4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$105
Fastest journey
16 h 35 m
Average duration
18 h 27 m
Buses per day
8
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 $105 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
Of the 8 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Washington, DC on Wed, May 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 18 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 35 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 19 h 30 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.
7:00 AM18h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:25 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$871One-way0 transfers- 6:00 PM16h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$871One-way0 transfers
FlixBus+7:15 PM19h30Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:45 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1021One-way1 transfer- · · 11:35 PM25h50Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:25 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1031One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:15 PM29h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station1:40 AMWashington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW)$1031One-way1 transfer
- 6:00 PM16h35Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:35 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$871One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+ · 11:30 AM18h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1131One-way2 transfers
- 7:00 AM18h25Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station2:25 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$871One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus+7:15 PM19h30Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:45 PMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1021One-way1 transfer
- · · 10:15 AM19h30Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL6:45 AMWashington, Columbus Circle, Union Station$1211One-way2 transfers
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 $70. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 57m. 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 $70, and a flight costs an average of $79.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$137 Average price Cheapest | $218 Average price | $369 Average price | $244 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 16m Average total duration 18h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 18h 7m Average total duration 17h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration Fastest 1h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC:
A bus is $82 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC costing on average $218 (€176).
A bus is $232 (€187) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC costing on average $369 (€297).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 17h 37m.
Bus takes on average 18h 46m.
Tickets start at around $137 (€110) compared to roughly $244 (€197) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $107 (€87). The journey takes 18h 46m versus 10h 43m 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 Greyhound.
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 Washington, DC Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 06:45AM | Duration 18h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 16h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 19h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 26h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 25h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $83 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Washington, DC bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Washington, DC buses for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus+ · | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h15 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h35 | 11:35 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus+ | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 19h30 | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 29h25 | 1:40 AM Washington, DuPont Circle (Connecticut Ave. NW / 20th St. NW) | 1 transfer | |
| · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 26h15 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| · · | 11:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 25h50 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
| 7:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 18h25 | 2:25 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 19h30 | 6:45 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
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.
May 26
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Washington, DC buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.
- 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 Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC.
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 18h 46m. 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 35m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $70 (€57) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 35m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
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.
- 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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