- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$239
Average price
$256
Fastest journey
1 d 10 h 55 m
Average duration
1 d 10 h 55 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
998 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $256 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $239.
Of the 2 buses that leave Durham, NC for Chicago, IL on Thu, Aug 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 998 km distance in an average of 1 d 10 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 10 h 55 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 1 d 10 h 55 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.




Buses from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 22h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $103 but you can travel from only $99 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 620 miles (998 km) distance in 25h 35m.
Distance 620 miles (998 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 25h 35m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $204 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $262 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $229 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 29h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $204 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $103 |
The table below shows live departures for Durham, NC to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:05 AM Durham, NC | 34h55 | 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:05 AM Durham, NC | 34h55 | 2:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Durham, NC 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 Durham, NC to Chicago, IL buses use the Durham, W Pettigrew St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Durham, NC and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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