- Must visit
Taubman Museum of Art
Major downtown art museum with American art, contemporary exhibitions, and notable architecture by Randall Stout.
Cheapest price
$150
Average price
$168
Fastest journey
20 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 14 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
834 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA will cost around $168 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $150.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $235. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $235, and a flight costs an average of $305.
Distance: 518 miles (834 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$262 Average price Cheapest | $318 Average price | $270 Average price | $129 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 45m Average total duration 25h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 27h 3m Average total duration 26h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 31m 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 Roanoke, VA:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $270 (€221).
A bus is $56 (€45) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $318 (€260).
Other travel options to Roanoke, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 25h 15m.
Train takes on average 26h 33m.
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 03:50AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $133 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 27h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $133 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. 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 | 20h40 | 3:50 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h35 | 12:05 PM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 28h00 | 3:50 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 27h40 | 3:50 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 3 transfers | |
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 Roanoke, VA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 25h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $235 (€192) but you can travel from only $142 (€117) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:25, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 518 miles (834 km) distance in 20h 40m.
Distance 518 miles (834 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $235 (€192) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 20h 40m |
First bus 4:25 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Roanoke — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Roanoke trip today.
Major downtown art museum with American art, contemporary exhibitions, and notable architecture by Randall Stout.
Well-known rail and transportation museum featuring locomotives, vintage railcars, and Virginia transport history.
Specialty museum dedicated to the photography and sound recordings of railroad photographer O. Winston Link.
Large mountain park with scenic overlooks, trails, the famous star, and some of the best panoramic city views.
Walkable city center with historic architecture, museums, nightlife, and frequent events around the market area.
Scenic mountain viewpoints just outside the city, especially popular for sunsets, foliage, and social-media photos.
Salt-cured Virginia ham served in soft biscuits, a classic Southwest Virginia breakfast and snack with deep regional roots.
A Southern spread made with cheddar, pimentos, and mayonnaise, commonly served with crackers or sandwiches in Virginia eateries.
A thick regional stew usually made with chicken or pork, tomatoes, beans, and vegetables, long associated with Virginia food traditions.
Well-regarded farm-to-table restaurant known for refined Southern cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and a polished but welcoming atmosphere.
Established South Roanoke favorite serving upscale New American dishes, cocktails, and brunch in a stylish neighborhood setting.
Historic downtown diner famous for chili dogs, burgers, and late-night comfort food in a tiny, classic Roanoke setting.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in major coastal cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and drivers for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Roanoke, Third Street Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Roanoke, VA 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