- 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
$54
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
11 h 40 m
Average duration
11 h 40 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
321 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lima, OH 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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 1 buses that leave Lima, OH for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 321 km distance in an average of 11 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 40 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 11 h 40 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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $233.
Distance: 199 miles (321 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price Cheapest | $327 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 52m 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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $245 (€201) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lima, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $327 (€268).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 37m.
You'll arrive about -3h -45m sooner (6h 37m by bus vs 3h 52m by car) and save roughly $-37.35 (€-30.62) compared to fuel and tolls ($82 (€67) vs $44 (€36)). 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 Barons Bus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 15h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Barons Bus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€45) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:55, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 199 miles (321 km) distance in 7h 30m.
Distance 199 miles (321 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€45) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 30m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 Lima, OH 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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL buses use the Lima, Terminal (High Street) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Lima, OH 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