- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$44
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$54
Fastest journey on Sep 15
7 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
9 h 22 m
Buses on Sep 15
7
Distance
444 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 7 buses from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 444 km distance in an average of 9 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 10 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.
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· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $79 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 13m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $79, while a flight costs an average of $595.
Distance: 275 miles (444 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price Cheapest | $595 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $517 (€418) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $595 (€481).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 50m.
Tickets start at around $79 (€64) compared to roughly $79 (€64) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about 0. The journey takes 8h 50m versus 5h 26m 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.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $56 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 4:40 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:40 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h30 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 5:20 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 11h55 | 4:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:50 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 13h15 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 9:45 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 7h30 | 4:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 8h55 | 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 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 275 miles (444 km) distance in 7h 30m.
Distance 275 miles (444 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL buses use the Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Columbus, OH and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School).
Available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station).
Available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible bus platforms.
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.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need