- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$86
Average price
$153
Fastest journey
14 h 55 m
Average duration
17 h 14 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
919 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $153 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $86.
Of the 5 buses that leave Harrisburg, PA for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 the direct buses cover the 919 km distance in an average of 17 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 55 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest buses will take 18 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
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FlixBus
FlixBus
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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a flight costs an average of $234.
Distance: 571 miles (919 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$159 Average price Cheapest | $218 Average price | $398 Average price | $235 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 12m Average total duration 15h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 5m Average total duration 15h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.9 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.8 - 5.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $58 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $218 (€179).
A bus is $239 (€197) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $398 (€328).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 35m.
Bus takes on average 15h 42m.
Tickets start at around $159 (€131) compared to roughly $235 (€193) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $75 (€62). The journey takes 15h 42m versus 9h 51m 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.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
The table below shows live departures for Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 2:35 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 18h25 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 2:35 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 18h50 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 8:05 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 18h40 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· | 8:05 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 14h55 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
FlixBus | 2:15 AM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 17h40 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 15h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 (€79) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 571 miles (919 km) distance in 14h 55m.
Distance 571 miles (919 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€79) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 14h 55m |
First bus 2:30 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 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 Harrisburg, 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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL buses use the Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Harrisburg, PA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need