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There are 42 intercity buses per day from New York to Chicago. Traveling by bus from New York to Chicago usually takes around 26 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 21 hours,
| Distance | 711 mi (1144 km) |
| Shortest duration | 21h 0m |
| Cheapest price | CA$101.40 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Overall score for buses from New York to Chicago
(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Immunization Owner traveling. Cons: More Space, Better stops and longer time at stop to rest. 10 minutes 30 minutes not enough. Tips: No.
5.0
Pros: Excellent service. Cons: All perfect. Tips: Nice transportation, always on time.
5.0
Pros: Quick and affordable. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Nope.
CA$145.22 is the average price of a bus ticket from New York to Chicago. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from New York to Chicago is expected to range from CA$127 to CA$210. If you are looking to travel to Chicago within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from CA$145. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are CA$127 and can be found on 14 May 2024.
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 29 days in advance to save up to CA$273.51.
There are two bus lines that have daily service from New York to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 23 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 19 | 1d 4h 14m | CA$242.59 |
| Greyhound | 23 | 1d 0h 57m | CA$222.42 |
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 19 trips per day from New York to Chicago, 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 23 bus trips from New York to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 24 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from CA$99.
The bus takes an average of 26 hours and 9 minutes to cover the 1144 kilometers from New York to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 21 hours. 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.
"Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 01:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from New York to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 42 scheduled buses that travel from New York to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from New York to Chicago; ticket prices start at CA$124.23.
New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.
NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.
With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.
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.
Buses to Chicago leave from 5 stations in New York.
Port Authority - 625 8th Ave
Chinatown - 28 Allen St (eastside b/w Hester and Canal St)
300-310 W 31 St (SW Corner of 31st & 8th Ave)
GW Bridge Bus Station
7-11 - Jd Foods
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionBuses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
CA$51+
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