- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$52
Average price
$56
Fastest journey
6 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 23 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Royal Oak, MI 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 Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around $56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 2 buses that leave Royal Oak, MI for Chicago, IL on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 06 the direct buses cover the 378 km distance in an average of 7 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest buses will take 8 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 234 miles (378 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $65 Average price | $331 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $10 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $65.
A bus is $276 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $331.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 44m.
Bus takes on average 5h 50m.
Tickets start at around $55 compared to roughly $72 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $17. The journey takes 5h 50m versus 4h 11m 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.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 03:45AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 11:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:12PM | Arrival Time 07:02PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20PM | Arrival Time 02:25AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 03:25AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 05:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $48 |
The table below shows live departures for Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Thursday, August 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 2:20 PM Southfield, MI (Greyhound Terminal) | 8h05 | 9:25 PM 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 Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:26, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 234 miles (378 km) distance in 5h 50m.
Distance 234 miles (378 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 50m |
First bus 4:26 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 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 Royal Oak, MI 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 Royal Oak, MI to Chicago, IL buses use the Southfield, MI (Greyhound Terminal) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Use this guide to compare Royal Oak, MI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
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.
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