- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$133
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$142
Fastest journey on Aug 29
1 d 15 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
1 d 1 h 2 m
Buses on Aug 29
15
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 $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
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 an average ticket price of $147 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 19m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $147, while a train costs an average of $271.
Distance: 641 miles (1032 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$147 Average price Cheapest | $271 Average price | $214 Average price | $191 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 12m Average total duration 22h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 25h 0m Average total duration 24h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 2h 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 $67 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $214.
A bus is $124 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL costing on average $271.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 22h 42m.
Train takes on average 24h 30m.
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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 25h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 25h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 29h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 27h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 32h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $205 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 31h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 34h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $159 |
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 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 | |
· | 1:25 PM Raleigh, Bus Station | 26h50 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 3:15 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 29h50 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 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 | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 11:25 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 31h45 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:25 PM Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon), NC | 33h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
+ 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 | 26h40 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus+![]() | 6:20 AM Raleigh, Bus Station | 27h05 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 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 | |
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 22h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $100 if you book in advance.
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 22h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $100 |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 24h 15m |
First bus 12:10 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 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 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.

Most Raleigh, NC to Chicago, IL buses use the Raleigh, Bus Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Raleigh, Bus Station is 4 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, Bus Station.
Available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, Bus Station: Station is accessible via ramps.
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon). ATMs are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon).
Available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh, New Bern Avenue (Exxon): Station is accessible for passengers with disabilities.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need