Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Washington DC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC: Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC usually takes around 22 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 35 minutes.
- Distance
- 594 mi (955 km)
- Shortest duration
- 16h 35m
- Cheapest price
- NOK 660.86
- Trips per day
- 17
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 2
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Chicago, IL to Washington DC Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago, IL to Washington DC.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 1,237.85Cheaper | Avg. PriceNOK 2,121.95 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration22h 5m | Duration21h 21mFaster |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago, IL to Washington DC (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago, IL to Washington DC:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Washington DC cost about NOK 899 when you book at the cheapest time, 28 days ahead. 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 Chicago, IL to Washington DC by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 784 to NOK 1,360. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 9, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Washington DC this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 954.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Washington DC by month
Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only NOK 1,001. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 1,256. 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 NOK 711.95 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago, IL to Washington DC?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago, IL to Washington DC that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 10 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 6 | 23h 32m | NOK 1,302.92 |
| Greyhound | 10 | 20h 38m | NOK 1,173.20 |
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 6 trips per day from Chicago, IL to Washington DC, and the average ticket for this route costs only NOK 1,302.92.






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 10 bus trips from Chicago, IL to Washington DC every day, with the average journey taking around 20 hours and 38 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington DC usually start from NOK 632.53.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Washington DC
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago, IL to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 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 Chicago, IL to Washington DC; ticket prices start at NOK 1,020.
Trips per day
17
Direct trips
3
The bus takes an average of 22 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 594 miles from Chicago, IL to Washington DC. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 hours and 35 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)
594
Distance (km)
955
The first bus leaves at 4:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
4:45am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Washington DC 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
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.
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, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago, IL?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Washington DC leave from 3 stations in Chicago, IL.
All bus stations in Chicago, IL:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Buses arrive in Washington DC at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
- Union Station
- Dupont Cir CT Ave
Need a return trip from Washington DC to Chicago, IL?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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