Cheap coach tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington DC

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Coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC: Journey Information

There are 17 intercity coaches per day from Chicago, IL to Washington DC. Travelling by coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC usually takes around 22 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound coach can make the trip in 16 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance
594 mi (955 km)
Shortest duration
16h 35m
Cheapest price
US$69.98
Trips per day
17
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Coach lines
2

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4.8 Rating

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Chiku

Chicago, IL to Washington DC Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?

There are usually 2 daily train trips from Chicago, IL to Washington DC.

Coach
Train
Avg. PriceUS$131.13CheaperAvg. PriceUS$224.33
Daily Trips17Daily Trips2
Duration22h 5mDuration21h 18mFaster
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Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for coaches from Chicago, IL to Washington DC (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Dionysia

15 June 2026 - Visiting family

Greyhound
Pros: There was no transfer Cons: Cleanliness

4.0

Omar

31 July 2023 - Solo travel

Greyhound
Pros: The overall safety of the trip Cons: the cleanliness of the vehicle Tips: Relax and enjoy the ride
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How much is a coach ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?

Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Washington DC cost about US$95 when you book at the cheapest time, 28 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a coach ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Chicago, IL to Washington DC by travel date

US$150US$100US$50NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$84 to US$144. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 5 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$98.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Washington DC by month

US$150US$120US$90US$60US$30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only US$106. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$133. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$175US$140US$105US$70US$3501020

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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$77.12 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?

There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago, IL to Washington DC that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 11 scheduled trips per day.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US623h 32mUS$138.02
Greyhound1120h 37mUS$124.17
  • 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 6 trips per day from Chicago, IL to Washington DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$138.02.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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 11 coach trips from Chicago, IL to Washington DC every day, with the average journey taking around 20 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington DC usually start from US$66.98.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago, IL to Washington DC

There are 17 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago, IL to Washington DC 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 Chicago, IL to Washington DC; ticket prices start at US$108.

Trips per day

17

Direct trips

3

The coach takes an average of 22 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 594 miles from Chicago, IL to Washington DC. However, the fastest coach only takes 16 hours and 35 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 4:45 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago, IL to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

4:45am

Latest coach

11:55pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Chicago, IL to Washington DC 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 coach 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

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 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.

Washington DC

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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.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago, IL?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Coaches to Washington DC leave from 3 stations in Chicago, IL.

All coach stations in Chicago, IL:

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

Where does the coach arrive in Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Coaches arrive in Washington DC at 3 stations, depending on which coach line you are travelling with.

Coach stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station
  • Union Station
  • Dupont Cir CT Ave

Need a return trip from Washington DC to Chicago, IL?

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