- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
11 h 15 m
Average duration
16 h 42 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
626 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Erie, PA 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 Erie, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $59.
It's difficult to get from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 388 miles (626 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$106 Average price Cheapest | $137 Average price | $127 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 54m Average total duration 18h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 25m Average total duration Fastest 8h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $137 (€112).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 18h 24m.
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 09:50AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $68 |
The table below shows live departures for Erie, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 9:50 AM Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 11h15 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 12:40 PM Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 18h30 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 12:40 PM Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 20h20 | 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 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.
Buses from Erie, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 18h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€47) but you can travel from only $51 (€42) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 388 miles (626 km) distance in 11h 15m.
Distance 388 miles (626 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€47) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 15m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 7 days |
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 Erie, PA 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 Erie, PA to Chicago, IL buses use the Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Erie, PA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food options available nearby
Wi-Fi is available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Erie, E Bayfront Pkwy (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible entrances.
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.
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