- 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 19
$54
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$54
Fastest journey on Sep 19
11 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
11 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 19
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.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 1 buses from Lima, OH to Chicago, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 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, Sep 19 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 flight 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 an average ticket price of $74 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 23m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $74, while a flight costs an average of $623.
Distance: 199 miles (321 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$74 Average price Cheapest | $623 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 40m Average total duration 8h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 4h 23m Onboard + 2h 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 $549 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lima, OH to Chicago, IL costing on average $623.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 10m.
Tickets start at around $74 compared to roughly $45 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-29.12. The journey takes 8h 10m versus 3h 52m 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 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 Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 11h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Barons Bus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for Lima, OH to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:55 AM Lima, OH | 11h40 | 11:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Lima, OH to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 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 6h 15m.
Distance 199 miles (321 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 15m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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 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.
Lima, Terminal (High Street) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Small cafes and kiosks available
Available in waiting areas. ATMs are located next to the information desk.
Ticket office support is available at Lima, Terminal (High Street).
Available at Lima, Terminal (High Street): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lima, Terminal (High Street): Ramps and accessible toilets 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need