- 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
$175
Average price
$209
Fastest journey
1 d 15 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h 2 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
1032 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL will cost around $209 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $175.
It's difficult to get from Raleigh, NC 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 Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $106. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $106, and a flight costs an average of $70.
Distance: 641 miles (1032 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$202 Average price Cheapest | $280 Average price | $386 Average price | $190 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 48m Average total duration 23h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 1m Average total duration 24h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 28m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $280 (€225).
A bus is $185 (€149) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $386 (€311).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 23h 18m.
Train takes on average 24h 31m.
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 12:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 24h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $255 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $140 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $178 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $205 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 26h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 25h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $113 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $236 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 27h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $219 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $198 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $237 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $202 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $236 |
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 12:30 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 24h40 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· + FlixBus | 5:50 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 25h20 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+![]() | 6:20 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 27h05 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+![]() | 6:20 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 26h40 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 25h40 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 7:45 AM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 25h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 24h15 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 10:45 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 28h00 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· · | 12:50 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 27h25 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:15 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 29h50 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 3:15 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 41h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· | 6:15 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 26h50 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 9:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 35h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 27h45 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 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 Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL run on average 13 times per day, taking around 23h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $106 (€85) but you can travel from only $70 (€57) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:10, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 641 miles (1032 km) distance in 24h 15m.
Distance 641 miles (1032 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $106 (€85) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 24h 15m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 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 Raleigh, NC 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.

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