- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$129
Average price
$197
Fastest journey
16 h 30 m
Average duration
16 h 30 m
Buses per day
2
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 $197 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $129.
Of the 2 buses that leave Harrisburg, PA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 06, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 06 the direct buses cover the 919 km distance in an average of 16 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jun 06 the slowest buses will take 16 h 30 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.




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 $97. 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 $97, and a flight costs an average of $238.
Distance: 571 miles (919 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$162 Average price Cheapest | $221 Average price | $405 Average price | $239 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 $59 (€48) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $221 (€179).
A bus is $243 (€197) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $405 (€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 $162 (€131) compared to roughly $239 (€193) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77 (€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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 19h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $151 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 18h10 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
The table below shows live departures for Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, June 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 2:30 AM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 18h35 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:40 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 16h30 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 2:50 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 18h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 2:50 PM Harrisburg, Market St (Bus Station), PA | 16h20 | 6:10 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 | |
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 Harrisburg, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 15h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€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 $97 (€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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Chicago’s iconic thick-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.
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
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.

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