4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$150
Fastest journey
17 h 25 m
Average duration
19 h 55 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
956 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC to Chicago, IL will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 5 buses that leave Washington, DC for Chicago, IL on Fri, Nov 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 28 the direct buses cover the 956 km distance in an average of 19 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 25 m .
On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest buses will take 22 h 5 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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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 34m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €49, and a flight costs an average of €78.
Distance: 594 miles (956 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€93 Average price Cheapest | €153 Average price | €240 Average price |
19h 36m Average total duration 19h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 32m Average total duration 19h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration Fastest 2h 34m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.7kg 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.
Washington, DC to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 20h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00AM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $364 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 22h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Live departures
Washington, DC to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 20h05 | 2:05 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined | 10:00 AM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 19h35 | 5:35 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| +FlixBus | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 20h25 | 12:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined | 3:45 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 22h05 | 1:50 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| 10:35 PM Washington, Columbus Circle, Union Station | 17h25 | 4:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
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Buses from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 19h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 594 miles (956 km) distance in 17h 25m.
Distance 594 miles (956 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 25m |
First bus 01:00 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Washington, DC to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Washington, DC to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $60 (€49). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC 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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
- 05:00-23:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- McDonald's (in the station)
- Shake Shack (in the station)
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 96, 97, D6 Metro: Red Train: Amtrak, MARC, VRE
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Washington, DC
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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