- Must visit
National Gallery of Canada
Canada’s national art museum is renowned for Indigenous, Canadian, and international works in a landmark glass building.
Cheapest price
$97
Average price
$158
Fastest journey
1 d 10 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 18 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1039 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON will cost around $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $97.
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Ottawa, ON on Fri, Aug 28, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 28 the direct buses cover the 1039 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 10 m .
On Fri, Aug 28 the slowest buses will take 1 d 12 h 20 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a train costs an average of $442.
Distance: 645 miles (1039 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price Cheapest | $442 Average price | $347 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 26m Average total duration 19h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 21m Average total duration 37h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration Fastest 6h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON:
A bus is $242 (€195) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON costing on average $347 (€280).
A bus is $337 (€271) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON costing on average $442 (€356).
Other travel options to Ottawa, ON take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 56m.
Train takes on average 37h 51m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 29h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 36h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 28h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 21h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 35h25 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 33h05 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $249 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 35h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $205 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $209 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $203 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 36h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $110 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON buses for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 24h30 | 4:40 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:35 AM Chicago, IL | 29h25 | 10:00 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:35 AM Chicago, IL | 28h45 | 10:20 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Chicago, IL | 22h00 | 10:00 AM Ottawa, ON | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Ottawa, ON run on average 10 times per day, taking around 19h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $78 (€63) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 645 miles (1039 km) distance in 19h 35m.
Distance 645 miles (1039 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€63) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 19h 35m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Ottawa, ON — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ottawa, ON trip today.
Canada’s national art museum is renowned for Indigenous, Canadian, and international works in a landmark glass building.
This major national museum explores Canada’s human history, cultures, and civilizations across expansive permanent galleries.
This national museum presents military history, artifacts, and immersive galleries from early conflicts to modern service.
Ottawa’s best-known market district mixes heritage streets, shops, culture, and lively public spaces near major landmarks.
This linear waterfront park along the Rideau Canal is ideal for walking, cycling, and iconic city views in every season.
A broad ceremonial boulevard linking downtown to the National Gallery, known for embassies, monuments, and classic capital views.
BeaverTails are hand-stretched fried pastries topped with cinnamon sugar or sweets. They became an Ottawa icon through the original ByWard Market stand.
Shawarma is a city staple in Ottawa, shaped by a large Lebanese community. Expect spit-roasted meat, garlic sauce, pickles, and turnips in wraps or plates.
Poutine is fries topped with cheese curds and gravy. In Ottawa it is a beloved late-night comfort food, often found in chip trucks and casual diners.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal Canadian ingredients and polished tasting menus. Elegant setting for a high-end Ottawa meal.
Long-running casual spot known for generous Ottawa-style shawarma, garlic potatoes, and wraps. A reliable choice for one of the city’s defining foods.
Famous ByWard Market counter serving the city’s signature fried pastry. Casual, fast, and essential for a classic Ottawa snack stop.
Moderate for Canada. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining and transit are manageable for most visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants. Taxis usually get 10-15%. For cafes, rounding up or $1-2 is common for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Ottawa, ON buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Ottawa, VIA Rail station pair, with some services arriving at Ottawa, Gloucester Centre. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Ottawa, ON 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.
Ottawa, VIA Rail is 3 km from Ottawa city centre. Public transport options include:
Ottawa, VIA Rail has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Ottawa, VIA Rail. ATMs are available at Ottawa, VIA Rail.
Ticket office support is available at Ottawa, VIA Rail.
Available at Ottawa, VIA Rail: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottawa, VIA Rail: Ramp access available.
Ottawa, Gloucester Centre is 7 km from Ottawa city centre. Public transport options include:
Ottawa, Gloucester Centre has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various restaurants available within the shopping center.
Wi-Fi is available at Ottawa, Gloucester Centre. ATMs are aTM services available in the shopping center.
Ticket office support is available at Ottawa, Gloucester Centre.
Available at Ottawa, Gloucester Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottawa, Gloucester Centre: Facility is wheelchair accessible.
Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre) is 11 km from Ottawa city centre. Public transport options include:
Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options inside the shopping centre.
Wireless internet available in the shopping centre. ATMs are aTMs available within the shopping centre.
Ticket office support is available at Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre).
Available at Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre): Shopping centre has wheelchair accessible entrances.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need