- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$136
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$145
Fastest journey on Aug 29
20 h
Average journey duration on Aug 29
22 h 41 m
Buses on Aug 29
6
Distance
1340 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
It's difficult to get from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $156 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 17m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 1.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $156, while a flight costs an average of $270.
Distance: 832 miles (1340 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price Cheapest | $233 Average price | $270 Average price | $193 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 32m Average total duration 22h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 1m Average total duration 19h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 17m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.3 - 3.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.0 - 8.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $77 (€62) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL costing on average $233 (€187).
A bus is $114 (€92) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL costing on average $270 (€218).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 31m.
Bus takes on average 22h 2m.
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 08:20AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 24h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $135 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 27h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 20h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $136 |
The table below shows live departures for New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 8:20 AM New Orleans, LA | 20h00 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 8:20 AM New Orleans, LA | 23h40 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· · | 1:25 PM New Orleans, LA | 24h20 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· · | 1:25 PM New Orleans, LA | 24h45 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:55 PM New Orleans, LA | 20h40 | 8:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:55 PM New Orleans, LA | 32h05 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), 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 New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 22h 2m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $104 (€84) but you can travel from only $66 (€53) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 832 miles (1340 km) distance in 19h 50m.
Distance 832 miles (1340 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $104 (€84) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 19h 50m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 New Orleans, 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 New Orleans, LA to Chicago, IL buses use the New Orleans, LA to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare New Orleans, LA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
New Orleans, LA is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
New Orleans, LA has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at New Orleans, LA. ATMs are available at New Orleans, LA.
Ticket office support is available at New Orleans, LA.
Available at New Orleans, LA: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Orleans, LA: Station is wheelchair accessible.
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) is 1 km from New Orleans city centre. Public transport options include:
Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr). ATMs are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Ticket office support is available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr).
Available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kenner, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (Airline Dr): Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities.
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.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need