Cheap bus tickets from Atlanta to Chicago
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Bus from Atlanta to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 19 intercity buses per day from Atlanta to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Atlanta to Chicago usually takes around 16 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 589 mi (948 km) |
| Shortest duration | 14h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $70.97 |
| Trips per day | 10 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Atlanta to Chicago Bus Schedule
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There are several bus options that can take you from Atlanta to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Atlanta to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Atlanta to Chicago cost $86.81 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Atlanta to Chicago by travel date
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 $78 to $132. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 14, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $93.
Average bus ticket prices from Atlanta to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Atlanta to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $105. If you're planning to take the bus from Atlanta to Chicago during May, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $131. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $76.94 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Atlanta to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Atlanta to Chicago, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 14 | 16h 48m | $126.35 |
| FlixBus US | 5 | 16h 11m | $119.14 |
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 14 bus trips from Atlanta to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $70.97.
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 Atlanta to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $119.14.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Atlanta to Chicago
There are 19 scheduled buses that travel from Atlanta to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 10 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 $207.
TRIPS PER DAY
19
DIRECT TRIPS
10
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 39 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
589
DISTANCE (KM)
948
The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:59pm. To see the times for all buses from Atlanta to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:15am
LATEST BUS
11:59pm
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, 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Atlanta
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?
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?
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Atlanta?
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