- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$130
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
23 h 10 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 58 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
1343 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $130.
It's difficult to get from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus+
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus+
· Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $93. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $93, and a train costs an average of $134.
Distance: 834 miles (1343 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$125 Average price Cheapest | $243 Average price | $281 Average price | $200 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 25m Average total duration 21h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 33m Average total duration 25h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $119 (€95) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL costing on average $243 (€195).
A bus is $157 (€126) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL costing on average $281 (€226).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 55m.
Train takes on average 25h 3m.
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 09:25AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 25h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 24h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 41h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 23h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
The table below shows live departures for Providence, RI 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 | 3:15 PM Providence, Canal FS Smith | 23h10 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · | 3:15 PM Providence, Canal FS Smith | 41h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
· · | 9:25 AM Providence, Canal FS Smith | 25h35 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 9:25 AM Providence, Canal FS Smith | 29h20 | 1:45 PM 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 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.
Buses from Providence, RI to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 21h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $93 (€74) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 834 miles (1343 km) distance in 23h 10m.
Distance 834 miles (1343 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $93 (€74) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 23h 10m |
First bus 6:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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 Providence, RI 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 Providence, RI to Chicago, IL buses use the Providence, Canal FS Smith to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Providence, RI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Providence, Canal FS Smith has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast-food options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at Providence, Canal FS Smith. ATMs are available at Providence, Canal FS Smith.
Ticket office support is available at Providence, Canal FS Smith.
Available at Providence, Canal FS Smith: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Providence, Canal FS Smith: Wheelchair accessible ramps present.
Providence, Broadway / Greene Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants available in downtown.
Wi-Fi is available at Providence, Broadway / Greene Street. ATMs are available at Providence, Broadway / Greene Street.
Ticket office support is available at Providence, Broadway / Greene Street.
Available at Providence, Broadway / Greene Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Providence, Broadway / Greene Street: Bus stop is wheelchair accessible.
Providence, W Exchange St (Rhode Island Convention Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options at the convention center
Wi-Fi is available at Providence, W Exchange St (Rhode Island Convention Center). ATMs are located inside the convention center.
Ticket office support is available at Providence, W Exchange St (Rhode Island Convention Center).
Available at Providence, W Exchange St (Rhode Island Convention Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Providence, W Exchange St (Rhode Island Convention Center): Convention center is wheelchair accessible.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need