- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$152
Average price
$152
Fastest journey
19 h 40 m
Average duration
19 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1130 km
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 $152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
It's difficult to get from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $110. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $110, and a train costs an average of $247.
Distance: 702 miles (1130 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$171 Average price | $133 Average price Cheapest | $269 Average price | $157 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 5m Average total duration 20h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 2h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 22h 10m Average total duration 21h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $38 (€31) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $171 (€140).
A flight is $136 (€112) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $269 (€220).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 35m.
Train takes on average 21h 40m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| 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 $192 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator NJ Transit | Departure Time 10:36AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h34 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:30 PM Elizabeth, NJ | 19h40 | 12:10 PM 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 Elizabeth, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 20h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $150 (€123) but you can travel from only $110 (€90) 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 19h 40m.
Distance 702 miles (1130 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $150 (€123) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 19h 40m |
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 |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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.

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