- Must visit
North Carolina Museum of Art
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
Cheapest price
$173
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
22 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d
Buses per day
11
Distance
1032 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC without transferring at least once.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $114. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $114, and a flight costs an average of $100.
Distance: 641 miles (1032 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$203 Average price Cheapest | $272 Average price | $354 Average price | $182 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 27m Average total duration 23h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 25m Average total duration 23h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration Fastest 2h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 28m 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 Raleigh, NC:
A bus is $69 (€57) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC costing on average $272 (€224).
A bus is $151 (€125) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC costing on average $354 (€292).
Other travel options to Raleigh, NC take longer:
Train takes on average 23h 55m.
Bus takes on average 23h 57m.
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 07:45AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 28h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 27h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $170 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 27h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 25h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 22h35 | 2:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 23h25 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 26h20 | 9:20 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 30h10 | 6:00 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 25h25 | 1:35 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · + FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 31h35 | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 3 transfers | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
+ FlixBus | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h15 | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 22h30 | 6:00 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h15 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 27h55 | 3:10 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 25h15 | 12:30 PM Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC run on average 10 times per day, taking around 23h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $114 (€94) but you can travel from only $100 (€82) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 641 miles (1032 km) distance in 23h 0m.
Distance 641 miles (1032 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $114 (€94) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 23h 0m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Raleigh — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Raleigh trip today.
Premier art museum with global collections, major exhibitions, and a large sculpture park that makes it a top cultural stop.
One of the Southeast's best natural history museums, featuring dinosaurs, research labs, and family-friendly exhibits across two buildings.
Interactive museum covering North Carolina's military past with aircraft, artifacts, and stories spanning colonial times to today.
Lively warehouse district with murals, shops, event spaces, and nightlife. It is one of Raleigh's most popular modern walking areas.
Beloved city park with an antique carousel, train ride, and shaded paths. Ideal for families and a classic local outing.
Scenic art-and-nature trail linking museum grounds with outdoor sculptures, woods, and open fields for an easy cultural walk.
Eastern North Carolina chopped pork barbecue is smoked whole hog with a tangy vinegar-pepper sauce, a defining regional staple widely loved around Raleigh.
Barbecue hushpuppies are crisp fried cornmeal dumplings, a classic side with Carolina barbecue and seafood across the Raleigh area.
Fried green tomatoes are tart unripe tomato slices breaded and fried, a Southern favorite often served as an appetizer in Raleigh restaurants.
Long-running fine dining destination celebrated for upscale Southern cuisine, garden herbs, and a romantic historic setting.
Popular casual spot for biscuits, Southern breakfast plates, and local comfort food with a lively neighborhood feel.
Beloved local brewpub offering house beers and hearty pub food, reflecting Raleigh's strong craft beer culture.
Moderate for a U.S. city: hotels and dining are usually lower than NYC or DC, but car, rideshare, and limited transit can raise visitor costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Raleigh, NC buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Raleigh, Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Raleigh, NC bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need