The cheapest and fastest buses from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
7 h 20 m
Average duration
9 h 28 m
Buses per day
2
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 $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
Of the 2 buses that leave Columbus, OH for Chicago, IL on Wed, Dec 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Dec 03 the direct buses cover the 444 km distance in an average of 9 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 20 m .
On Wed, Dec 03 the slowest buses will take 11 h 35 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
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 prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €136.
Distance: 275 miles (444 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|
€58 Average price Cheapest | €273 Average price |
8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 11h20 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Live departures
Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, December 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undefined · undefined | 12:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 13h15 | 2:05 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
undefined · undefined | 7:30 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h05 | 5:35 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, December 3 | |||||
undefined · undefined | 3:05 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h45 | 1:50 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
undefined · undefined | 3:05 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 11h10 | 2:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:30 AM Columbus, OH | 11h35 | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL by bus or flight
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.
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Dec 06
Dec 07
Dec 08
Dec 09
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Buses from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 8h 1m. 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 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 03:50 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Columbus, OH to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $42 (€34). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
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.

- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Columbus, OH
More options for your journey from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL
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