- Must visit
Palmer Museum Of Art
Penn State’s art museum with a strong permanent collection and rotating exhibitions; a leading cultural stop in State College.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Showing times and prices for Jul 03
Cheapest price
$98
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
12 h 25 m
Average duration
16 h 44 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
825 km
Cheap tickets
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 $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
Fast buses
Of the 4 buses that leave Chicago, IL for State College, PA on Fri, Jul 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 03 the direct buses cover the 825 km distance in an average of 16 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jul 03 the slowest buses will take 23 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.
· 6:00 PM17h20Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:20 PMState College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA$981One-way1 transfer
FlixBus7:15 PM14h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station10:20 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$981One-way0 transfers- · +FlixBus10:15 AM23h05Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL10:20 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$991One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus12:25 PM12h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station1:50 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$1081One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:25 PM12h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station1:50 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$1081One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:15 PM14h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station10:20 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$981One-way0 transfers
- · 6:00 PM17h20Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station12:20 PMState College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA$981One-way1 transfer
- · +FlixBus10:15 AM23h05Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL10:20 AMState College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA$991One-way2 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 $67. 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 $67, and a flight costs an average of $189.
Distance: 512 miles (825 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $247 Average price | $369 Average price | $114 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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to State College, PA is a bus with an average price of $91 (€75).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to State College, PA:
A bus is $156 (€128) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $247 (€203).
A bus is $279 (€230) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to State College, PA costing on average $369 (€304).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to State College, PA is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 47m.
Other travel options to State College, PA take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 57m.
Bus takes on average 14h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and State College, PA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to State College, PA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $91 (€75) compared to roughly $114 (€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 Fri | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 12h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 17h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:50AM | Duration 25h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
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.
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to State College, PA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
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
USAUSA
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 $67 (€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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 512 miles (825 km) |
Average bus duration 14h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 (€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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
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 $67 (€56). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12h 25m
Cheapest Price
$67 (€56)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 20m
Cheapest Price
$127 (€104)
Greyhound frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to State College
Things to do in State College
Discover the best of State College — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect State College trip today.
- Recommended
Penn State All-Sports Museum
Museum inside Beaver Stadium covering Penn State athletics history, notable teams, trophies, and memorabilia.
- Recommended
Bellefonte Art Museum For Centre County
Regional art museum in nearby Bellefonte with local history and visual arts exhibitions; worth a short trip from State College.
- Must visit
The Arboretum At Penn State
Beautiful university arboretum with gardens, walking paths, seasonal color, and strong appeal for photos and relaxed strolls.
- Must visit
Downtown State College
The city’s central district with shops, public art, university energy, and a lively atmosphere throughout the year.
- Must visit
Mount Nittany Overlook
Popular viewpoint area offering scenic vistas over the valley; especially attractive for sunrise, foliage, and social media photos.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Penn State Berkey Creamery Ice Cream
Iconic small-batch ice cream made at Penn State’s famous creamery. It is a local tradition and one of the area’s most recognized treats.
- Vegetarian
Grilled Stickies
A central Pennsylvania favorite: sticky cinnamon sweet rolls, often sliced, griddled in butter, and served warm. Popular as a nostalgic local dessert or breakfast treat.
Pennsylvania Dutch Chicken Pot Pie
Regional comfort food from Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, made with rich broth, chicken, and square noodles rather than a baked pie crust.
Faccia Luna Pizzeria
Well-known local favorite for wood-fired pizza, Italian dishes, and a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
The Tavern Restaurant
A long-running downtown institution known for classic American dining, seafood, steaks, and a refined but welcoming atmosphere.
The Field Burger & Tap
Popular casual spot specializing in burgers, local beer, and upscale pub food with a lively, modern atmosphere.
United States Dollar
Prices are moderate for a U.S. college town. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels cost more on football weekends and during major university events.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 18-35 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 45-80 per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Tipping is expected for table service but not usually for counter service.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to State College, PA can start from as little as $67 (€56) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to State College, PA is $91 (€75) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA is 12h 25m to travel the 512 miles (825 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA leaves at 1:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA leaves at 11:15 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to State College, PA with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to State College, PA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and State College, PA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to State College, PA from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and State College, PA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in State College, PA are:
- 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.
The best things to do in State College, PA include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to State College, PA depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to State College, PA:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to State College, PA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to State College, PA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor State College, PA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to State College, PA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In State College, PA, travelers should be cautious of common urban safety concerns such as petty theft and pickpocketing, especially around busy areas like downtown and near Penn State University. Scam risks include overpriced taxi services and unofficial ticket resellers. It’s advisable to use authorized transportation providers and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Most Chicago, IL to State College, PA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair, with some services arriving at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and State College, PA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Chicago
Arrival bus stations in State College
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $4 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station) from State College city centre
BusN, Nv, V, W, Bl, Cc, Ac, H · 4m · $2 · every ~26 min
State College
City-centre transport
Getting to State College from State College city centre
BusN, Nv, V, W, Bl, Cc, Ac, H · 2m · $2 · every ~26 min
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to State College, PA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from State College, PA and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to State College, PA
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