Find bus tickets from Washington DC to Chicago
Washington DC-Chicago Bus Schedule
Journey Information
Washington DC to Chicago bus - cost & duration
| Cheapest price | $57.00 |
| Shortest Duration | 20h 20m |
| Trips per day | 9 |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Washington to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Chicago?
Based on daily average prices in last 30 days, $57.00 was the low point for bus fares from Washington to Chicago. Buses from Chicago to Washington DC are similarly priced. Any tickets cheaper than $57.00 could be considered a great deal.
The best way to find cheap deals on bus tickets is by booking as early as possible, since most bus companies increase the price as the travel date approaches. You should book at least 27 days in advance. By doing so, you could save $30.32 on your ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
How long is the bus ride?
The bus usually takes around 25 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 594 miles (955 kilometers) from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 20 minutes. The trip is definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable on the bus. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Washington DC to Chicago for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Washington DC?
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many buses are there each day?
There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Washington DC to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses 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 Washington DC to Chicago; ticket prices start at $84.00.
What bus companies travel from Washington DC to Chicago?
There is one bus company that operates from Washington DC to Chicago. Greyhound is the only company that connects the two cities by bus. Fortunately, it has multiple scheduled buses per day, so travelers still have a good amount of choice and flexibility.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 9 | 1d 1h 51m | $68.73 |
Book Greyhound from Washington to Chicago from $57. There are 9 trips per day offered by Greyhound from Washington DC to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $69 for a Greyhound ticket to Chicago. In Washington, Greyhound departs to Chicago from Union Station, In Chicago, Greyhound arrives at Dan Ryan Bus Station and 3 other stations. An average trip on Greyhound from Washington to Chicago takes 25 hours and 51 minutes, while the fastest available Greyhound trip will get you to Chicago in 20 hours and 20 minutes, On weekends, Greyhound offers 10 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Chicago.
Where does the bus leave from in Washington DC?
Most buses depart from the main station in Washington, District of Columbia:
- Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with. These are the main bus stations in Chicago, Illinois:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Union Station - 225 S Canal St
- 5800 N Cumberland Ave
Price trends for buses from Washington DC to Chicago
Average prices by travel date
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Plan your next adventure
- Washington D.C.
- Chicago
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