- Must visit
Virginia Museum of Transportation
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$114
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$115
Fastest journey on Sep 19
20 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d 2 h 14 m
Buses on Sep 19
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 $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA 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 Roanoke, VA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $149 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $149, while a flight costs an average of $710.
Distance: 518 miles (834 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$149 Average price Cheapest | $263 Average price | $710 Average price | $130 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 43m Average total duration 22h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 22m Average total duration 22h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 37m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 31m 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 Roanoke, VA:
A bus is $113 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $263.
A bus is $561 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA costing on average $710.
Other travel options to Roanoke, VA take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 13m.
Train takes on average 22h 52m.
Tickets start at around $149 compared to roughly $130 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.90. The journey takes 22h 13m versus 10h 31m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility 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 $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 28h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 27h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Roanoke, VA buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 27h50 | 3:40 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 27h30 | 3:40 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
· | 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 | |
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 22h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $103 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:25, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 518 miles (834 km) distance in 18h 20m.
Distance 518 miles (834 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 18h 20m |
First bus 4:25 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Roanoke, VA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Roanoke, VA trip today.
Hands-on transportation museum focused on Roanoke's rail history, with locomotives, model trains, and exhibits inside a former freight station.
Contemporary and historic art museum in a striking modern building downtown. Its galleries and sculpture spaces make it a leading cultural stop.
Regional history museum covering southwest Virginia through artifacts, photographs, and changing exhibits in downtown Roanoke.
Downtown open-air market district with historic buildings, local shops, and frequent events. It is the city's liveliest area for walking and people-watching.
Mountain park with scenic overlooks, trails, and access to the Roanoke Star. A top outdoor area for views, short hikes, and sunset visits.
Urban greenway following the Roanoke River through parks and downtown. It is ideal for walking, cycling, and seeing the city at a relaxed pace.
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.
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.
Roanoke, Third Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Roanoke, Third Street Station. ATMs are available at Roanoke, Third Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at Roanoke, Third Street Station.
Available at Roanoke, Third Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roanoke, Third Street Station: Station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need