- Must visit
Cleveland Museum of Art
World-class art museum famed for encyclopedic collections, free general admission, and standout holdings from ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$57
Average price
$66
Fastest journey
7 h 5 m
Average duration
7 h 8 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
496 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland, OH will cost around $66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 2 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Cleveland, OH on Wed, Jul 15, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 496 km distance in an average of 7 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 5 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 7 h 10 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $51.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $105 Average price | $310 Average price | $106 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 1m Average total duration 7h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH:
A bus is $31 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH costing on average $105 (€87).
A bus is $236 (€194) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH costing on average $310 (€255).
Other travel options to Cleveland, OH take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 0m.
Bus takes on average 7h 31m.
Tickets start at around $74 (€61) compared to roughly $106 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32 (€26). The journey takes 7h 31m versus 5h 7m 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.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus.
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 06:30AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $74 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Cleveland, OH buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h50 | 8:15 PM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
![]() | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h05 | 2:35 PM Cleveland, Cleveland Bus Station (Brook Park), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Cleveland, OH run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 (€38) but you can travel from only $44 (€37) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 6h 50m.
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 (€38) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 50m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Cleveland — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cleveland trip today.
World-class art museum famed for encyclopedic collections, free general admission, and standout holdings from ancient to contemporary art.
Major music museum celebrating rock history with iconic artifacts, immersive exhibits, and strong appeal for first-time visitors.
Excellent science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly learning in a restored historic mansion setting.
Historic neighborhood known for walkable streets, breweries, galleries, and one of the city’s most local-feeling main corridors.
Flagship urban park with lakefront trails, beaches, gardens, and broad recreation space close to downtown.
Elegant cultural district anchored by museums, gardens, and classic architecture, ideal for a full day of walking and sightseeing.
A Cleveland staple of kielbasa, French fries, barbecue sauce, and slaw stuffed in a bun. It reflects the city's Eastern European and blue-collar food traditions.
Hearty Slovak-style stuffed cabbage rolls baked in tomato sauce. They are traditional in many Cleveland immigrant families and church festival menus.
Crisp potato pancakes often served with applesauce or sour cream. They are closely tied to Cleveland's strong Central and Eastern European heritage.
Beloved deli famous for towering corned beef sandwiches. Casual, no-frills, and widely considered a Cleveland institution.
Historic Ohio City brewpub known for Cleveland beer culture, sausages, pretzels, and hearty pub fare in a lively, landmark setting.
Refined farm-to-table restaurant in Ohio City serving seasonal American dishes with polished service and a warm neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city travel: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than New York or Chicago, while transit and attractions are generally manageable for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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