Portland, ME to Chicago, IL bus with FlixBus

Wed, Sep 09
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Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 09

Cheapest price on Sep 09

$140

Average ticket price on Sep 09

$140

Fastest journey on Sep 09

1 d 6 h 10 m

Average journey duration on Sep 09

1 d 12 h 43 m

Buses on Sep 09

2

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 $140.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 3 times.

  • Greyhound · · ·
    1:45 PM43h15
    Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME
    8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL
    $1401One-way
    4 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · ·
    1:45 PM30h10
    Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME
    6:55 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    $1401One-way
    3 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 an average ticket price of $177 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 46m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $177, while a flight costs an average of $522.

Distance: 889 miles (1432 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$177

Average price

Cheapest

$391

Average price

$522

Average price

$216

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

28h 21m

Average total duration

27h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

24h 23m

Average total duration

23h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 46m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 46m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

16h 11m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Amtrak

Most popular train company

United

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 $177 (€143).

This is compared to other travel options from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL:

A bus is $213 (€172) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL costing on average $391 (€316).

A bus is $345 (€279) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL costing on average $522 (€422).

The fastest way to travel from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 46m.

Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:

Train takes on average 23h 53m.

Bus takes on average 27h 51m.

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. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.

Tickets start at around $177 (€143) compared to roughly $216 (€175) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $39 (€31). The journey takes 27h 51m versus 16h 11m 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.

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.

Portland, ME to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
08:00AM
Duration
43h15
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
06:55PM
Duration
30h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$121
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
11:59PM
Arrival Time
08:00AM
Duration
33h01
Departure days
Mon, Tue
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:59PM
Arrival Time
06:10AM
Duration
31h11
Departure days
Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$121

Live departures

Portland, ME to Chicago, IL bus times

The table below shows live departures for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 1:45 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME
30h10
6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus11:59 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME
31h11
6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station1 transfer
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+Greyhound · 11:59 PM Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME
33h01
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL3 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.

Wed
Sep 09
Thu
Sep 10
Fri
Sep 11
Sat
Sep 12
Sun
Sep 13
Mon
Sep 14
Tue
Sep 15

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
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 27h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $105 (€85) 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 27h 21m.

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
27h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
$105 (€85)
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
27h 21m
First bus
3:15 AM
Last bus
11:50 PM
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Best time to book
21 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

Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Portland, ME to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Portland, ME to Chicago, IL with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $105 (€85). 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 FlixBus Duration
27h 21m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
$105 (€85)
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 Greyhound Duration
27h 25m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
$131 (€105)
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

Art Institute of Chicago

World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $105 (€85) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is $177 (€143) ; 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 27h 21m 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 3 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.
When departing from Portland, ME , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME . When arriving in Chicago, IL , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL, Chicago, 95th Red Line Station .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal), ME, which is located around 1 miles (2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Portland, ME is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 27h 21m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL is May.
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

Which Portland, ME station do buses to Chicago, IL leave from?

Buses from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL leave from Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal). The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Portland, ME city centre at Portland, OR, USA.
Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal)Portland, OR, USAWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) from Portland city centre

Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) is 2 km from Portland city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainEmpire Builder · 72h 41m · $1286
VIA Rail · 126h 31m · $719
BusGreyhound US0550 · 79h 40m · $737

Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) bus station facilities and services

Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. ATMs are aTM available near the main entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portland, Congress St (Greyhound Bus Terminal): Wheelchair accessible with assistance available.

More options for your journey from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL

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