- Must visit
The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s official history museum with exhibits on archaeology, industry, art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the state and the capital region.
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
15 h 15 m
Average duration
15 h 59 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
919 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, PA will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 4 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Harrisburg, PA on Tue, May 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct buses cover the 919 km distance in an average of 15 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 15 h 15 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest buses will take 16 h 30 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $83, and a flight costs an average of $249.
Distance: 571 miles (919 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price Cheapest | $244 Average price | $415 Average price | $261 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 37m Average total duration 15h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 20m Average total duration 14h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.8 - 5.5kg 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 Harrisburg, PA:
A bus is $89 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, PA costing on average $244 (€197).
A bus is $259 (€209) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, PA costing on average $415 (€334).
Other travel options to Harrisburg, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 50m.
Bus takes on average 15h 7m.
Tickets start at around $156 (€126) compared to roughly $261 (€210) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $105 (€85). The journey takes 15h 7m versus 9h 42m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $248 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 24h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $185 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:55PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 16h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 24h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $172 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, PA buses for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h15 | 10:15 AM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:00 AM Chicago, IL | 15h15 | 3:15 PM Harrisburg, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h55 | 12:10 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 AM Chicago, IL | 15h55 | 4:10 PM Harrisburg, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
· · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h40 | 12:30 AM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 2 transfers | |
· | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 22h55 | 11:05 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
![]() | 12:55 PM Chicago, IL | 16h15 | 5:10 AM Harrisburg, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 16h30 | 5:30 AM Harrisburg, PA | 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 Harrisburg, PA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 15h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $83 (€67) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:20. The fastest bus covers the 571 miles (919 km) distance in 15h 15m.
Distance 571 miles (919 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€67) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 15h 15m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Harrisburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harrisburg trip today.
Pennsylvania’s official history museum with exhibits on archaeology, industry, art, and natural history. A strong first stop for understanding the state and the capital region.
A major Civil War museum presenting Union and Confederate perspectives through artifacts, documents, and immersive exhibits. Widely regarded as one of Harrisburg’s top cultural attractions.
A downtown science and arts center with hands-on exhibits, cinema, and rotating programs. Best for families and visitors wanting an interactive indoor stop near the Capitol complex.
The city’s signature waterfront green space along the Susquehanna River, popular for walking, skyline views, festivals, and photographs. It is one of Harrisburg’s most enjoyable public spaces.
An island recreation area between river channels with walking paths, river views, and seasonal attractions. It is highly popular for casual outings and social-media-friendly views of the skyline.
The governmental heart of Harrisburg, with monumental buildings, open spaces, and some of the city’s best architecture. Ideal for a walk focused on civic history and photography.
A regional comfort dish made with broad noodles, chicken, and vegetables in a rich broth rather than a baked pie. It is a classic Central Pennsylvania staple.
A traditional Pennsylvania Dutch dessert pie with a molasses filling and crumb topping. It is one of the best-known sweets tied to the region around Harrisburg.
A smoky, fermented cured beef sausage from nearby Lebanon County, often served in sandwiches or with cheese and crackers. It is a distinctive local deli specialty.
A well-known Harrisburg restaurant, brewery, and art space serving seasonal American fare with a lively industrial atmosphere.
An established downtown Italian restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and an intimate brick-lined setting.
A long-running steakhouse popular for steaks, seafood, and classic American dining in a polished, traditional setting.
Generally moderate for U.S. travel. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and downtown dining cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service; 15-18% for basic service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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