- Must visit
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum lets visitors tour the writer's residence, gardens, and rooms tied to his Key West years.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$170
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$195
Fastest journey on Sep 19
1 d 14 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 18 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
1998 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL 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 Key West, FL will cost around $195 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $170.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 1998 km distance in an average of 1 d 18 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 14 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 1 d 22 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $206 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $206, while a flight costs an average of $647.
Distance: 1241 miles (1998 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$206 Average price Cheapest | $647 Average price | $301 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 26m Average total duration 33h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 23h 12m 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 Key West, FL:
A bus is $441 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL costing on average $647.
Other travel options to Key West, FL take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 56m.
Tickets start at around $206 compared to roughly $301 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $95. The journey takes 33h 56m versus 23h 12m 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 12:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 38h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $307 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 46h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 46h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $329 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 46h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $218 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 38h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $219 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Key West, FL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:00 PM Chicago, IL | 46h30 | 1:30 PM Key West, FL | 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 Key West, FL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 33h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $152 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 10:00, the last at 17:00. The fastest bus covers the 1241 miles (1998 km) distance in 32h 20m.
Distance 1241 miles (1998 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $152 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 32h 20m |
First bus 10:00 AM |
Last bus 5:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Key West, FL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Key West, FL trip today.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum lets visitors tour the writer's residence, gardens, and rooms tied to his Key West years.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory features a glass habitat with butterflies, birds, and tropical plants in a calm setting.
The Key West Museum of Art and History at the Custom House presents island history, art, and rotating exhibitions in a grand landmark building.
Duval Street is Key West's main historic thoroughfare, lined with shops, galleries, and lively architecture across the old town.
Mallory Square is a waterfront plaza known for harbor views, public space, and easy access to the historic seaport district.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park combines a coastal fort, walking paths, shaded grounds, and one of the island's best natural beaches.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Key West, FL 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 Key West, FL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Key West, FL buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Key West, FL 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.
Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport) is 2 km from Key West city centre. Public transport options include:
Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport). ATMs are available at Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport).
Ticket office support is available at Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport).
Available at Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Key West, South Roosevelt Boulevard (Key West International Airport): The station is wheelchair accessible.
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