The cheapest and fastest buses from State College, PA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$84
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
14 h 45 m
Average duration
17 h 20 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
825 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from State College, PA 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 State College, PA to Chicago, IL will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $84.
Of the 2 buses that leave State College, PA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct buses cover the 825 km distance in an average of 17 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 45 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest buses will take 19 h 55 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.




Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for State College, PA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from State College, PA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €53, and a flight costs an average of €214.
Distance: 512 miles (825 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€73 Average price Cheapest | €142 Average price | €338 Average price |
17h 28m Average total duration 16h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 45m Average total duration 13h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
State College, PA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for State College, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:30 PM State College, PA | 14h40 | 11:10 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:35 PM State College, PA | 19h55 | 7:30 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets State College, PA to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
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.
Nov 07
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Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Bus from State College, PA to Chicago, IL
Distance 512 miles (825 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€53) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 14h 45m |
First bus 06:20 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from State College, PA to Chicago, IL start from as low as $65 (€53) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $89 (€73) depending on the train type and class.
Bus providers: Fullington Trailways from State College, PA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between State College, PA to Chicago, IL with Fullington Trailways for as low as $65 (€53). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Fullington Trailways
FAQs: Bus from State College, PA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from State College, PA 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.

- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from State College, PA to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
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Popular bus stations from State College, PA to Chicago, IL
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