Cheap bus tickets from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL

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Bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL: Journey Information

There are 12 intercity buses per day from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL. Travelling by bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL usually takes around 1 day, 3 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance
619 mi (996 km)
Shortest duration
20h 30m
Cheapest price
CHF 81.81
Trips per day
12
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
1

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Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL?

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL.

Bus
Train
Avg. PriceCHF 138.49CheaperAvg. PriceCHF 231.50
Daily Trips12Daily Trips5
Duration27h 21mDuration26h 2mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL?

Bus tickets for a trip from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL cost about CHF 88 when you book at the cheapest time, 19 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago, IL. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average bus ticket prices from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL by travel date

CHF 165CHF 110CHF 55NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CHF 90 to CHF 157. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 12, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago, IL this week, bus tickets are available starting at CHF 107.

Average bus ticket prices from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL by month

CHF 175CHF 140CHF 105CHF 70CHF 35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only CHF 115. If you're planning to take the bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 163. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

CHF 250CHF 200CHF 150CHF 100CHF 5001020

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 19 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CHF 159.96 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US1227h 21mCHF 138.49
  • 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 12 trips per day from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL, and the average ticket for this route costs only CHF 138.49.

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Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL

There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL 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 Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at CHF 94.

Trips per day

12

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 1 day, 3 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 996 kilometres from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 30 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.

Distance (mi)

619

Distance (km)

996

The first bus leaves at 4:35 a.m. and the last bus leaves at 10:10 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

4:35am

Latest bus

10:10pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Richmond, VA to Chicago, IL 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Friday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Richmond

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As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travellers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favourites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Richmond, VA?

Main departure station: 17th St and Ambler

Richmond, VA has two bus stations with service to Chicago, IL.

All bus stations in Richmond, VA:

  • 17th St and Ambler
  • Main St Station Plaza

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago, IL?

Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses arrive in Chicago, IL at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are travelling with.

All bus stations in Chicago, IL:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Richmond, VA?

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