- 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
$132
Average price
$132
Fastest journey
16 h 20 m
Average duration
16 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1140 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Jersey City, NJ 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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $132.
Of the 1 buses that leave Jersey City, NJ for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 1140 km distance in an average of 16 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 20 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 16 h 20 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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $132. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $132, and a train costs an average of $157.
Distance: 708 miles (1140 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$181 Average price Cheapest | $280 Average price | $187 Average price | $204 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 14m Average total duration 20h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 58m Average total duration 20h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 39m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $187 (€153).
A bus is $99 (€81) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL costing on average $280 (€229).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 28m.
Bus takes on average 20h 44m.
Tickets start at around $181 (€148) compared to roughly $204 (€167) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $22 (€18). The journey takes 20h 44m versus 11h 56m 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 02:05AM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 16h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $132 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $243 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $188 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $211 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $150 |
The table below shows live departures for Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:05 AM Jersey City, NJ | 16h20 | 6:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Jersey City, NJ to Chicago, IL run on average 18 times per day, taking around 20h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $132 (€108) but you can travel from only $86 (€70) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:30, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 708 miles (1140 km) distance in 16h 20m.
Distance 708 miles (1140 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $132 (€108) |
Buses per day 18 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 20m |
First bus 1:30 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 Jersey City, NJ 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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