- 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 19
$168
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$172
Fastest journey on Sep 19
11 h 16 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
12 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 19
3
Distance
649 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Hamilton, ON 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 Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL will cost around $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
It's difficult to get from Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.






Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $117 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 2m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $117, while a flight costs an average of $652.
Distance: 403 miles (649 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$117 Average price Cheapest | $652 Average price | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 41m Average total duration 13h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 2m Average total duration Fastest 4h 2m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $535 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL costing on average $652.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 11m.
Tickets start at around $117 compared to roughly $2 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-114.81. The journey takes 13h 11m versus 7h 15m 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 Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 12:09AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:05AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 14h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 08:43AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 12h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 08:48AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 12h37 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 03:07PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 14h18 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 03:11PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 14h14 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 04:18PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 25h17 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $265 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 06:24PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 23h11 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $265 |
Operator Hamilton Street Railway | Departure Time 11:54PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 11h31 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $180 |
The table below shows live departures for Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:11 PM Hamilton, ON | 14h14 | 5:25 AM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
![]() | 12:09 AM Hamilton, ON | 11h16 | 11:25 AM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
![]() | 8:43 AM Hamilton, ON | 12h42 | 9:25 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 Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 13h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $98 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 403 miles (649 km) distance in 10h 10m.
Distance 403 miles (649 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 10h 10m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 35 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 Hamilton, ON 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 Hamilton, ON to Chicago, IL buses use the Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Hamilton, ON and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster) is 3 km from Hamilton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster). ATMs are available at Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster).
Ticket office support is available at Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster).
Available at Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamilton, Main Street West / Bowman Street (McMaster): Bus stop is accessible with no steps required.
Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn) is 5 km from Hamilton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast-food options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn). ATMs are available at Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn).
Ticket office support is available at Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn).
Available at Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hamilton, Hwy 8 (King at Dundurn): Wheelchair accessible buses available.
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