- Must visit
New Orleans Museum of Art
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Cheapest price
$137
Average price
$166
Fastest journey
19 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 33 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
1340 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA 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 Orleans, LA will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $95. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $95, and a flight costs an average of $69.
Distance: 832 miles (1340 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$146 Average price Cheapest | $216 Average price | $257 Average price | $193 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 6m Average total duration 23h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 10m Average total duration 19h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 2h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.0 - 8.0kg 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 New Orleans, LA:
A bus is $70 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $216.
A bus is $111 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA costing on average $257.
Other travel options to New Orleans, LA take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 40m.
Bus takes on average 23h 36m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 08:35AM | Duration 26h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 30h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 26h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 30h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 30h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $113 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h25 | 8:35 AM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h35 | 4:50 PM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· · | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h05 | 4:50 PM New Orleans, LA | 2 transfers | |
· | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h20 | 5:50 PM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 30h40 | 5:30 AM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
· | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h20 | 5:30 AM New Orleans, LA | 1 transfer | |
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 New Orleans, LA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 23h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $95 but you can travel from only $69 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 05:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 832 miles (1340 km) distance in 19h 10m.
Distance 832 miles (1340 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 19h 10m |
First bus 5:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of New Orleans, LA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Orleans, LA trip today.
Leading art museum in City Park with major European, American, African, and contemporary collections plus a renowned sculpture garden.
Powerful museum using immersive exhibits to explain World War II through personal stories, artifacts, and major military history.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum devoted to Southern art, design, and culture in a contemporary warehouse district setting.
The city’s most famous neighborhood, packed with historic architecture, music, courtyards, and essential New Orleans street life.
Lively public square facing St. Louis Cathedral, ideal for architecture, performers, and a classic introduction to the city.
Vast urban park with oak groves, lagoons, museums, and trails, offering one of the best green escapes in New Orleans.
A hearty Creole rice dish with sausage, chicken, and seafood. It reflects Spanish, French, and local influences central to New Orleans cooking.
A rich Louisiana stew usually made with roux, okra or filé, and seafood or sausage. It is a signature dish of Creole and Cajun tradition.
A classic po' boy is a French bread sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef. It is one of the city's most iconic everyday foods.
Celebrated Creole restaurant famous for gumbo z'herbes, turtle soup, and jazz brunch in an elegant Garden District mansion.
Casual landmark for classic po' boys and fried seafood. Expect a lively, old-school New Orleans atmosphere near the French Quarter.
Historic coffee stand best known for beignets and chicory café au lait. It is busy, informal, and one of the city's essential stops.
Moderate for U.S. cities: hotels can be pricey in peak season, but food and transit are reasonable for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or $1 at cafes for good service.
Official public transport app
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport -> Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA 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 Orleans, LA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to New Orleans, LA station pair, with some services arriving at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and New Orleans, LA 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 Orleans, LA is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
New Orleans, LA has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at New Orleans, LA. ATMs are available at New Orleans, LA.
Ticket office support is available at New Orleans, LA.
Available at New Orleans, LA: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Orleans, LA: Station is wheelchair accessible.
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). ATMs are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Ticket office support is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need