- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$225
Average price
$225
Fastest journey
1 d 13 h 45 m
Average duration
1 d 13 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
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 $225 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $225.
Of the 1 buses that leave Ithaca, NY for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 the direct buses cover the 921 km distance in an average of 1 d 13 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 13 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jun 27 the slowest buses will take 1 d 13 h 45 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $272.
Distance: 572 miles (921 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$166 Average price Cheapest | $380 Average price | $170 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
28h 19m Average total duration 27h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 42m Average total duration Fastest 5h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $214 (€175) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $380 (€311).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 27h 49m.
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 | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 31h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 42h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $206 |
The table below shows live departures for Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, June 20. 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 | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 AM Ithaca, NY | 37h45 | 2:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 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 (€64) 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 (€64) |
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 |
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 US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need