- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 14
Cheapest price
$81
Average price
$132
Fastest journey
9 h 15 m
Average duration
10 h
Buses per day
8
Distance
636 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nashville, TN 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 Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $81.
Fast buses
Of the 8 buses that leave Nashville, TN for Chicago, IL on Tue, Jul 14, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 14 the direct buses cover the 636 km distance in an average of 10 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jul 14 the slowest buses will take 10 h 25 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.
9:50 AM10h20Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South8:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$811One-way0 transfers
FlixBus2:55 PM9h15Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South12:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$871One-way0 transfers- 5:15 AM10h00Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South3:15 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1151One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:05 AM11h25Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South11:30 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1151One-way0 transfers
- 2:30 AM11h15Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South1:45 PMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$1181One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus2:55 PM9h15Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South12:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$871One-way0 transfers
- 5:15 AM10h00Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South3:15 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1151One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 PM10h00Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$2091One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 AM10h20Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South8:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$811One-way0 transfers
- 10:00 PM10h25Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South8:25 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$2091One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.6 - 1.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $53.
Distance: 395 miles (636 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$97 Average price Cheapest | $255 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 34m Average total duration 10h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $97 (€80).
This is compared to other travel options from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $158 (€130) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL costing on average $255 (€210).
The fastest way to travel from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 52m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 4m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $97 (€80) compared to roughly $105 (€87) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8 (€7). The journey takes 10h 4m versus 7h 4m 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 Greyhound, 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.
Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:55PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Live departures
Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, July 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 12:05 AM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 11h25 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 AM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 11h15 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:30 AM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 11h40 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:15 AM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 10h00 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:50 AM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 10h20 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| FlixBus | 2:55 PM Nashville, Bus Terminal - 709 5Th Avenue South | 9h15 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL by bus or flight
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.
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Why should you book Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $53 (€43) by flight.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 395 miles (636 km) distance in 9h 25m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€43)
Distance 395 miles (636 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 9h 25m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $53 (€43)
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $53 (€43). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€47)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 40m
Cheapest Price
$55 (€45)
Greyhound frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Renowned natural history museum known for dinosaur fossils, global anthropology collections, and the famous T. rex, SUE.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Large hands-on science museum with a U-505 submarine, space exhibits, and interactive displays popular with families.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Chicago’s signature public park, home to major public art, gardens, and frequent events in the city center.
- Must visit
The Magnificent Mile
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue known for landmark buildings, shopping, and one of the city’s busiest visitor corridors.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Popular pedestrian waterfront lined with views of major architecture, bridges, and boat activity through downtown.
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Alinea
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
Ricobene's
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
United States Dollar
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nashville, TN 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $55 (€45) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL is $97 (€80) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL is 9h 25m to travel the 395 miles (636 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 9 direct buses a day from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Nashville, TN is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 9h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nashville, TN and Chicago, IL including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Nashville, TN nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from Nashville, TN
More options for your journey from Nashville, TN to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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