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Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Charlotte. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Charlotte usually takes around 23 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 588 mi (945 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 20m |
| Cheapest price | US$82.47 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Barons Bus Lines |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Charlotte?
US$83.97 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Charlotte. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$146 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Charlotte in March, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$179 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 28 days in advance to save up to US$65.57.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Charlotte?
There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Charlotte available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Barons Bus Lines offers the most choice in regards to departure times, with a couple of different times on its daily bus schedule.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 21h 41m | US$145.00 |
| FlixBus US | 6 | 21h 55m | US$102.85 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 22h 55m | US$381.88 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charlotte from US$145. There are 2 Barons Bus Lines schedules from Chicago to Charlotte and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Charlotte. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Charlotte from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station. In Charlotte, Barons Bus Lines arrives at 518 W 4Th St and no other station.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charlotte takes 21 hours and 41 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Charlotte in 18 hours and 20 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Charlotte.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 6 trips per day from Chicago to Charlotte, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 945 kilometers from Chicago to Charlotte. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours and 20 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Charlotte for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Charlotte, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Charlotte every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Charlotte; ticket prices start at US$133.00.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Charlotte
A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Charlotte leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
3501 S California Ave
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Charlotte?
Image credit: City Dweller 2
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 518 W 4Th St
The bus station at 518 W 4th St in Charlotte welcomes travelers on journeys to destinations including New York City, Washington, DC, and Atlanta. Both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines bus services operate from this station, and available inside the station are restrooms, an ATM, and vending machines. Downtown Charlotte is within a few minutes’ walk, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. For those continuing their travels from Charlotte by train, the bus station is just 2 miles from Charlotte’s Amtrak station.
Bus stations in Charlotte:
518 W 4Th St
4705 N Tryon St.
3301-400 Freedom Dr
419 E 7th St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Charlotte to Chicago?
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