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Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Orlando to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Orlando to Chicago usually takes around 26 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 24 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 986 mi (1587 km) |
| Shortest duration | 24h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $71.98 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Orlando to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Orlando to Chicago cost $112.91 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
Bus tickets from Orlando to Chicago are expected to cost between $120 and $195 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Chicago within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $140. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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 27 days in advance to save up to $150.24.
What bus companies travel from Orlando to Chicago?
There are 3 bus lines from Orlando to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 10 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 1d 2h 15m | $188.34 |
| Greyhound | 9 | 1d 2h 47m | $171.14 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 2d 2h 56m | $340.00 |
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 10 trips per day from Orlando to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 9 bus trips from Orlando to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 26 hours and 47 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $95.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 26 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 986 miles from Orlando to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 24 hours and 25 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.
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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Orlando to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Orlando 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 Orlando to Chicago; ticket prices start at $269.00.
City Information
Orlando
Orlando is the Theme Park Capital of the World, thanks to the high density of thrilling parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND, Gatorland and more. It's no wonder we rated Orlando the #1 travel destination for families. Family vacation or not, if the highlight of your trip is picking out a wand at Ollivanders in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or finally meeting Elsa in the Magic Kingdom, you know we won't judge.
Winter Park and Thornton Park – not more theme parks, we promise – are trendy neighborhoods where you can experience some of Orlando's world-class shopping, dining, and craft beer. You can also immerse yourself in some of Florida's unique wildlife at Orlando Wetlands Park, or the more central Lake Eola Park downtown. Orlando enjoys an average of 233 days of sunshine a year, so even though it's one of the cheapest cities to visit over Spring Break, you'll soak up that sweet, sweet sun almost any time of year.
Craving the ocean? Head a few hours outside Orlando for some of Florida's gorgeous beaches like New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and the Canaveral National Seashore. Two large airports, as well as many bus and train companies with service in the area, mean that traveling from Orlando to other sunny Florida destinations and beyond is a breeze.
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 Orlando?
Image credit: Mark Goebel
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Terminal - 555 N John Young Pkwy
The Bus Terminal at 555 N John Young Pkwy is the primary Greyhound bus station in Orlando, where travelers can catch a bus to other destinations throughout Florida and beyond. The station is located under 3 miles from downtown Orlando and the nearest SunRail station. There is also a Lynx public bus stop which conveniently drops people off right at the Greyhound Bus Terminal. Open 24 hours a day, the bus station provides vending machines if you need a quick bite, and there are also several fast food options within a short walk to fuel up before your trip.
All bus stations in Orlando:
Bus Terminal - 555 N John Young Pkwy
The Florida Mall
Servi Florida Travel
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
3501 S California Ave
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