1.0
Pros: Cost-effective. Cons: Professionalism of staff. My driver was rude to passengers and used curse language with many children aboard. My experience was so poor I decided to take a loss and not take a bus back to Pittsburgh. Tips: Don’t.
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Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Pittsburgh to Chicago usually takes around 13 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 409 mi (659 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 50m |
| Cheapest price | US$43.45 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for buses from Pittsburgh to Chicago
(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
4.2
How much is a bus ticket from Pittsburgh to Chicago?
US$61.12 is the average price of a bus ticket from Pittsburgh to Chicago. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper 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.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Pittsburgh to Chicago is expected to range from US$56 to US$77. If you are looking to travel to Chicago within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from US$62. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are US$56 and can be found on 16 May 2024.
Monthly average prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Pittsburgh to Chicago, mark your calendar for June. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just US$71. However, taking the bus from Pittsburgh to Chicago during November is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of US$88. The best way to find deals on a trip in November is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save US$113.04 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Pittsburgh to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Pittsburgh to Chicago. Greyhound connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 14 | 13h 1m | US$84.61 |
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 14 bus trips from Pittsburgh to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 13 hours and 1 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from US$43.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 13 hours to cover the 659 kilometers from Pittsburgh to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 50 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.
"Because many passengers travel from Pittsburgh to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 00:00 and the last bus leaves at 18:00. To see the times for all buses from Pittsburgh to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Pittsburgh to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Pittsburgh to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$73.00.
City Information
Pittsburgh
Once the epitome of American industrial power, Pittsburgh has recently seen new waves of changes that turn it into a vibrant destination for visitors, especially for families. When in Pittsburgh, don’t miss out on the chance to hop on the Duquesne Incline and get to the top of Mount Washington. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of where the three rivers collide, which offers plenty of excellent photogenic angles. Culturally-inclined travelers will find the Senator John Heinz History Center the perfect place to spend a day in. It does not just offer exhibitions on the city’s history but also on its baseball and football legacies, as well as Heinz products. Whether you are a sports fan or not, it is worthwhile to check out the Heinz Field, which provides a unique waterfront view.
Pittsburgh’s staple is pierogies, and some of the highest-rated eateries that include the dish on their menu are Pierogies Plus and Penn Brewery. These establishments serve other Eastern European dishes for your enjoyment as well. For traditional American eats, Eleven has an excellent selection.
Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, and Fullington Trailways all provide intercity transit service to Pittsburgh, and visitors can catch their buses at the Grant Street Transportation Center. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the nearby Pittsburgh Union Station. The main airport of the city is the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 10 miles west of Downtown. Another alternative is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, 44 miles east of the city.
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 Pittsburgh?
Image credit: An Errant Knight
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Pittsburgh Intermodal/Grant St Trans Ctr
The Grant Street Transportation Center on 11th St is the primary transportation hub of the city. It sits right across the street from the Amtrak Station, and its downtown location makes it convenient to access all of Pittsburgh. The station offers intercity bus services from popular lines such as Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Jefferson Lines, with destinations including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Ample parking is available at the station, and surrounding amenities include multiple hotels and takeout venues.
All bus stations in Pittsburgh:
Pittsburgh Intermodal/Grant St Trans Ctr
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
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