- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 06
$115
Average ticket price on Sep 06
$125
Fastest journey on Sep 06
20 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 06
21 h 30 m
Buses on Sep 06
17
Distance
993 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $125 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.
It's difficult to get from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus+
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
·
FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $169 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $169, while a flight costs an average of $628.
Distance: 617 miles (993 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$169 Average price Cheapest | $448 Average price | $628 Average price | $242 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 28m Average total duration 21h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 23h 1m Average total duration 22h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration Fastest 4h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 4m 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $279 (€225) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average $448 (€362).
A bus is $459 (€371) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average $628 (€508).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 21h 58m.
Train takes on average 22h 31m.
Tickets start at around $169 (€137) compared to roughly $242 (€196) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $73 (€59). The journey takes 21h 58m versus 12h 4m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 24h10 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 22h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 22h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 28h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 21h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 24h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 29h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 29h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 24h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 23h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 34h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 25h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
The table below shows live departures for Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, September 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 7:00 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 26h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:00 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 24h10 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 8:45 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 22h25 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 8:45 AM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 24h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:10 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 21h00 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 10:10 AM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 22h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:25 AM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 28h50 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · · | 2:00 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 24h45 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 2:00 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 21h00 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 2:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 20h50 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 2:10 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 24h35 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+![]() | 3:35 PM Richmond, 17th St and Ambler, VA | 29h30 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:10 PM Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride), VA | 23h55 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:35 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 34h25 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 10:35 PM Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station), VA | 22h30 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 20 times per day, taking around 21h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $100 (€80) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 617 miles (993 km) distance in 18h 20m.
Distance 617 miles (993 km) |
Average bus duration 21h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $100 (€80) |
Buses per day 20 |
Fastest bus 18h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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 Richmond, VA 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL buses use the Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Richmond, VA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Richmond, E Main St / N 17th St (Richmond Main Station) is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Richmond, 17th St and Ambler is 3 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Richmond, 17th St and Ambler has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Richmond, 17th St and Ambler. ATMs are available at Richmond, 17th St and Ambler.
Ticket office support is available at Richmond, 17th St and Ambler.
Available at Richmond, 17th St and Ambler: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Richmond, 17th St and Ambler: Basic accessibility features are available.
Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride) is 11 km from Richmond city centre. Public transport options include:
Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride). ATMs are available at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride).
Ticket office support is available at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride).
Available at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Richmond, North Parham Road / Fordson Road (Park & Ride): Accessible via designated routes.
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