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Buses from Washington DC to Chicago

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Washington DC - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Washington DC to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Washington DC to Chicago usually takes around 24 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance594 mi (955 km)
Shortest duration17h 40m
Cheapest price$47.00
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines1

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Washington to Chicago

(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Lavell

May 6, 2022

Greyhound

Pros: Well need to be more respectful to the elderly and one day at a time Patience is important in the Greyhound but nice ride. Cons: It what it is just a lot more patient with the drivers as well ass the passengers collaboration to get along. Tips: Courtesy is very i...

Pros: Well need to be more respectful to the elderly and one day at a time Patience is important in the Greyhound but nice ride. Cons: It what it is just a lot more patient with the drivers as well ass the passengers collaboration to get along. Tips: Courtesy is very important.

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How much is a bus ticket from Washington DC to Chicago?

$52.91 is the average price of a bus ticket from Washington DC to Chicago. Any tickets cheaper than $52.91 can be considered a great deal. 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

$75$50$25MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Washington DC to Chicago is expected to range from $52 to $69. If you are looking to travel to Chicago within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $52. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $52 and can be found on May 24, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15JJASONDJFMAM

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in August. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $54 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Chicago in December, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $67 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

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 15 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $23.61 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Washington DC to Chicago?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Washington DC to Chicago. Greyhound connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound41d 0h 2m$58.04
  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus 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 4 bus trips from Washington to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 24 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $47.

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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 long is the bus ride from Washington to Chicago?

The bus takes an average of 24 hours and 2 minutes to cover the 594 miles from Washington DC to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 hours and 40 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.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Washington DC?

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Washington DC to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many bus departures serve Chicago each day?

There are 4 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.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

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 Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All bus stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

All buses from Washington DC arrive at one main station in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

From the Wanderu blog

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