- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Oct 30
$57
Average ticket price on Oct 30
$81
Fastest journey on Oct 30
7 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
8 h 48 m
Buses on Oct 30
8
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 $81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 8 buses from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct buses cover the 444 km distance in an average of 8 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 30 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest buses will take 10 h 5 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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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 $41 (€35) 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 $41 (€35) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 05:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
The table below shows live departures for Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, October 29. 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 | 10h30 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:40 AM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 10h05 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 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 | 11:30 PM Columbus, E Town St (Bus Station), OH | 7h40 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 11:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 9h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 11:50 PM Columbus, E Mound St (Akili Christian High School), OH | 9h35 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in 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.

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.
Check bus stations information for Columbus, OH and Chicago, IL, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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