- 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
$183
Average price
$183
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 20 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1386 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lake Charles, LA 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 Lake Charles, LA to Chicago, IL will cost around $183 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $183.
It's difficult to get from Lake Charles, LA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lake Charles, LA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $183. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 26h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $183, and a bus costs an average of $183.
Distance: 861 miles (1386 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$183 Average price Cheapest | $195 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 50m Average total duration Fastest 26h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 26h 20m.
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 08:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 35h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 36h20 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 26h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $183 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 35h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $147 |
The table below shows live departures for Lake Charles, LA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:45 PM Lake Charles, LA | 26h20 | 10:05 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
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 Lake Charles, LA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 26h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $183 (€150) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 861 miles (1386 km) distance in 26h 20m.
Distance 861 miles (1386 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $183 (€150) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 26h 20m |
First bus 5:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 84 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 Lake Charles, LA 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 Lake Charles, LA to Chicago, IL buses use the to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Use this guide to compare Lake Charles, LA 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