- Must visit
Mint Museum Uptown
Major art museum in Center City with American, contemporary, and craft collections in a modern high-rise setting.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$129
Fastest journey
20 h
Average duration
21 h 19 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
944 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte, NC will cost around $129 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
·
·
· ·
· ·
·
FlixBus · FlixBus
·
· Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $91, and a train costs an average of $182.
Distance: 586 miles (944 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$201 Average price | $187 Average price Cheapest | $384 Average price | $173 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 7m Average total duration 20h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 26h 12m Average total duration 25h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 44m 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 Charlotte, NC:
A flight is $14 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC costing on average $201 (€164).
A flight is $197 (€161) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC costing on average $384 (€314).
Other travel options to Charlotte, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 37m.
Train takes on average 25h 42m.
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 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 30h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 23h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $129 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h55 | 5:05 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
· | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h45 | 8:40 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 21h25 | 8:40 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h45 | 6:00 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h30 | 11:30 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
· · | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h00 | 11:45 AM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h00 | 6:00 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h20 | 6:20 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h20 | 11:10 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h35 | 11:25 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 23h15 | 11:25 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 23h00 | 11:10 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Charlotte, NC run on average 12 times per day, taking around 20h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $101 (€82) but you can travel from only $91 (€75) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 586 miles (944 km) distance in 20h 10m.
Distance 586 miles (944 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $101 (€82) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 20h 10m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Charlotte — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlotte trip today.
Major art museum in Center City with American, contemporary, and craft collections in a modern high-rise setting.
Interactive museum celebrating NASCAR history, drivers, and racing culture; one of Charlotte's signature visitor attractions.
The original Mint Museum campus, known for decorative arts, fashion, and historic collections in a quieter setting.
One of Charlotte's best-known urban parks, with fountains, lawns, skyline views, and frequent social media exposure.
Large beloved park with trails, lake views, sports areas, and a strong local following for walks and picnics.
Trendy neighborhood known for rail-trail walking, murals, adaptive-reuse buildings, and strong popularity with younger visitors.
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a tangy vinegar-based sauce. It is a signature Carolinas barbecue style widely loved in Charlotte.
Pork shoulder smoked over hardwood and served with a red slaw seasoned with barbecue dip. This Piedmont North Carolina tradition is common around Charlotte.
Crisp, seasoned chicken with deep Southern roots, often served with biscuits and sides. It is a staple comfort food across Charlotte and the Carolinas.
Established fine-dining restaurant in a historic house, known for elegant Continental cuisine, polished service, and a romantic atmosphere.
Stylish NoDa restaurant specializing in Southern small plates, fried chicken, biscuits, and cocktails in a busy, modern setting.
Popular barbecue restaurant known for smoked meats, brisket, ribs, and classic Southern sides in a lively, casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are fairly manageable for most visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff a few USD, and round up for casual services.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC 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 Charlotte, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need