Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Columbus
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Chicago to Columbus: Journey Information
There are 35 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Columbus. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Columbus usually takes around 11 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 7 hours.
- Distance
- 276 mi (444 km)
- Shortest duration
- 7h
- Cheapest price
- US$43.98
- Trips per day
- 35
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Coach lines
- 3
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Chicago to Columbus Coach Timetable

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Chicago to Columbus (Based on 24 ratings and reviews)
4.0
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5.0
There are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to Columbus:
- Barons Bus Lines: 13 daily coaches from US$60
- FlixBus US: 8 daily coaches from US$44
- Greyhound: 13 daily coaches from US$46
How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Columbus?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Columbus cost about US$70 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 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 to Columbus by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Columbus in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$61 to US$103. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 7 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Columbus this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$69.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Columbus by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to Columbus is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only US$72. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Columbus during June, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$86. 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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$26.17 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Columbus?
There are 3 coach lines from Chicago to Columbus available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 13 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most coaches running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 13 | 14h 22m | US$98.72 |
| FlixBus US | 8 | 10h 26m | US$71.26 |
| Greyhound | 13 | 11h | US$80.64 |
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transport company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of “ride like royalty” with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travellers' Favourite.
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 8 trips per day from Chicago to Columbus, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$71.26.






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 13 coach trips from Chicago to Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from US$45.97.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Columbus
There are 35 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Columbus every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 direct coaches, where you can stay on the same coach without having to transfer to a connecting coach at any point during your trip.
Trips per day
35
Direct trips
7
The coach takes an average of 11 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 276 miles from Chicago to Columbus. However, the fastest coach only takes 7 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)
276
Distance (km)
444
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 Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
4:45am
Latest coach
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach to Columbus 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, 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
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
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.
Columbus



Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.
As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.
Columbus’ busiest coach station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity coach trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. Columbus has had no passenger trains since 1979, when its Union Station was demolished, so the nearest Amtrak trains, such as the Lake Shore Limited and the Capitol Limited, stop in other Ohio cities. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Coaches to Columbus leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the coach arrive in Columbus?
Main arrival station: Columbus (E Mound St)
Coaches arrive in Columbus at 5 stations, depending on which coach line you are travelling with.
Coach stations in Columbus:
- Columbus (E Mound St)
- 100 E Rich St
- Columbus (E Mound St)
- Columbus (Airport)
- 845 N Wilson Rd
Need a return trip from Columbus to Chicago?
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