4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Cheapest price
$161
Average price
$205
Fastest journey
16 h 30 m
Average duration
18 h 36 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC will cost around $205 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $161.
Of the 6 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Washington, DC on Fri, Nov 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 28 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 18 h 36 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 30 m .
On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest buses will take 19 h 45 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.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €57, and a flight costs an average of €71.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€91 Average price Cheapest | €173 Average price | €228 Average price |
20h 22m Average total duration 19h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 18m Average total duration 18h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 19h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Washington, DC buses for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h00 | 7:55 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 19h45 | 11:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus+undefined · undefined | 5:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h15 | 11:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| Friday, November 28 | |||||
| 12:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h30 | 4:30 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 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 Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 28
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Nov 30
Dec 01
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Dec 03
Dec 04
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 19h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $70 (€57) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 16h 30m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€57) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 30m |
First bus 01:00 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Chicago, IL to Washington, DCYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Washington, DC with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $70 (€57). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- The National Mall, a historic and iconic open-area national park featuring monuments and museums
- The White House, the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States
- The United States Capitol, the home of the United States Congress and a symbol of the American people and government
- The Smithsonian Institution, a group of museums and research institutions offering diverse exhibits and educational programs
- The Lincoln Memorial, a monument honoring the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, known for its impressive architecture and historical significance.
- Discover the National Gallery of Art, featuring an extensive collection of European and American art from the Middle Ages to the present
- Stroll through Georgetown, a historic neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, upscale shops, and vibrant dining scene
- Visit the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, offering a vast collection of books, recordings, and exhibits
- Explore the vibrant Eastern Market, a historic public market offering fresh food, local arts, and crafts
- Enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center, a premier venue for the performing arts, featuring theater, dance, and music.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- 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 Washington, DC
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Washington, DC and Chicago, IL
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