- 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 20
$96
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$127
Fastest journey on Sep 20
20 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 d 2 h 14 m
Buses on Sep 20
5
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 $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
It's difficult to get from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight 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 an average ticket price of $143 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 32m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $143, while a flight costs an average of $771.
Distance: 572 miles (921 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$143 Average price Cheapest | $771 Average price | $171 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 19m Average total duration 20h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration Fastest 4h 32m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 0m 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 Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $628 (€513) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $771 (€630).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 49m.
Tickets start at around $143 (€117) compared to roughly $171 (€140) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28 (€23). The journey takes 20h 49m versus 10h 0m 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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 31h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 37h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 18h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $146 |
The table below shows live departures for Ithaca, NY to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:20 AM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 31h25 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 2:15 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 20h45 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 7:15 PM Ithaca, East Green Street (Cinemapolis - Downtown Ithaca), NY | 37h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 20h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€79) 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 14h 35m.
Distance 572 miles (921 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $97 (€79) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 14h 35m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 14 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 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, 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