- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$131
Average price
$143
Fastest journey
18 h 25 m
Average duration
1 d 55 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
921 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL will cost around $143 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $131.
It's difficult to get from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 3 times.
FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
· · Buses from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 27h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $78 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:55, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 572 miles (921 km) distance in 18h 25m.
Distance 572 miles (921 km) |
Average bus duration 27h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 18h 25m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 14 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 31h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 36h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $204 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:15 PM Ithaca, NY | 37h45 | 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
FlixBus+ · · | 7:20 AM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 31h25 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 4:35 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 18h25 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Ithaca, NY 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 Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL buses use the Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Ithaca, NY and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants in the vicinity.
Available within nearby cafes. ATMs are available within nearby bank branches.
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca).
Available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca): Wheelchair accessible sidewalks and entrances.
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) is 2 km from Ithaca city centre. Public transport options include:
Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center). ATMs are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Ticket office support is available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center).
Available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ithaca, Jessup Rd (Robert Purcell Community Center): Wheelchair accessible entrance available.
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.
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.
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