- Must visit
Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art
Cornell’s main art museum features global collections from ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop with changing exhibitions.
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 an average ticket price of $152 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $152, while a flight costs an average of $762.
Distance: 572 miles (921 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$152 Average price Cheapest | $762 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 37m Average total duration 22h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 7m Average total duration Fastest 4h 7m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 7m 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 Ithaca, NY:
A bus is $610 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY costing on average $762.
Other travel options to Ithaca, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 7m.
Tickets start at around $152 compared to roughly $136 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.76. The journey takes 22h 7m versus 10h 7m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 29h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 24h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $79 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Ithaca, NY buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 37h00 | 12:15 AM Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center), NY | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 36h55 | 12:10 AM Ithaca, West Avenue (Baker Tower), NY | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 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 | 24h45 | 2:10 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h30 | 4:30 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h00 | 12:15 AM Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center), NY | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h55 | 12:10 AM Ithaca, West Avenue (Baker Tower), NY | 4 transfers | |
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 Ithaca, NY run on average 5 times per day, taking around 22h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $90 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 14h 25m.
Distance 572 miles (921 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 14h 25m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Ithaca, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ithaca, NY trip today.
Cornell’s main art museum features global collections from ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop with changing exhibitions.
Hands-on science museum downtown with interactive exhibits for families and curious adults. It highlights local ecology, engineering, and play.
Educational center focused on local natural history, birds, and regional habitats. Trails and exhibits make it a strong family outing.
Downtown pedestrian-friendly district with shops, events, public art, and historic buildings. It is Ithaca’s central place to stroll and people-watch.
Signature gorge park near downtown with dramatic waterfalls, stone trails, and bridges. One of Ithaca’s classic outdoor experiences.
Large state park with famed gorge rim views, swimming area, and accessible paths. A regional highlight for scenery and easy walks.
Chicken riggies is upstate New York comfort food: spicy tomato-cream pasta with chicken and peppers, common on regional menus and loved for its rich, warming flavor.
Salt potatoes are small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until creamy, a Central New York picnic staple tied to the region's historic salt industry.
Cornell chicken is a local classic from Cornell University: chicken marinated in an egg-and-vinegar sauce, then grilled for tangy flavor and crisp skin.
Beloved casual spot known for inventive fries, burgers, sandwiches, and local ingredients in a relaxed downtown setting.
Established New American bistro with seasonal dishes, strong local sourcing, and a polished but comfortable atmosphere on Restaurant Row.
Long-running Ithaca institution famous for creative vegetarian cuisine, global flavors, and a colorful, welcoming downtown vibe.
Moderate for a small U.S. college town: hotels can be pricey on peak weekends, dining is mid-range, and local transit is low cost.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts.
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.

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, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center). 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.
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.
Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the vicinity.
Available within nearby cafes. ATMs are available within nearby bank branches.
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca).
Available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Wheelchair accessible sidewalks and entrances.
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) is 2 km from Ithaca city centre. Public transport options include:
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center). ATMs are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.
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