- Must visit
Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€151
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€191
Fastest journey on Sep 19
23 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
23 h 55 m
Buses on Sep 19
2
Distance
1114 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ 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 New Brunswick, NJ will cost around €191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €151.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 2 buses from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 1114 km distance in an average of 23 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 23 h 55 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 23 h 55 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 train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €179 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €179, while a flight costs an average of €412.
Distance: 692 miles (1114 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€179 Average price Cheapest | €406 Average price | €412 Average price | €130 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 31m Average total duration 21h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 34m Average total duration 19h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 1m 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 New Brunswick, NJ:
A bus is €227 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average €406.
A bus is €232 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average €412.
Other travel options to New Brunswick, NJ take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 4m.
Bus takes on average 21h 1m.
Tickets start at around €179 compared to roughly €130 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-49.63. The journey takes 21h 1m versus 12h 1m 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 12:00AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €171 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 33h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 31h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €206 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €151 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 12:55PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €230 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €241 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €176 |
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 New Brunswick, NJ run on average 4 times per day, taking around 21h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €164 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:55, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 692 miles (1114 km) distance in 17h 5m.
Distance 692 miles (1114 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price €164 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 17h 5m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of New Brunswick, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Brunswick, NJ trip today.
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Historic house museum in Buccleuch Park with period interiors and exhibits on local history, architecture, and families.
University geology museum featuring minerals, fossils, and educational displays that appeal to families and science fans.
Historic Rutgers campus green surrounded by landmark buildings, ideal for walking, photos, and understanding university history.
Compact downtown district centered on arts venues and public life, popular for strolling before shows and events.
Major downtown corridor lined with theaters, institutions, and shops, making it one of the city's key walking streets.
A New Jersey diner classic: thin-sliced Taylor ham or pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll. Beloved statewide and common in New Brunswick breakfast spots.
A Cuban sandwich variation linked to New Jersey Cuban communities, including nearby Middlesex County. Ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread.
Indian street snacks are central to Edison and New Brunswick dining culture. Crisp puris, chutneys, yogurt, and spices reflect the area’s strong South Asian community.
Popular casual spot for inventive hot dogs and sausages with many toppings. Fun, informal atmosphere and one of downtown’s best-known quick bites.
Upscale steakhouse known for dry-aged beef, seafood, and polished service in a historic downtown setting near the theater district.
Well-regarded local pizzeria and Italian restaurant known for thin-crust pies, pasta, and classic comfort food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for the region: hotels can be pricey near Rutgers, but dining and NJ Transit are similar to other Northeast college towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for cafe drinks if there is table service or extra help.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ 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 New Brunswick, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to New Brunswick, NJ buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and New Brunswick, NJ 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.
New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) is 1 km from New Brunswick city centre. Public transport options include:
New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries are located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station). ATMs are available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station).
Ticket office support is available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station).
Available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Brunswick, French Street (Across New Brunswick train station): Accessible facilities are available for disabled passengers.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need