- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$269
Average price
$345
Fastest journey
2 d 15 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 15 h 38 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2789 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL will cost around $345 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $269.
Of the 3 buses that leave Seattle, WA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Aug 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct buses cover the 2789 km distance in an average of 2 d 15 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 15 h 35 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 the slowest buses will take 2 d 15 h 45 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $121. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $121, and a train costs an average of $143.
Distance: 1733 miles (2789 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$202 Average price Cheapest | $409 Average price | $231 Average price |
68h 11m Average total duration 67h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 25m Average total duration 49h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration Fastest 4h 46m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $29 (€23) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL costing on average $231 (€186).
A bus is $207 (€167) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL costing on average $409 (€330).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 49h 55m.
Bus takes on average 67h 41m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 63h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $405 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $362 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $269 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 70h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
The table below shows live departures for Seattle, WA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 7:45 AM Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) | 70h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
![]() | 5:40 AM Seattle, WA | 63h45 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:50 AM Seattle, WA | 63h35 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:50 AM Seattle, WA | 63h35 | 10:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 67h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $121 (€98) but you can travel from only $107 (€87) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1733 miles (2789 km) distance in 53h 45m.
Distance 1733 miles (2789 km) |
Average bus duration 67h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 (€98) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 53h 45m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 14 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 Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL buses use the Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Seattle, WA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) is 1 km from Seattle city centre. Public transport options include:
Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several eateries within walking distance.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station).
Available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, S Royal Brougham Way / 6th Avenue South (Bus Station): The station is accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.
Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2. ATMs are available at Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2.
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2.
Available at Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, SeaTac Airport Terminal - Bay 2: Accessible services available.
Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington) is 5 km from Seattle city centre. Public transport options include:
Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington). ATMs are available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington).
Ticket office support is available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington).
Available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Seattle, Northeast Campus Parkway / 12th Avenue NE (University of Washington): Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
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.
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