- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jun 05
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
7 h 40 m
Average duration
10 h 40 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
496 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Fast buses
Of the 5 buses that leave Cleveland, OH for Chicago, IL on Fri, Jun 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 496 km distance in an average of 10 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 14 h 10 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.
12:25 PM8h40Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)8:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$751One-way0 transfers- · 11:35 AM9h30Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)8:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$841One-way1 transfer
- +
FlixBus5:15 AM13h20Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)5:35 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1101One-way1 transfer - +FlixBus4:25 AM14h10Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)5:35 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1101One-way1 transfer
- 3:20 AM7h40Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)10:00 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1121One-way0 transfers
- 3:20 AM7h40Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)10:00 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1121One-way0 transfers
- 12:25 PM8h40Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)8:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$751One-way0 transfers
- · 11:35 AM9h30Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)8:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$841One-way1 transfer
- +FlixBus5:15 AM13h20Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)5:35 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1101One-way1 transfer
- +FlixBus4:25 AM14h10Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)5:35 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1101One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $47. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, and a flight costs an average of $54.
Distance: 308 miles (496 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price | $329 Average price | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 6m Average total duration 7h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 43m Average total duration 7h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $74 (€60).
This is compared to other travel options from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $54 (€44) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $128 (€103).
A bus is $255 (€205) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $329 (€265).
The fastest way to travel from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 35m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 13m.
Bus takes on average 7h 36m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cleveland, OH and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $74 (€60) compared to roughly $108 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $35 (€28). The journey takes 7h 36m versus 5h 1m 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, FlixBus, Barons Bus.
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.
Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:20AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 14h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $50 |
Live departures
Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:20 AM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 7h40 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| +FlixBus | 4:25 AM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 14h10 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| +FlixBus | 5:15 AM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 13h20 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| · | 11:35 AM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 9h30 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| 12:25 PM Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) | 8h40 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL 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.
Fri
Jun 05
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Jun 11
Fri
Jun 12
Jun 12
Sat
Jun 13
Jun 13
Sun
Jun 14
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Jun 25
Why should you book Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus or Barons Bus offer buses services from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
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 or Barons Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
- 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus or Barons Bus to find the best option for your trip from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 7h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (496 km) distance in 6h 55m.
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
Distance 308 miles (496 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 55m |
First bus 2:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus for as low as $47 (€38). 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
6h 55m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
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
7h 40m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€42)
Greyhound frequency
2 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.
Barons Bus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
6h 35m
Cheapest Price
$81 (€65)
Barons Bus frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
- Must visit
Museum Of Science And Industry
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Italian Beef Sandwich
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
The Purple Pig
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Alinea
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
United States Dollar
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
FAQs: Bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cleveland, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $47 (€38) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is $74 (€60) ; 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is 6h 55m to travel the 308 miles (496 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL leaves at 2:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:35 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Cleveland, OH and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Cleveland, OH is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cleveland, OH and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL:
- 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Cleveland, OH nor Chicago, IL 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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
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 Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Cleveland
Chicago
The major bus station for departures in Cleveland is Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side) for your trip from Cleveland to Chicago.
Cleveland, Chester Ave At the Greyhound Station (South Side)
information
The major bus station for arrivals 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 to Chicago from Cleveland.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station
information
Most popular bus connections from Cleveland, OH
More options for your journey from Cleveland, OH to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
