Cheap coach tickets from Washington DC to Chicago, IL
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Coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL: Journey Information
There are 19 intercity coaches per day from Washington DC to Chicago, IL. Travelling by coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL usually takes around 1 day and 44 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 17 hours and 10 minutes.
- Distance
- 594 mi (955 km)
- Shortest duration
- 17h 10m
- Cheapest price
- US$66.98
- Trips per day
- 19
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Coach lines
- 2
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Washington DC to Chicago, IL Coach Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Washington DC to Chicago, IL?
There are usually 3 daily train trips from Washington DC to Chicago, IL.
Coach | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$141.52Cheaper | Avg. PriceUS$274.84 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips19 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration24h 44m | Duration22h 56mFaster |

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Washington DC to Chicago, IL (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several coach options that can take you from Washington DC to Chicago, IL:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Washington DC to Chicago, IL?
Coach tickets for a trip from Washington DC to Chicago, IL cost about US$109 when you book at the cheapest time, 24 days ahead. Coach 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 coach is often more affordable than flying to Chicago, IL. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Washington DC to Chicago, IL by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$84 to US$166. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 8 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago, IL this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$103.
Average coach ticket prices from Washington DC to Chicago, IL by month
Taking the coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only US$110. If you're planning to take the coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL during June, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$131. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$70.26 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Washington DC to Chicago, IL?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Washington DC to Chicago, IL that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 14 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 23h 34m | US$150.12 |
| Greyhound | 14 | 25h 25m | US$136.54 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 5 trips per day from Washington DC to Chicago, IL, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$150.12.






Greyhound is the largest nationwide coach 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 coach trips from Washington DC to Chicago, IL every day, with the average journey taking around 1 day, 1 hour and 25 minutes to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago, IL usually start from US$66.98.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Washington DC to Chicago, IL
There are 19 scheduled coaches that travel from Washington DC to Chicago, IL every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct coaches, where you can stay on the same coach without having to transfer to a connecting coach at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Washington DC to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at US$89.
Trips per day
19
Direct trips
3
The coach takes an average of 1 day and 44 minutes to cover the 594 miles from Washington DC to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest coach only takes 17 hours and 10 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
594
Distance (km)
955
The first coach leaves at 1:50 and the last coach leaves at 23:35. To see the times for all coaches from Washington DC to Chicago, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
1:50am
Latest coach
11:35pm
Saturday is usually the day when coaches are busiest, as many travellers take the coach to enjoy the weekend in Chicago, IL. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your coach travel for the beginning of the week.
Most crowded
Saturday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
Washington DC



Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.
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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Washington DC?
Main departure station: Union Station
Coaches to Chicago, IL leave from 3 stations in Washington DC.
All coach stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
- Union Station
- Dupont Cir CT Ave
Where does the coach arrive in Chicago, IL?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Coaches arrive in Chicago, IL at 3 stations, depending on which coach line you are travelling with.
Coach stations in Chicago, IL:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?
Search Coach TicketsPlan your next adventure
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Continue by coach from Chicago, IL
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