- 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 19
€59
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€69
Fastest journey on Sep 19
12 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
15 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 19
9
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 €69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €59.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 9 buses from State College, PA to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct buses cover the 825 km distance in an average of 15 h 18 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 12 h 30 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest buses will take 17 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.
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Omio recommends booking the flight 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 an average ticket price of €94 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €94, while a flight costs an average of €538.
Distance: 512 miles (825 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€94 Average price Cheapest | €538 Average price | €95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 44m Average total duration 15h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from State College, PA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is €444 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from State College, PA to Chicago, IL costing on average €538.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 14m.
Tickets start at around €94 compared to roughly €95 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €0.55. The journey takes 15h 14m versus 8h 24m 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 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 01:55AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 12h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €45 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 22h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €68 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €59 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price €64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 23h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €67 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 19h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 15h25 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €58 |
The table below shows live departures for State College, PA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · | 10:25 AM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 22h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 1:25 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 17h45 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 1:25 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 19h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus | 4:25 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 14h45 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ · | 6:55 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 19h50 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 6:55 PM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 16h05 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 7:35 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 19h10 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
· | 7:35 PM State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station), PA | 15h25 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:55 AM State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport), PA | 12h30 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from State College, PA to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 15h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €48 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 09:25, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 512 miles (825 km) distance in 12h 30m.
Distance 512 miles (825 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €48 |
Buses per day 8 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 12h 30m |
First bus 9:25 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 63 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 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.

Most State College, PA to Chicago, IL buses use the State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare State College, PA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport) is 6 km from State College city centre. Public transport options include:
State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport). ATMs are available at State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport).
Ticket office support is available at State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport).
Available at State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at State College, Fox Hill Rd (Regional Airport): The station is accessible for wheelchairs.
State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at State College, N Atherton St (Greyhound Bus Station): Wheelchair accessible with assistance required.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need