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There are 18 intercity buses per day from Charlotte to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Charlotte to Chicago usually takes around 27 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 588 mi (945 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 5m |
| Cheapest price | US$81.46 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Overall score for buses from Charlotte to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: I was able to switch buses in Columbus, Ohio that had me arrive in Chicago 6hrs earlier than originally scheduled! Cons: Availability of food at the stations. Tips: Make sure to bring plenty of food since it is difficult to find places to purchase snacks at various stations along your route.
US$98.16 is the average price of a bus ticket from Charlotte to Chicago. 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.
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 25 days in advance to save US$132.35 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
There are 3 bus lines from Charlotte to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 17 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 1d 0h 20m | US$157.50 |
| FlixBus US | 17 | 1d 3h 47m | US$179.43 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 23h 41m | US$387.39 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago from US$145. There are 2 Barons Bus Lines schedules from Charlotte to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Charlotte, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from 518 W 4Th St and no other station. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago takes 24 hours and 20 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 19 hours and 5 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
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 17 trips per day from Charlotte to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
The bus takes an average of 27 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 945 kilometers from Charlotte to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 hours and 5 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.
"Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Charlotte to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 18 scheduled buses that travel from Charlotte to Chicago 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 Charlotte to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$150.00.
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.
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.
Buses to Chicago leave from 4 stations in Charlotte.
419 E 7th St
3301-400 Freedom Dr
518 W 4Th St
4705 N Tryon St.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionBuses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
3501 S California Ave
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