- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 26
Cheapest price
$126
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
1 d 6 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 7 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1432 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus+
· · 1:45 PM30h10Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME6:55 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1261One-way3 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM31h11Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME6:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1351One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus+ · 11:59 PM33h01Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$1581One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus+ · · 1:45 PM30h10Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME6:55 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1261One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM31h11Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME6:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1351One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus+ · 11:59 PM33h01Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$1581One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $147.
Distance: 889 miles (1432 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price Cheapest | $231 Average price | $242 Average price | $172 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
27h 5m Average total duration 26h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 49m Average total duration 24h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $140 (€140).
This is compared to other travel options from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $91 (€91) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL costing on average $231 (€231).
A bus is $102 (€102) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL costing on average $242 (€242).
The fastest way to travel from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 53m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 24h 19m.
Bus takes on average 26h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Portland, ME and Chicago, IL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Portland, ME to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 30h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 33h26 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $146 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 31h11 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $109 |
Live departures
Portland, ME to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · +FlixBus | 1:45 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME | 30h10 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:59 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME | 31h11 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 11:59 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME | 33h01 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portland, ME to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Sun
Jul 26
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04
Aug 04
Wed
Aug 05
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Aug 08
Why should you book Portland, ME to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 26h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $78 (€78) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 889 miles (1432 km) distance in 31h 11m.
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
Distance 889 miles (1432 km) |
Average bus duration 26h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€78) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 31h 11m |
First bus 3:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Bus providers: Greyhound from Portland, ME to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Portland, ME to Chicago, IL with Greyhound for as low as $78 (€78). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
31h 20m
Cheapest Price
$98 (€98)
Greyhound frequency
2 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, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
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.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
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 Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
FAQs: Bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $78 (€78) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is $140 (€140) ; 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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is 31h 11m to travel the 889 miles (1432 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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:50 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Portland, ME and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Portland, ME is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 31h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Portland, ME and Chicago, IL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound.
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 Portland, ME 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
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 Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Portland, ME 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Portland, ME 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Most Portland, ME to Chicago, IL buses use the Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Portland, ME and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Portland
Arrival bus stations in Chicago
Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal)
City-centre transport
Getting to Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) from Portland city centre
TrainEmpire Builder · 72h 41m · $1039
VIA Rail · 126h 31m · $581
BusGreyhound US0550 · 79h 40m · $595
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $3 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $3 · every ~13 min
Most popular bus connections from Portland, ME
More options for your journey from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Portland, ME
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
