- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€123
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€123
Fastest journey on Sep 19
19 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
19 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 19
1
Distance
1130 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Elizabeth, NJ 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 Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around €123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €123.
Fast buses
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 1130 km distance in an average of 19 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 19 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 19 h 40 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.
4:30 PM19h40Elizabeth, NJ12:10 PMChicago, IL€1231One-way0 transfers
- 4:30 PM19h40Elizabeth, NJ12:10 PMChicago, IL€1231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €188 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 20h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €188, while a train costs an average of €378.
Distance: 702 miles (1130 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€188 Average price Cheapest | €378 Average price | €131 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 29m Average total duration Fastest 19h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 54m Average total duration 20h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of €188.
This is compared to other travel options from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A bus is €159 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average €348.
A bus is €190 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average €378.
The fastest way to travel from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 21m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 59m.
Train takes on average 20h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Elizabeth, NJ and Chicago, IL including taking a train and bus.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €188 compared to roughly €131 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-57.88. The journey takes 19h 59m versus 11h 37m 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.
Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €157 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €124 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 10:36AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h34 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 35h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 33h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €141 |
Live departures
Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus++FlixBus | 10:10 PM Elizabeth, NJ | 33h00 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus+ · | 10:10 PM Elizabeth, NJ | 34h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
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Sep 19
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 19h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €157 but you can travel from only €128 by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 702 miles (1130 km) distance in 17h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €128
Distance 702 miles (1130 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price €157 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 50m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €128
Complete guide to Chicago, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
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.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
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 Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
FAQs: Bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Elizabeth, NJ 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL can start from as little as €157 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL is €188 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL is 17h 50m to travel the 702 miles (1130 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL leaves at 1:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:45 PM.
When departing from Elizabeth, NJ , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Newark, Penn Station, New York, 3rd Ave / 38th St (Brooklyn), NY . When arriving in Chicago, IL , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Newark, Penn Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Elizabeth, NJ is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 17h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Elizabeth, NJ and Chicago, IL including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
No, luggage for the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL.
Since neither Elizabeth, NJ nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
Most Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL buses use the Newark, Penn Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Elizabeth, NJ and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Elizabeth
Arrival bus stations in Chicago
Which Chicago, IL station do buses from Elizabeth, NJ arrive at?
Buses from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL most often arrive at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Some services arrive at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Chicago, IL arrival station.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus7 · 8m · €3 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)Chicago Union Station, 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus28, 151 · 7m · €3 · every ~13 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Elizabeth, NJ
More options for your journey from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Elizabeth, NJ
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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