- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Major art museum known for American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a notable sculpture garden. A top cultural stop in Wilmington.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE
Showing times and prices for May 31
Cheapest price
$137
Average price
$209
Fastest journey
21 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 38 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1044 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE will cost around $209 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Wilmington, DE on Sun, May 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 1044 km distance in an average of 1 d 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 21 h 55 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 1 d 6 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.
12:00 PM21h55Chicago, IL9:55 AMWilmington, DE$1371One-way0 transfers- 1:00 PM21h55Chicago, IL10:55 AMWilmington, DE$2441One-way0 transfers
- 4:50 AM30h05Chicago, IL10:55 AMWilmington, DE$2461One-way0 transfers
- 1:00 PM21h55Chicago, IL10:55 AMWilmington, DE$2441One-way0 transfers
- 12:00 PM21h55Chicago, IL9:55 AMWilmington, DE$1371One-way0 transfers
- 4:50 AM30h05Chicago, IL10:55 AMWilmington, DE$2461One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $96.
Distance: 648 miles (1044 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$220 Average price Cheapest | $231 Average price | $281 Average price | $304 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 26m Average total duration 20h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 22m Average total duration 18h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 49m Average total duration Fastest 5h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE is a bus with an average price of $220 (€177).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE:
A bus is $12 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE costing on average $231 (€186).
A bus is $61 (€49) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE costing on average $281 (€226).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 49m.
Other travel options to Wilmington, DE take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 52m.
Bus takes on average 20h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Wilmington, DE including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 21h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $240 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $214 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 30h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 30h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $246 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 10:55AM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $237 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $122 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:50 AM Chicago, IL | 30h05 | 9:55 AM Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:00 PM Chicago, IL | 21h55 | 9:55 AM Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 25h50 | 2:50 PM Wilmington, DE | 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 Wilmington, DE 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.
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE.
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 Wilmington, DE.
- 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 Wilmington, DE.
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 Wilmington, DE.
- 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 Wilmington, DE.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE run on average 5 times per day, taking around 20h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€78) but you can travel from only $96 (€77) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 648 miles (1044 km) distance in 20h 35m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $96 (€77)
Distance 648 miles (1044 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€78) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 20h 35m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 5 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $96 (€77)
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DEYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $96 (€77). 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
20h 35m
Cheapest Price
$214 (€172)
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
21h 45m
Cheapest Price
$97 (€78)
Greyhound frequency
3 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 Wilmington
Things to do in Wilmington
Discover the best of Wilmington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington trip today.
- Must visit
Hagley Museum and Library
Museum and historic site on the original DuPont gunpowder works with riverside industrial exhibits, gardens, and restored mills.
- Recommended
Delaware Museum of Nature and Science
Family-friendly science museum with regional nature exhibits, dinosaurs, shells, and hands-on displays near Wilmington.
- Must visit
Wilmington Riverfront
The city's most popular modern leisure district with a scenic riverwalk, public art, entertainment venues, and easy strolling.
- Must visit
Brandywine Park
Large Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park area with trails, river views, bridges, and one of Wilmington's best walking settings.
- Recommended
Market Street
Historic downtown corridor lined with restored buildings, theaters, shops, and frequent events. A core area for urban exploring.
- Gluten-free
North Carolina Pulled Pork
Slow-smoked pork shoulder, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with tangy vinegar-based barbecue sauce. It is one of the region's signature foods.
- Gluten-free
Eastern North Carolina Barbecue
Whole-hog style barbecue seasoned with a thin vinegar and pepper sauce. This historic coastal Carolina tradition is central to local food culture.
Calabash Seafood
Lightly battered and fried local seafood, a style from nearby coastal North Carolina. Shrimp, fish, and oysters are common and widely loved around Wilmington.
PinPoint Restaurant
Upscale downtown restaurant focused on North Carolina ingredients, local seafood, and refined Southern cooking in a polished setting.
Cape Fear Seafood Company
Popular local seafood restaurant known for shrimp and grits, oyster dishes, and dependable coastal favorites in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Basics
Established downtown spot serving Southern comfort food, brunch, and regional classics in a casual historic setting.
United States Dollar
Moderate for U.S. travel. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are reasonably priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60-120 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.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE can start from as little as $97 (€78) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE is $220 (€177) ; 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 Wilmington, DE is 20h 35m to travel the 648 miles (1044 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 Wilmington, DE leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE leaves at 11:35 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Wilmington, DE. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Wilmington, DE and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Wilmington, DE from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 20h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Wilmington, DE including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE:
- 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 Wilmington, DE for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Wilmington, DE are:
- Nemours Estate, a grand 300-acre estate featuring formal French gardens and a classical mansion
- Hagley Museum and Library, a historical site showcasing the early American industrial revolution with exhibits and scenic grounds
- Delaware Art Museum, home to a diverse collection of American art and illustration, including works by the Brandywine School
- Brandywine Zoo, a small zoo located in Brandywine Park featuring a variety of animals and educational programs
- Rockford Park, a historic park offering scenic views, walking trails, and the iconic Rockford Tower.
The best things to do in Wilmington, DE include:
- Riverfront Wilmington, a vibrant area with dining, shopping, and scenic views along the Christina River
- Wilmington and Western Railroad, offering scenic train rides through the picturesque countryside
- The Grand Opera House, a historic venue hosting a variety of performances and events
- Delaware Children's Museum, an interactive museum with engaging exhibits for kids
- Alapocas Run State Park, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying nature.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 Wilmington, DE.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE:
- 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 Wilmington, DE:
- 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 Wilmington, DE. 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 Wilmington, DE with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Wilmington, DE 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, such as pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transportation. It's advised to avoid poorly lit or isolated neighborhoods at night. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi services and fraudulent ticket sellers. Staying alert and using licensed transportation options can help ensure a safer visit.
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 Wilmington, DE
Chicago
Wilmington
The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Wilmington.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Wilmington is Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French for your trip to Wilmington from Chicago.
Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French
information
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Wilmington, DE and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Wilmington, DE
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