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Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Columbia. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Columbia usually takes around 15 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 319 mi (514 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €29.19 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Columbia?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Columbia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 10 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 16h 20m | €144.98 |
| Greyhound | 10 | 15h 14m | €54.11 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Chicago to Columbia, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 bus trips from Chicago to Columbia every day, with the average journey taking around 15 hours and 14 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbia usually start from €28.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 14 minutes to cover the 514 kilometers from Chicago to Columbia. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 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 bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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 bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 06:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Columbia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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 vacation 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 neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation 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 bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Columbia leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Columbia?
Main arrival station: Midway Truck Plaza
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Columbia.
Bus stations in Columbia:
Midway Truck Plaza
Wabash Station - E Ash St and N 10th St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Columbia to Chicago?
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