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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Richmond to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Richmond to Chicago usually takes around 28 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 24 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 619 mi (996 km) |
| Shortest duration | 24h 50m |
| Cheapest price | US$88.97 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Richmond to Chicago?
US$99.47 is the average price of a bus ticket from Richmond 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.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$131 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Richmond to Chicago in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$176 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
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 9 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save US$231.94 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Richmond to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Richmond to Chicago. FlixBus US 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 1d 4h 41m | US$180.34 |
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 5 trips per day from Richmond to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 28 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 996 kilometers from Richmond to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 24 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 Richmond 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 14:00 and the last bus leaves at 22:00. To see the times for all buses from Richmond to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Richmond 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 Richmond to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$121.00.
City Information
Richmond
As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.
Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.
Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast 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 Richmond?
Main departure station: 2910 N Arthur Ashe Blvd
Most buses depart from the main station in Richmond.
All bus stations in Richmond:
2910 N Arthur Ashe Blvd
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Chicago:
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Chicago to Richmond?
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