- Must visit
The Charleston Museum
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$130
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$144
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 2 h
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 5 h 41 m
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
1217 km
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 $144 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBusOmio 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 an average ticket price of $176 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $176, while a flight costs an average of $519.
Distance: 756 miles (1217 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$176 Average price Cheapest | $519 Average price | $423 Average price | $198 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 7m Average total duration 26h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 27h 24m Average total duration 26h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 49m 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 Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC:
A bus is $246 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC costing on average $423.
A bus is $343 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC costing on average $519.
Other travel options to Charleston, SC take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 37m.
Train takes on average 26h 54m.
Tickets start at around $176 compared to roughly $198 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22. The journey takes 26h 37m versus 13h 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 31h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 31h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 28h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 26h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 33h00 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $137 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charleston, SC 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+![]() | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h00 | 9:10 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+![]() | 1:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h30 | 6:30 PM Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station), SC | 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 Charleston, SC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 26h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 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 21h 50m.
Distance 756 miles (1217 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 21h 50m |
First bus 10:00 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Charleston, SC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charleston, SC trip today.
America’s first museum with natural history, decorative arts, and Charleston stories across several historic sites.
Leading Southern museum for contemporary art, known for bold exhibitions and strong local creative connections.
Powerful museum on Gadsden’s Wharf interpreting the African American journey and Charleston’s global significance.
Legendary waterfront promenade lined with antebellum homes, harbor breezes, and some of Charleston’s best views.
Historic defensive seawall and walk beside White Point Garden, ideal for sunset, mansions, and harbor panoramas.
Lively pedestrian-friendly market district known for crafts, architecture, and easy access to major downtown sights.
A Lowcountry rice dish with shrimp, sausage, or chicken simmered in rich broth. It reflects Charleston's Gullah Geechee and coastal cooking traditions.
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.
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.
Historic fine-dining restaurant focused on seasonal Lowcountry cuisine. Known for polished Southern hospitality and dishes using regional ingredients.
Upscale seafood restaurant celebrated for local oysters and inventive Lowcountry dishes. Stylish, lively, and one of Charleston's best-known dining rooms.
Refined Southern restaurant in the Historic District, known for shrimp and grits, seafood, and polished service in an elegant setting.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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.
Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) is 12 km from Charleston city centre. Public transport options include:
Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charleston, Gaynor Avenue (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible.
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