The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
14 h 5 m
Average duration
14 h 5 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
825 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to State College, 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 State College, PA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for State College, PA on Tue, May 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct buses cover the 825 km distance in an average of 14 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 5 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest buses will take 14 h 5 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.
1:15 AM14h05Chicago, IL3:20 PMState College, PA$831One-way0 transfers
1:15 AM14h05Chicago, IL3:20 PMState College, PA$831One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to State College, PA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $192.
Distance: 512 miles (825 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $252 Average price | $377 Average price | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 42m Average total duration 14h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 27m Average total duration 12h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration Fastest 4h 47m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 8h 46m 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 State College, PA:
A bus is $159 (€128) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $252 (€203).
A bus is $284 (€230) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $377 (€304).
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 57m.
Bus takes on average 14h 12m.
Tickets start at around $93 (€75) compared to roughly $117 (€94) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $24 (€20). The journey takes 14h 12m versus 8h 46m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
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.
Chicago, IL to State College, PA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to State College, PA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to State College, PA buses for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 AM Chicago, IL | 14h05 | 3:20 PM State College, PA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to State College, PA by bus, train, or flight
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.
May 18
May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
Why should you book Chicago, IL to State College, PA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Buses from Chicago, IL to State College, PA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 14h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€56) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 512 miles (825 km) distance in 12h 25m.
Distance 512 miles (825 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€56) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 25m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to State College, PAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to State College, PA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $69 (€56). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to State College, 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 State College, PA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Beaver Stadium, one of the largest college football stadiums in the United States, home to the Penn State Nittany Lions
- Palmer Museum of Art, a free-admission museum featuring a diverse collection of American and European art
- Arboretum at Penn State, a scenic garden offering walking trails and seasonal displays
- Penn State Berkey Creamery, a renowned creamery known for its wide variety of ice cream flavors
- Mount Nittany, a popular hiking destination offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Penn State University, explore the vibrant campus and visit its attractions
- Experience the excitement of a Penn State Nittany Lions football game at Beaver Stadium
- Downtown State College, discover local shops, restaurants, and the lively atmosphere
- Enjoy a peaceful walk through beautiful gardens and natural landscapes at The Arboretum at Penn State
- Visit the Bryce Jordan Center for concerts and events.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
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