- 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 20
$144
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$163
Fastest journey on Sep 20
1 d 6 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
1 d 9 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
1629 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from St. Petersburg, FL 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $163 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $144.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 1629 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 6 h 15 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 1 d 12 h 20 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 bus as it is the most popular option from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $301 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 34h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $301, while a bus costs an average of $301.
Distance: 1012 miles (1629 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$301 Average price Cheapest | $236 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 8m Average total duration Fastest 33h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $261 (€214) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL costing on average $562 (€460).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 38m.
Tickets start at around $301 (€246) compared to roughly $236 (€193) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-65.19 (€-53.34). The journey takes 33h 38m versus 17h 26m 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 12:45AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 36h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $289 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 36h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $138 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 36h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $273 |
Operator Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority | Departure Time 04:47AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 30h43 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $226 |
Operator Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority | Departure Time 03:27PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 28h43 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $287 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $337 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 30h00 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 30h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority | Departure Time 08:09PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 36h16 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $291 |
The table below shows live departures for St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:05 AM St. Petersburg, FL | 36h20 | 1:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 33h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $301 (€246) but you can travel from only $200 (€164) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1012 miles (1629 km) distance in 26h 50m.
Distance 1012 miles (1629 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $301 (€246) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 26h 50m |
First bus 6:10 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 70 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 St. Petersburg, FL 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 St. Petersburg, FL to Chicago, IL buses use the Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare St. Petersburg, FL and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr is 3 km from St. Petersburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr. ATMs are available at Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr.
Ticket office support is available at Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr.
Available at Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Saint Petersburg, Central Avenue N / Dr Martin Luther King St Jr: Public transport and taxi access.
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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