Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to State College
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Chicago to State College: Journey Information
There are 7 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to State College. Travelling by coach from Chicago to State College usually takes around 16 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 12 hours and 25 minutes.
- Distance
- 512 mi (824 km)
- Shortest duration
- 12h 25m
- Cheapest price
- US$71.96
- Trips per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:
Chicago to State College Coach Timetable

There are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to State College:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Chicago to State College?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to State College cost about US$85 when you book at the cheapest time, 14 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 State College by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to State College in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$89 to US$119. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 11 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to State College this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$89.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to State College by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to State College is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only US$96. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to State College during November, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$120. 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 US$83.98 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to State College?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to State College that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 14h 52m | US$106.28 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 20h 35m | US$112.97 |
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 State College, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$106.28.






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 3 coach trips from Chicago to State College every day, with the average journey taking around 20 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to State College usually start from US$71.96.






Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to State College
There are 7 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to State College 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 to State College; ticket prices start at US$149.
Trips per day
7
Direct trips
3
The coach takes an average of 16 hours and 37 minutes to cover the 512 miles from Chicago to State College. However, the fastest coach only takes 12 hours and 25 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)
512
Distance (km)
824
The first coach leaves at 10:05 and the last coach leaves at 23:10. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to State College, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
10:05am
Latest coach
11:10pm
Saturday is usually the day when coaches are busiest, as many travellers take the coach to enjoy the weekend in State College. 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, 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
Saturday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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.
State College



State College is a college town, hence the name. It is home to Penn State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. As expected, most of the businesses in the area are there to serve the academic clientele, particularly the professors and students living in the area (if you’re one of them, you might want to check out our recommended destinations for college students).
One of the most popular events in State College is the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, which draws over a hundred thousand visitors each year. Aside from Penn State University, the city's major attractions are The Arboretum and the Beaver Stadium.
If you're into culture, history, and the arts, you should check out the Palmer Museum of Art, Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania, and Centre County Historical Society.
While at State College, be sure to try out the waffles at The Original Waffle Shop. Other good places to dine are the Berkey Creamery, Allen Street Grill, and Federal Taphouse. Finally, for some good drinks, stop by Otto's Pub and Brewery.
Getting around State College is a breeze. The local airport, University Park Airport, is a mere 5 miles away from campus. In addition, Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Amtrak Thruway run regularly scheduled coach services from State College to Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, New York City, and beyond.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Coaches to State College leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the coach arrive in State College?
Main arrival station: State College (Airport - SCE)
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in State College.
Coach stations in State College:
- State College (Airport - SCE)
- 152 N Atherton St.
Need a return trip from State College to Chicago?
Search Coach Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book coach and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.




