- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$166
Average price
$180
Fastest journey
19 h 20 m
Average duration
21 h 29 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
1039 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Ottawa, ON 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 Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL will cost around $180 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $166.
It's difficult to get from Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $89. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 51m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $89, and a flight costs an average of $218.
Distance: 645 miles (1039 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$161 Average price Cheapest | $357 Average price | $388 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 31m Average total duration 19h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40h 39m Average total duration 40h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 51m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $197 (€159) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL costing on average $357 (€289).
A bus is $228 (€184) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL costing on average $388 (€314).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 1m.
Train takes on average 40h 9m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $203 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 22h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $212 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 22h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $212 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:40AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 22h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 24h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $250 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 23h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 23h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $166 |
The table below shows live departures for Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 7:40 AM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 22h45 | 5:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:00 AM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 22h25 | 5:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:40 AM Ottawa, Gloucester Centre, ON | 25h20 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 11:00 AM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 24h00 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:30 PM Ottawa, VIA Rail, ON | 19h55 | 11:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:05 PM Ottawa, Hudson's Bay (Bayshore Shopping Centre), ON | 19h20 | 11:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 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 Ottawa, ON to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 19h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 (€72) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:40. The fastest bus covers the 645 miles (1039 km) distance in 19h 20m.
Distance 645 miles (1039 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 19h 20m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ottawa, ON 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need