- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$73
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$103
Fastest journey on Aug 30
5 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
6 h 44 m
Buses on Aug 30
7
Distance
405 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL will cost around $103 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 7 buses from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL, including 4 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct buses cover the 405 km distance in an average of 6 h 44 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest buses will take 9 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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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $77 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 28m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, while a flight costs an average of $634.
Distance: 251 miles (405 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $133 Average price | $634 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $55 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $133 (€108).
A bus is $557 (€451) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $634 (€514).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 24m.
Train takes on average 9h 11m.
You'll arrive about -4h -8m sooner (7h 24m by bus vs 4h 16m by car) and save roughly $-3.31 (€-2.68) compared to fuel and tolls ($77 (€63) vs $74 (€60)). 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 FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 4:40 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 9h45 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 4:40 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 10h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 7:00 AM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 6h00 | 12:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:15 AM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 5h45 | 12:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 10:05 AM Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station, OH | 11h05 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 1:40 PM Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati), OH | 6h15 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:00 PM Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station), OH | 5h55 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 251 miles (405 km) distance in 5h 45m.
Distance 251 miles (405 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 5h 45m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cincinnati, OH to Chicago, IL buses use the Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Cincinnati, OH and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station is 12 km from Cincinnati city centre. Public transport options include:
Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM machines available inside the station.
Ticket office support is available at Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cincinnati, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating available.
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati) is 3 km from Cincinnati city centre. Public transport options include:
Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available along Short Vine St.
Wi-Fi is available at Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati). ATMs are aTMs available in nearby banks.
Ticket office support is available at Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati).
Available at Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cincinnati, Short Vine St (University of Cincinnati): Accessible pathways available.
Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cincinnati, Gilbert Ave (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible facility.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need