- Must visit
Mint Museum Uptown
Major Uptown museum for European, American, and contemporary art. Its collection and architecture make it Charlotte's top fine-arts stop.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$176
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$190
Fastest journey on Sep 18
19 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
20 h 52 m
Buses on Sep 18
8
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 $190 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC without transferring at least once.
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· 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 bus, with an average ticket price of $160 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $160, while a flight costs an average of $577.
Distance: 586 miles (944 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$160 Average price Cheapest | $577 Average price | $450 Average price | $175 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 32m Average total duration 20h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 4h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 26h 13m Average total duration 25h 43m 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 bus is $290 (€238) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC costing on average $450 (€368).
A bus is $417 (€341) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC costing on average $577 (€472).
Other travel options to Charlotte, NC take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 2m.
Train takes on average 25h 43m.
Tickets start at around $160 (€131) compared to roughly $175 (€143) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $15 (€13). The journey takes 20h 2m versus 11h 44m 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 05:05AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:40AM | Duration 21h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $94 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 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 | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
· | 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 | |
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 9 times per day, taking around 20h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $93 (€76) but you can travel from only $74 (€60) 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 16h 55m.
Distance 586 miles (944 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€76) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 16h 55m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Charlotte, NC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Charlotte, NC trip today.
Major Uptown museum for European, American, and contemporary art. Its collection and architecture make it Charlotte's top fine-arts stop.
Leading center for African American arts and culture, featuring exhibitions, performances, and powerful stories from Charlotte and beyond.
Regional science museum with hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and an IMAX Dome. Great for families and curious adults alike.
Charlotte's central business district mixes museums, plazas, public art, and skyline views. Essential for first-time visitors exploring the city core.
Creative historic district packed with murals, music venues, design shops, and converted mills. Ideal for art, walking, and local culture.
Trendy neighborhood known for rail-trail walking, street art, breweries, and restored industrial spaces. One of Charlotte's liveliest areas.
Slow-smoked chopped or pulled pork with a tangy vinegar sauce, a Carolina barbecue staple widely loved across Charlotte.
Smoky pit-cooked pork shoulder finished with mustard-based sauce, reflecting South Carolina influence common in Charlotte.
Deep-fried catfish, often served with hush puppies and slaw. It is a classic Southern comfort dish popular in the Charlotte region.
Historic barbecue spot famed for Carolina chopped pork, red slaw, and old-school Southern atmosphere.
Lively Southern dining room serving fried chicken, biscuits, shrimp and grits, and regional cocktails in South End.
Refined Southern restaurant in Uptown known for shrimp and grits, local ingredients, and an elegant modern setting.
Moderate for a major U.S. city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is affordable, and attractions often cost less than in larger hubs like New York or San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Charlotte, NC buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Charlotte, NC 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.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station): The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need