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Atlanta to Chicago bus

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Atlanta to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 16 intercity buses per day from Atlanta to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Atlanta to Chicago usually takes around 16 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance589 mi (948 km)
Shortest duration14h 5m
Cheapest price$78.98
Trips per day13
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Atlanta to Chicago

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Sarvan Kumar

January 19, 2023- Vacation

Greyhound

Pros: Trip is good but seat was uncomfortable. Cons: It should be soft seat. Tips: Nashville to Chicago, driver was very nice.

5.0

Yvonne

December 23, 2021- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: I like that we were all sitting seperately which made me feel safe.the time diferencie from atlanta to chgo.is why we were sn hour behind. I never heard of wanderu but. I will recommend yo my family and friends. Cons: Everything was perfect and the fact that I was able to get a ticket like that in a moments notice before christmas eve was a plus.thank you. Tips: No,everyone was pleasant and the ride went smoothly.

4.0

Catherine

September 7, 2021- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: The drivers were committed to being on time. The facilities at each station were nice and clean. I liked that we had to get out at some stops for breaks. There was always food available and we could walk around. I had a working outlet at my seat to charge my phone. Some of the bus drivers clearly shared the rules with us as we began each journey to ensure we were considerate of each other. Cons: I wish the Seats were more comfortable. It’s time to upgrade your fleet. The seats were worn and it would be nice if the seat part was a little longer or that there was a foot rest that could be extended. Tips: Ramen noodles in a cup are an inexpensive food to travel with because it is light and all you need to get is a cup of hot water which is usually free. It’s great comfort food.

5.0

Lakshmi

September 14, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Pros: it was a very good experience. Tips: you can take it without hesitation.

5.0

Pamela

July 25, 2019- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: It was fast. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Everything was good.

How much is a bus ticket from Atlanta to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Atlanta to Chicago cost $106.04 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

$150$100$50SepOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Atlanta to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $98 to $142. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 23, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $102.

Monthly avg. prices

$150$120$90$60$30NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from Atlanta to Chicago is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $114. If you're planning to take the bus from Atlanta to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $127. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$225$180$135$90$453020100

The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 29 days in advance to save $85.80 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Atlanta to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Atlanta to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 12 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US414h 55m$127.81
Greyhound1217h 8m$130.96

  • 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 4 trips per day from Atlanta 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 12 bus trips from Atlanta to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $79.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 46 minutes to cover the 589 miles from Atlanta to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 5 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Atlanta 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Atlanta to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 16 scheduled buses that travel from Atlanta to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 13 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 Atlanta to Chicago; ticket prices start at $188.00.

City Information

Atlanta

Atlanta, GA - ATL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta, GA - ATL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta, GA - ATL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the Peach State. Located in the heart of America’s South, Atlanta is one of the foremost economic and cultural hubs in the region and the United States in general. As such, it's among the best vacation destinations in Georgia.

The city has played a major role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As a result, across Atlanta you can find various museums and points of interest dedicated to the lives and works of various key figures in those events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta is an important stop on our MLK Jr. itinerary.

Atlanta is also a key hub for the U.S. entertainment industry, and it offers some of the best nightlife experiences in the country. Here, you will find some of the finest craft beer in America and enjoy some of the best and most authentic southern food.

Atlanta is easily accessible by both bus and train from various parts of the country, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s location on the city’s outskirts makes it easy to travel to Atlanta from all over the world.

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 Atlanta?

Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St - ATLGLI-0

Image credit: Cody Allison

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St

Built in 1996, the Atlanta Bus Station at 232 Forsyth Street SW is located close to downtown and is one of the most popular bus stations in the city. Served by Greyhound, Southeastern Stages and Jefferson Lines, this busy intercity bus terminal provides hundreds of connections to major cities. The Atlanta Bus Station offers convenient connections within Atlanta via the adjacent MARTA train station and multiple public bus stops within one block of the station. There are also several hotels and motels in the vicinity, for when you’re ready to relax after a successful day of traveling.

All bus stations in Atlanta:

  • Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

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