- 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 26
kr1327
Average ticket price on Sep 26
kr1327
Fastest journey on Sep 26
1 d 3 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 26
1 d 3 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 26
1
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 kr1327 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only kr1327.
On Sat, Sep 26, we found 1 buses from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 26 the direct buses cover the 998 km distance in an average of 1 d 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 3 h 5 m .
On Sat, Sep 26 the slowest buses will take 1 d 3 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.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of kr1224 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of kr1224, while a flight costs an average of kr3681.
Distance: 620 miles (998 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
kr1224 Average price Cheapest | kr3681 Average price | kr2709 Average price | kr1203 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 12m Average total duration 23h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 25h 48m Average total duration 25h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL:
A bus is kr1486 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average kr2709.
A bus is kr2457 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average kr3681.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 42m.
Train takes on average 25h 18m.
Tickets start at around kr1224 compared to roughly kr1203 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about kr-20.62. The journey takes 23h 42m versus 12h 7m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr1327 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price kr1144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 34h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price kr1703 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price kr1489 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr764 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr1091 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 29h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price kr1322 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price kr669 |
The table below shows live departures for Durham, NC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 PM Durham, NC | 25h35 | 8:15 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Durham, NC | 25h35 | 9:15 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
![]() | 2:05 AM Durham, NC | 27h05 | 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Durham, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 23h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at kr704 but you can travel from only kr636 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 21h 10m.
Distance 620 miles (998 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price kr704 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 21h 10m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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