Cheap coach tickets from Philadelphia to Chicago

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Coach from Philadelphia to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 13 intercity coaches per day from Philadelphia to Chicago. Travelling by coach from Philadelphia to Chicago usually takes around 20 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound coach can make the trip in 17 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance: 664 mi (1068 km)
Shortest duration: 17h 25m
Cheapest price: NOK 915.74
Trips per day: 13
Most frequent service: Greyhound
Coach lines: 2

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Philadelphia to Chicago Coach Timetable

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for coaches from Philadelphia to Chicago (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.0

3.0

Gloria

16 July 2019 - Business

Greyhound

Pros: The 2nd bus driver was very nice and helpful! He was very stern & direct about others speaking loudly on the phone, which is nice because no one wants to hear others’ vulgar conversations. Cons: Less smoking breaks in between driving. Tips: A passenger brought a big black plastic garbage bag as luggage and was not allowed to put it underneath the bus just an FYI.

There are several coach options that can take you from Philadelphia to Chicago:

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How much is a coach ticket from Philadelphia to Chicago?

Coach tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Chicago cost about NOK 1,252 when you book at the cheapest time, 11 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. 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 Philadelphia to Chicago by travel date

If you're planning to travel by coach from Philadelphia to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 954 to NOK 2,342. 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 this week, coach tickets are available starting at NOK 1,058.

Average coach ticket prices from Philadelphia to Chicago by month

Taking the coach from Philadelphia to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only NOK 1,256. If you're planning to take the coach from Philadelphia to Chicago during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 1,587. 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 11 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 883.06 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Philadelphia to Chicago?

There are two coach lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 10 scheduled trips per day.

Coach	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	3	22h 17m	NOK 1,636.91
Greyhound	10	19h 50m	NOK 1,678.71

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 3 trips per day from Philadelphia to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only NOK 1,636.91.
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 10 coach trips from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 19 hours and 50 minutes to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from NOK 896.85.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Philadelphia to Chicago

Philadelphia is Pennsylvania’s largest city, with an area of 141.6 square miles (367 square kilometres). Its city population is 1,584,138 and metro population is 6,096,120.

The shortest advertised travel duration by coach from Philadelphia to Chicago is 19 hours by Greyhound. Greyhound offers 10 trips per day on this route.

The earliest coach from Philadelphia to Chicago departs at 12:00 am on Greyhound. The latest departs at 9:00 pm.

There are 13 scheduled coaches that travel from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct coach. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different coach at any point during your trip. Direct coaches also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Chicago; ticket prices start at NOK 1,058.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The coach takes an average of 20 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Philadelphia to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 17 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)

664

Distance (km)

1068

The first coach leaves at 2:15 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Philadelphia to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

2:15am

Latest coach

11:55pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach to Chicago 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, 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

Sunday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

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 Philadelphia?

Main departure station: Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)

Philadelphia has two coach stations with service to Chicago.

All coach stations in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)
Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

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

Coach stations in Chicago:

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

Need a return trip from Chicago to Philadelphia?

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