The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$128
Fastest journey
21 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 7 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
921 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY without transferring at least once.
· +
FlixBus6:00 PM21h30Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station4:30 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1181One-way2 transfers
· · · 10:15 AM29h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL4:30 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1191One-way4 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus12:25 PM24h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:00 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1451One-way1 transfer
· +
FlixBus6:00 PM21h30Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station4:30 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1181One-way2 transfers
FlixBus · FlixBus12:25 PM24h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:00 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1451One-way1 transfer
· · · 10:15 AM29h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL4:30 PMIthaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY$1191One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $116. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $116, and a flight costs an average of $368.
Distance: 572 miles (921 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$136 Average price Cheapest | $368 Average price | $134 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 55m Average total duration 21h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 57m Average total duration Fastest 4h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY:
A bus is $232 (€190) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY costing on average $368 (€301).
Other travel options to Ithaca, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 25m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 29h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 24h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· + FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h30 | 4:30 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h55 | 12:10 AM Ithaca, West Avenue (Baker Tower), NY | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h00 | 12:15 AM Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center), NY | 4 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 29h15 | 4:30 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h35 | 2:00 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
Buses from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY run on average 2 times per day, taking around 21h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $116 (€95) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 572 miles (921 km) distance in 24h 35m.
Distance 572 miles (921 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $116 (€95) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 24h 35m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 3 days |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NYYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY with Greyhound for as low as $116 (€95). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Cornell Botanic Gardens, a vast natural area featuring themed gardens, arboretums, and scenic trails
- Ithaca Falls, a stunning waterfall located near downtown offering picturesque views and a serene atmosphere
- The Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, an art museum on Cornell University's campus with diverse collections and panoramic views of Cayuga Lake
- Cascadilla Gorge Trail, a popular hiking trail with a series of beautiful waterfalls and stone staircases
- Robert H. Treman State Park, a state park known for its rugged gorge, waterfalls, and swimming areas.
- Tour the Ithaca Farmers Market, a vibrant market offering local produce, crafts, and food
- Attend a performance at the State Theatre of Ithaca, a historic venue hosting concerts, plays, and films
- Explore the Sciencenter, an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits for all ages
- Visit the Museum of the Earth, featuring exhibits on the history of the Earth and its life forms
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail, sampling local wines and enjoying scenic views.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
Most Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) station pair, with some services arriving at Ithaca, West Avenue (Baker Tower). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Ithaca, NY bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Getting to Chicago, 95th Red Line Station from Chicago city centre
Getting to Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) from Ithaca city centre
Getting to Ithaca, West Avenue (Baker Tower) from Ithaca city centre
Getting to Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) from Ithaca city centre
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY
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