- Must visit
Cincinnati Art Museum
Major art museum in Eden Park with a wide-ranging collection from ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop with strong local and international holdings.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH
$1761•One-way
Cheapest
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH
$731•One-way
Cheapest
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH
$731•One-way
2nd cheapest, Fastest
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH
$771•One-way
2nd cheapest, 2nd Fastest
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH
$771•One-way
+Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH
$1381•One-way
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OHShowing times and prices for Jul 11
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
5h 35m
Average duration
7h 12m
Buses per day
6
Distance
403 km
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Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH bus with FlixBus
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $38. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, and a flight costs an average of $88.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $101 Average price | $327 Average price | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 1m Average total duration 6h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 3m Average total duration 8h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 56m 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH is a bus with an average price of $77 (€63).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH costing on average $101 (€83).
A bus is $251 (€206) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH costing on average $327 (€269).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 26m.
Other travel options to Cincinnati, OH take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 31m.
Train takes on average 8h 33m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -2h -35m sooner (6h 31m by bus vs 4h 56m by car) and save roughly $-5.67 (€-4.66) compared to fuel and tolls ($77 (€63) vs $71 (€58)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 Cincinnati, OH Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 · | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 10h15 | 5:25 PM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 7:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h25 | 2:25 PM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 7:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h05 | 2:05 PM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 5h35 | 5:05 PM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 10:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 5h45 | 5:15 PM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus+ | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h05 | 4:05 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH.
- 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 Cincinnati, OH.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH.
- 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 Cincinnati, OH.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 5h 45m.
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 251 miles (405 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OHYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $38 (€31). 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
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$38 (€31)
FlixBus frequency
3 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.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 5m
Cheapest Price
$45 (€37)
Greyhound frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Cincinnati
Things to do in Cincinnati
Discover the best of Cincinnati — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cincinnati trip today.
- Must visit
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Museum on the Ohio River exploring slavery, freedom movements, and human rights. It is one of the city’s most significant and widely visited institutions.
- Must visit
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
Large museum complex inside the city’s iconic Art Deco train terminal, with history and science museums under one roof. The building itself is a destination.
- Must visit
Over-the-Rhine
Historic neighborhood famous for preserved 19th-century architecture, lively streets, and strong local character. It is one of Cincinnati’s top areas for walking and urban atmosphere.
- Must visit
Smale Riverfront Park
Popular riverfront park with gardens, swings, fountains, and excellent views across the Ohio River. It is especially favored for photos and evening walks.
- Recommended
Eden Park
Large hilltop park with scenic overlooks, lakes, and access to major cultural institutions. A classic Cincinnati green space with some of the city’s best views.
Cincinnati Chili
A distinctive meat sauce seasoned with warm spices, served over spaghetti or hot dogs and topped with cheddar. It is the city’s signature comfort food.
Cheese Coney
A small hot dog in a bun topped with Cincinnati chili, mustard, onions, and shredded cheddar. It is a classic local fast-food staple.
Goetta
A regional breakfast sausage made from pork, beef, and steel-cut oats, usually sliced and pan-fried. It reflects the city’s German heritage.
The Precinct
Established fine-dining steakhouse from Jeff Ruby, set in a former police station and known for polished service and classic American luxury.
Sotto
Well-known upscale restaurant with handmade pasta, rustic Italian cooking, and an intimate basement dining room popular for date nights.
Arnold's Bar and Grill
Historic Cincinnati tavern offering comfort food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere in one of the city’s oldest bar settings.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Hotels vary by season, while dining, coffee, and local transport are usually manageable for most travelers.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or casual spots.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants before or after tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff for service.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH can start from as little as $38 (€31) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH is $77 (€63) ; 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 Cincinnati, OH is 5h 45m to travel the 251 miles (405 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 Cincinnati, OH leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH leaves at 11:10 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with FlixBus, Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to Cincinnati, OH. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Cincinnati, OH from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- 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, Greyhound.
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 Cincinnati, OH.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- 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 Cincinnati, OH:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH. 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 Cincinnati, OH with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Cincinnati, OH 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati, OH, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular attractions. Avoid poorly lit or isolated neighborhoods at night. Common scams include overcharging by unlicensed taxi or ride-share drivers and street vendors selling counterfeit tickets or goods. Staying alert and using reputable transportation services helps ensure a safe visit.
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 Cincinnati, OH
Most Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Cincinnati, OH 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 Cincinnati
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
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station from Cincinnati city centre
BusRoute B · 15m · $10
78 · 35m · $4 · every ~4 min
78 · 36m · $4 · every ~4 min
78 · 37m · $4 · every ~4 min
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati)
Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station) from Cincinnati city centre
Bus31 · 14m · $2 · every ~6 min
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Cincinnati, OH
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Cincinnati, OH and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Cincinnati, OH
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