- Must visit
COSI
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
8 h 18 m
Buses per day
11
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 $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 11 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Columbus, OH on Mon, Aug 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct buses cover the 444 km distance in an average of 8 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest buses will take 9 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.
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FlixBusOmio 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 $46. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $46, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 275 miles (444 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$61 Average price Cheapest | $217 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 24m Average total duration 7h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH:
A bus is $156 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH costing on average $217.
Other travel options to Columbus, OH take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 54m.
Tickets start at around $61 compared to roughly $80 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $18. The journey takes 7h 54m versus 5h 14m 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 FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 7h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 12:45AM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:40AM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 13h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h45 | 8:40 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 8h35 | 7:50 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 2 transfers | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 9h25 | 8:40 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h20 | 7:50 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 11h15 | 12:40 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h00 | 12:45 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 10h15 | 5:15 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h25 | 3:40 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 14h00 | 1:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
· | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 13h40 | 1:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h10 | 5:10 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $46 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 275 miles (444 km) distance in 7h 20m.
Distance 275 miles (444 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $46 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Columbus, OH — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbus, OH trip today.
A major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly programs that make science engaging for all ages.
This leading art museum offers strong American and European collections, special exhibitions, and a notable sculpture garden.
Located on Ohio State's campus, this museum presents contemporary art and rotating exhibitions in an acclaimed modern building.
Columbus's best-known historic district has brick streets, restored homes, and a walkable atmosphere ideal for architecture lovers.
A scenic downtown riverfront park with fountains, trails, and skyline views, popular for walks, events, and photos.
This large botanical park is famous for seasonal displays, glasshouses, and the iconic Chihuly installation in the conservatory.
A tangy, tomato-based slaw served on hot dogs or sandwiches. It is a long-running Columbus comfort food linked to old local chili and diner culture.
A sweet, cinnamon-forward fried pastry sold at the Ohio State Fair since the early 1900s. It is one of central Ohio's most iconic fair treats.
A shredded chicken and cracker casserole common at Columbus-area potlucks and game days. It is a nostalgic Midwestern comfort dish in central Ohio.
Refined tasting-menu restaurant in the Short North with inventive seasonal cooking and one of the city's strongest fine dining reputations.
Acclaimed local brewery and gastropub serving creative beers and polished comfort food in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Beloved local pizzeria known for thin crust, square-cut Columbus-style pies in a casual neighborhood setting.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels, dining, and transit usually cost less than New York or Chicago, but more than smaller Midwest towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee at cafes if service is provided.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH 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.
Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need