- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$161
Average price
$161
Fastest journey
1 d 3 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
923 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Gastonia, 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 Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $161.
It's difficult to get from Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $193. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $193, and a train costs an average of $504.
Distance: 573 miles (923 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$209 Average price Cheapest | $261 Average price | $531 Average price | $146 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 20m Average total duration 22h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration Fastest 5h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 11m Average total duration 29h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $52 (€42) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $261 (€210).
A bus is $322 (€259) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $531 (€428).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 50m.
Train takes on average 29h 41m.
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 USA | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $193 |
Operator Charlotte Area Transit System | Departure Time 05:22PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 28h13 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $193 |
The table below shows live departures for Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:10 PM Gastonia, NC | 22h50 | 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
![]() | 10:10 AM Gastonia, NC | 27h25 | 1:35 PM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
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 Gastonia, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 22h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $193 (€155) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 10:00, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 573 miles (923 km) distance in 22h 50m.
Distance 573 miles (923 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $193 (€155) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 22h 50m |
First bus 10:00 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gastonia, 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.

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