- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Top regional museum with outstanding American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a serene riverside setting in downtown Wilmington.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$148
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$157
Fastest journey on Aug 29
20 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
23 h 25 m
Buses on Aug 29
5
Distance
1044 km
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 $157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $148.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE without transferring at least once.
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· · · 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 an average ticket price of $118 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 33m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $118, while a train costs an average of $269.
Distance: 648 miles (1044 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$118 Average price Cheapest | $269 Average price | $240 Average price | $306 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* | 7h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 36m 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 Wilmington, DE:
A bus is $123 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE costing on average $240.
A bus is $152 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE costing on average $269.
Other travel options to Wilmington, DE take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 52m.
Bus takes on average 20h 56m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 22h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 21h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 21h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 05:55AM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 23h15 | 10:30 AM Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h05 | 10:30 AM Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 7:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h35 | 4:50 PM Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 29h45 | 5:55 AM Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
· | 6:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 22h25 | 5:55 AM Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 $95 if you book in advance.
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.
Distance 648 miles (1044 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 |
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 Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Wilmington, DE — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington, DE trip today.
Top regional museum with outstanding American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a serene riverside setting in downtown Wilmington.
Major decorative arts museum in a grand du Pont estate. Period rooms, gardens, and research collections make it one of Delaware’s essential visits.
Industrial history museum on the Brandywine at the original du Pont gunpowder works. It blends river scenery, engineering, and family history.
Revitalized riverfront district with paths, public art, mini golf, and event spaces. It is one of Wilmington’s most popular areas for walking and views.
Large urban park with lawns, trails, gardens, and creek views. It is a favorite local green space beside major museums and historic sites.
Major downtown square framed by historic buildings, offices, and monuments. It is the city’s classic civic center and an easy orientation point.
Scrapple is a Mid-Atlantic breakfast loaf of pork scraps and cornmeal, sliced and fried crisp. It is a Delaware staple found in many local diners.
Blue crab cakes are common along the Delaware coast and nearby bay waters, prized for sweet lump crab with minimal filler and regional seafood tradition.
Boardwalk fries are hand-cut fries served hot with salt and vinegar. They are a beloved Delaware beach snack strongly associated with nearby coastal outings.
Refined Italian restaurant known for house-made pasta, seasonal ingredients, and polished service in an elegant downtown setting.
Historic fine-dining destination serving contemporary American cuisine with strong wine service in a grand, stately atmosphere.
Classic Delaware diner famous for scrapple, hearty breakfasts, and old-school local comfort food in a casual setting.
Moderate for U.S. city trips; hotels and dining are mid-priced, while transit and parking are manageable versus larger East Coast destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Wilmington, DE buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Wilmington, Amtrak Station @ ML King-French station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Wilmington, DE bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
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