- 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
$95
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$108
Fastest journey on Sep 20
19 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
21 h 11 m
Buses on Sep 20
5
Distance
961 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL will cost around $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $95.
It's difficult to get from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $158 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $158, while a flight costs an average of $634.
Distance: 597 miles (961 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$158 Average price Cheapest | $634 Average price | $138 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
18h 24m Average total duration 17h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $476 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $634.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 54m.
Tickets start at around $158 compared to roughly $138 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-19.27. The journey takes 17h 54m versus 10h 18m 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 09:10AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 19h10 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 23h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $95 |
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 Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 17h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $124 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:50, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 597 miles (961 km) distance in 15h 40m.
Distance 597 miles (961 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 15h 40m |
First bus 3:50 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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 Tuscaloosa, AL 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 Tuscaloosa, AL to Chicago, IL buses use the Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Tuscaloosa, AL and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station) is 3 km from Tuscaloosa city centre. Public transport options include:
Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station). ATMs are available at Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station).
Available at Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Tuscaloosa, Greensboro Ave (Bus Station): 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.
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.
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