- Must visit
Philadelphia Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Cheapest price
$165
Average price
$186
Fastest journey
18 h
Average duration
19 h 19 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
1069 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA will cost around $186 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $165.
Of the 9 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Philadelphia, PA on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 1069 km distance in an average of 19 h 19 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 20 h 25 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.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $81.
Distance: 664 miles (1069 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$196 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price | $260 Average price | $310 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 50m Average total duration 20h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 24m Average total duration 20h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 24m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 27m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.1 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.2 - 6.4kg 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 Philadelphia, PA:
A bus is $49 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $246 (€201).
A bus is $64 (€52) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA costing on average $260 (€213).
Other travel options to Philadelphia, PA take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 20m.
Train takes on average 20h 54m.
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 06:30AM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 18h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:00PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 25h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $122 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h00 | 1:00 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h45 | 5:00 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 25h40 | 1:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 11:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 25h15 | 1:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
| Monday, June 22 | |||||
· | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h20 | 1:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h10 | 4:10 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 20h55 | 8:10 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h40 | 8:10 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h25 | 9:50 AM Philadelphia Bus Station | 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 Philadelphia, PA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 20h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€79) but you can travel from only $81 (€67) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 664 miles (1069 km) distance in 18h 0m.
Distance 664 miles (1069 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€79) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 18h 0m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Philadelphia — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Philadelphia trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections, special exhibitions, and the famous East Steps.
Renowned collection of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and early Modern paintings displayed in an intimate, carefully arranged setting.
Major science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and family-friendly displays that make it one of the city’s most popular museums.
Elegant central square surrounded by historic buildings, shopping, and cafés, popular for people-watching and relaxed city walks.
Broad cultural boulevard linking City Hall and the art museum district, lined with flags, fountains, and major institutions.
Historic neighborhood with cobbled streets, early American landmarks, galleries, and lively urban atmosphere near the waterfront.
The city’s signature sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese on a long roll, often ordered with fried onions. It is Philadelphia’s most famous comfort food.
A traditional Philadelphia sandwich with slow-roasted pork, sharp provolone, and broccoli rabe on an Italian roll. Many locals consider it the city’s best sandwich.
Philadelphia-style soft pretzels are dense, chewy, and usually eaten with mustard. They are a classic street snack with deep local roots.
A historic indoor market with many established vendors serving classic Philadelphia foods, including roast pork, pretzels, and Pennsylvania Dutch specialties. Lively and casual atmosphere.
An acclaimed modern Israeli restaurant known for polished service, excellent mezze, and a destination dining experience. One of Philadelphia’s best-known upscale restaurants.
A famous market sandwich counter best known for its roast pork with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. One of the city’s most celebrated casual eats.
Moderate by major U.S. city standards. Hotels can be pricey, but food, transit, and attractions offer good mid-range options.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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