe, cream, and sherry. This classic Charleston dish is closely tied to the city's historic seafood culture.
Circa 1886 Restaurant
Historic fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal Lowcountry cuisine. Known for polished Southern hospitality and dishes using regional ingredients.
The Ordinary
Upscale seafood restaurant celebrated for local oysters and inventive Lowcountry dishes. Stylish, lively, and one of Charleston's best-known dining rooms.
Magnolias
Refined Southern restaurant in the Historic District, known for shrimp and grits, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
US Dollar ($)
Moderate for a US coastal city; hotels and dining in the historic district run higher, while transit is limited and many visitors rely on walking, rideshare, or car hire.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; small tips are appreciated but optional.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC can start from as little as $127 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC is $238 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC is 27h 25m to travel the 756 miles (1217 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC leaves at 10:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC leaves at 11:10 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Charleston, SC. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Charleston, SC and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Charleston, SC from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 27h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Charleston, SC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Charleston, SC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Charleston, SC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the historic district and popular tourist spots. Beware of overly aggressive street vendors and unofficial taxi services that may overcharge. Additionally, travelers should avoid leaving valuables unattended and be cautious when using ride-sharing apps to ensure the driver matches the booking details. Staying aware of surroundings and using authorized services helps minimize safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
Most Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Charleston, SC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chicago
Arrival bus stations in Charleston
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $4 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) from Charleston city centre
Bus10 · 32m · every ~4 min
10 · 41m · every ~4 min
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Charleston, SC and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Charleston, SC
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