Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to New Orleans
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Coach from Chicago to New Orleans: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to New Orleans. Travelling by coach from Chicago to New Orleans usually takes around 1 day, 1 hour and 41 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 20 hours.
- Distance
- 835 mi (1344 km)
- Shortest duration
- 20h
- Cheapest price
- £69.82
- Trips per day
- 5
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 1
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Chicago to New Orleans Coach Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to New Orleans?
There are usually 3 daily train trips from Chicago to New Orleans.
Coach | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price£117.43Cheaper | Avg. Price£156.60 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration25h 41m | Duration24h 47mFaster |

There are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to New Orleans:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to New Orleans cost about £89 when you book at the cheapest time, 14 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 New Orleans. 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 to New Orleans by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to New Orleans in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £77 to £133. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 12 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to New Orleans this week, coach tickets are available starting at £90.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to New Orleans by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to New Orleans is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only £92. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to New Orleans during January, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £128. 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 14 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £75.36 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to New Orleans?
There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to New Orleans. FlixBus US connects the two cities by coach, it offers multiple scheduled coaches per day for you to choose from.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 25h 41m | £117.42 |
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 Chicago to New Orleans, and the average ticket for this route costs only £117.42.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to New Orleans
There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to New Orleans every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to New Orleans; ticket prices start at £86.
Trips per day
5
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 1 day, 1 hour and 41 minutes to cover the 835 miles from Chicago to New Orleans. However, the fastest coach only takes 20 hours. 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)
835
Distance (km)
1344
The first coach leaves at 4:45 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to New Orleans, 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 to New Orleans 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the coach, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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 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.
New Orleans



New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred holiday destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travellers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centres of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transport. The airport is located not too far from the city centre, while the city’s main coach and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two coach stations with service to New Orleans.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the coach arrive in New Orleans?
Main arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave

Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transport hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Coaches operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous trams. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
Coach stations in New Orleans:
- Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Need a return trip from New Orleans to Chicago?
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