- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$133
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
20 h 10 m
Average duration
22 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
834 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
It's difficult to get from Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $243. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 24h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $243, and a train costs an average of $584.
Distance: 518 miles (834 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$244 Average price Cheapest | $607 Average price | $132 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 27m Average total duration Fastest 24h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 29m Average total duration 27h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $363 (€297) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average $607 (€497).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 27h 59m.
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 04:35AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 26h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h10 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $133 |
The table below shows live departures for Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:35 AM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 26h35 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· | 12:50 PM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 20h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
· | 12:50 PM Roanoke, Third Street Station, VA | 20h35 | 8:25 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 and bus 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 Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 24h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $243 (€199) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 518 miles (834 km) distance in 19h 35m.
Distance 518 miles (834 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $243 (€199) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 19h 35m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Roanoke, 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 Roanoke, VA to Chicago, IL buses use the Roanoke, Third Street Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Roanoke, VA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need