Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Washington DC
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Chicago to Washington DC Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Washington?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Washington.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 462.67 | Avg. PriceRON 1,078.66 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips14 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration22h 2m | Duration22h 47m |
Bus from Chicago to Washington DC: Journey Information
There are 29 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Washington DC. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Washington DC usually takes around 21 hours and 57 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 | RON 345.97 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Washington
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Washington DC?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Washington DC cost RON 431.84 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 Chicago to Washington DC by travel date
Bus tickets from Chicago to Washington DC are expected to cost between RON 392 and RON 678 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Washington DC within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from RON 461. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 360.51 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Washington DC?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Washington DC that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 19 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 19 | 22h 37m | RON 657.94 |
| Greyhound | 11 | 21h 0m | RON 615.44 |
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 19 trips per day from Chicago to Washington, 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 11 bus trips from Chicago to Washington every day, with the average journey taking around 21 hours and 0 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Washington usually start from RON 346.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Washington DC
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 57 minutes to cover the 594 miles from Chicago 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.
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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Washington DC, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 29 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Washington DC every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 RON 479.88.
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?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Washington DC leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Washington DC?
Main arrival 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
Dupont Cir CT Ave
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