- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$185
Average price
$204
Fastest journey
17 h 25 m
Average duration
19 h 41 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
1069 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $204 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $185.
It's difficult to get from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $90. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $90, and a train costs an average of $104.
Distance: 664 miles (1069 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$190 Average price Cheapest | $259 Average price | $238 Average price |
20h 18m Average total duration 19h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 50m Average total duration 21h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
1.1 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.2 - 6.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $223 (€179).
A bus is $98 (€78) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average $243 (€195).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 51m.
Train takes on average 21h 21m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h09 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h59 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $157 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 23h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
The table below shows live departures for Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:45 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 19h40 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 8:45 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 23h10 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
FlixBus+![]() | 12:01 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 19h09 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 12:01 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 20h59 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 5:35 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 17h25 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 5:35 PM Philadelphia Bus Station | 21h10 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 19h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 (€72) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:50, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 664 miles (1069 km) distance in 17h 25m.
Distance 664 miles (1069 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 17h 25m |
First bus 1:50 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 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 Philadelphia, PA 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 Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL buses use the Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Philadelphia, PA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Philadelphia, 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 bars and vending machines are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are an ATM is available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Greyhound Bus Station: The station is wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) is 2 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park). ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park).
Available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Spring Garden St / N 2nd St (Madison War Memorial Park): The bus stop is accessible with ramps.
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) is 1 km from Philadelphia city centre. Public transport options include:
Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Ticket office support is available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South).
Available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Philadelphia, Schuylkill Ave (Cira Centre South): Wheelchair accessible area.
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.
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