The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$79
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
7 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
444 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH will cost around $79 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Columbus, OH on Fri, Nov 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 21 the direct buses cover the 444 km distance in an average of 7 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Fri, Nov 21 the slowest buses will take 7 h 20 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €37, and a flight costs an average of €94.
Distance: 275 miles (444 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€55 Average price Cheapest | €299 Average price |
8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH buses for today, Thursday, November 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undefined · undefined | 8:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 8h50 | 5:35 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, November 21 | |||||
FlixBus+![]() | 12:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 12h45 | 12:45 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h25 | 8:40 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 PM Chicago, IL | 7h20 | 11:50 PM Columbus, OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Nov 21
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Buses from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH run on average 7 times per day, taking around 8h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:10, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 275 miles (444 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 275 miles (444 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 04:10 |
Last bus 23:30 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OHYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $45 (€37). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a renowned zoo featuring diverse animal exhibits and conservation programs
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a horticultural landmark with seasonal exhibitions and a stunning glasshouse
- Ohio Statehouse, a Greek Revival-style capitol building offering guided tours and historical insights
- Scioto Mile, a scenic urban oasis with parks, fountains, and trails along the Scioto River
- Wexner Center for the Arts, a contemporary art gallery showcasing innovative exhibitions and performances.
- COSI (Center of Science and Industry), an interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits and educational programs
- Short North Arts District, a vibrant neighborhood known for its art galleries, boutiques, and dining options
- German Village, a historic area with charming brick streets, unique shops, and traditional German cuisine
- North Market, a bustling public market featuring diverse food vendors and local products
- Columbus Museum of Art, offering engaging exhibitions and a dynamic collection of American and European art.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH
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