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Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Columbia usually takes around 23 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 21 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 652 mi (1049 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $95.99 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbia?
$124.34 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbia. 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.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Columbia is expected to range from $113 to $155. If you are looking to travel to Columbia within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $124. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $113 and can be found on May 7, 2024.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 25 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$219.80 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Columbia?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Columbia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 14 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 21h 29m | $240.26 |
| Greyhound | 14 | 23h 55m | $160.56 |
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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Columbia, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 14 bus trips from Chicago to Columbia every day, with the average journey taking around 23 hours and 55 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbia usually start from $91.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 1049 kilometers from Chicago to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours and 15 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.
"With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Columbia, book your ticket for the last day of the week."
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Columbia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago, IL to Columbia, SC; ticket prices start at $361.64.
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.
Columbia
As the capital city of South Carolina, Columbia offers plenty of historic attractions and exciting activities that will keep tourists of all ages satisfied. Sitting at the heart of the city is the South Carolina State Museum, which boasts the most impressive collection of permanent and changing exhibits in the state, as well as in the Southeast. One of the top highlights of the museum is its amazing planetarium that has a height of 55 feet. If you are traveling with kids, EdVenture should certainly be on your list. The museum’s prime attraction is a giant 10-year-old with his own fake digestive tracts and vertebrae, allowing kids to explore anatomy with ease. Nature lovers should not miss out on the chance to enjoy an outdoor day at Lake Murray, which features a vast range of activities such as boating, fishing, paddling, etc.
Columbia features an exciting food scene that is brimming with new talents. For an amazing lunch, The Gourmet Shop and their famous chicken salad will be a great choice. If you wish to enjoy a dinner with wine, Lula Drake is the place to be.
Columbia’s principal bus station is located 710-A Buckner Rd on the outskirts of the city. The main Amtrak train station is located on Pulaski St in the heart of downtown near the University of South Carolina campus. Columbia is served by Amtrak’s Silver Service line. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport is the main airport and it is located five miles southwest of the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Buses to Columbia leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Columbia?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd
The Bus Terminal on 710-A Buckner Road is the main intercity bus station in Columbia and is served by several bus companies, including Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. The terminal offers an indoor waiting area with benches, vending machines, and restrooms. Buses leave from this station daily to destinations like Atlanta, Charlotte, Jacksonville, Baltimore, and Orlando. Transport throughout Columbia is also convenient, as the Comet, a public transit bus service, connects the Columbia Bus Terminal with the Amtrak Station and Columbia's airport.
Bus stations in Columbia:
Bus Terminal - 710-A Buckner Rd
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Columbia to Chicago?
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