- Must visit
Erie Maritime Museum
Hands-on maritime museum at the bayfront featuring the U.S. Brig Niagara, regional naval history, and interactive exhibits.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$130
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$133
Fastest journey on Sep 20
15 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
20 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
626 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA 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 Erie, PA will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA without transferring at least once.
· ·
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $106 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $106, while a flight costs an average of $671.
Distance: 388 miles (626 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price Cheapest | $138 Average price | $671 Average price | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 12m Average total duration 14h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 18m Average total duration 8h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 46m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA:
A bus is $32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA costing on average $138.
A bus is $565 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA costing on average $671.
Other travel options to Erie, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 48m.
Bus takes on average 14h 42m.
Tickets start at around $106 compared to roughly $128 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22. The journey takes 14h 42m versus 6h 46m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 24h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Erie, PA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 24h35 | 11:50 AM Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 2 transfers | |
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 Erie, PA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 388 miles (626 km) distance in 10h 25m.
Distance 388 miles (626 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 25m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Erie, PA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Erie, PA trip today.
Hands-on maritime museum at the bayfront featuring the U.S. Brig Niagara, regional naval history, and interactive exhibits.
Art museum with American ceramics, Tibetan art, and rotating exhibitions in a modern downtown gallery space.
Historic house museum preserving the Watson-Curtze Mansion, with exhibits on Erie County history and period interiors.
Pennsylvania state park with beaches, trails, lagoons, and sunset views, ideal for walking, cycling, birding, and lake scenery.
Landscaped downtown square with monuments, seasonal events, fountains, and a convenient base for exploring central Erie on foot.
Popular bayfront promenade with marinas, public art, and easy walks between museums, tower views, and waterfront gathering spots.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Erie, PA 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 Erie, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Erie, PA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Erie, PA 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.
Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food options available nearby
Wi-Fi is available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrances.
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