- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$187
Average price
$187
Fastest journey
22 h 52 m
Average duration
22 h 52 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
1231 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Meriden, CT 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 Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $187.
It's difficult to get from Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $111, and a train costs an average of $306.
Distance: 764 miles (1231 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$160 Average price | $318 Average price | $123 Average price Cheapest |
24h 40m Average total duration 24h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 11m Average total duration 21h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 26m Average total duration Fastest 7h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $36 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL costing on average $160.
A flight is $195 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL costing on average $318.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 21h 41m.
Bus takes on average 24h 10m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator CT Transit | Departure Time 07:18AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 22h52 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $160 |
The table below shows live departures for Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:18 AM Meriden, CT | 22h52 | 6:10 AM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
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 Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 24h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $160 but you can travel from only $111 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 05:45, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 764 miles (1231 km) distance in 24h 10m.
Distance 764 miles (1231 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $160 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 24h 10m |
First bus 5:45 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 Meriden, CT 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 Meriden, CT to Chicago, IL buses use the Hartford, Union Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Meriden, CT 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