Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale usually takes around 1 day, 8 hours, and 45 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 1 day, 6 hours, and 30 minutes.

Distance: 1169 mi (1881 km)
Shortest duration: 30h 30m
Cheapest price: RON 634.77
Trips per day: 5
Most frequent service: FlixBus US
Bus lines: 1

Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chicago to Fort Lauderdale Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale:

FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from RON 592

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale cost about RON 664 when you book at the cheapest time, 12 days ahead. 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 623 to RON 939. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 6, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Fort Lauderdale this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 652.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale by month

Taking the bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only RON 891. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 1,208. 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 12 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 622.36 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	5	32h 45m	RON 968.99

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 Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 968.99.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale; ticket prices start at RON 815.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 1 day, 8 hours, and 45 minutes to cover the 1,169 miles from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. However, the fastest bus only takes 1 day, 6 hours, and 30 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)

1169

Distance (km)

1881

The first bus leaves at 12:15 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

12:15am

Latest bus

11:55pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Friday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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.

Fort Lauderdale

Nicknamed the Venice of America, Fort Lauderdale offers vast stretches of white sand beaches at affordable prices, allowing the average traveler to enjoy fun under the sun with ease. Fort Lauderdale Beach is the premier destination for beach-goers and nature lovers, and it is noticeably less chaotic than its counterpart at Miami Beach, making it a perfect spot for a quiet and leisurely getaway. Another alternative is the nearby Las Olas Beach, which features clean and refreshing water. Nature lovers can also take an airboat tour to the famous Everglades and get up close to the alligators.

For shopping fans, Sawgrass Mills, a famous shopping outlet with 250 stores, will be a top choice. Don’t forget to take the time for a stroll around the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District and enjoy the setting sun as the day comes to a close.

The Fort Lauderdale Amtrak station is the main train station in the city, offering quick access to other cities in the state of Florida. In the center of town, not too far from the train station, you can find the Greyhound station which is the busiest bus travel hub in Fort Lauderdale. The principal airport in the area is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport which, as its name suggests, is located right in between the two neighboring cities. However, it's also easy to get from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Airport for more flight options.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Chicago has two bus stations with service to Fort Lauderdale.

All bus stations in Chicago:

Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the bus arrive in Fort Lauderdale?

Main arrival station: Broward Blvd Park & Ride

Located in the Victoria Park neighborhood of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Bus Terminal at 515 NE 3rd St is the city’s principal Greyhound bus station. It offers bus service to destinations throughout the South such as Orlando, Atlanta, and Tampa. The station features essential amenities such as a sitting area, restrooms, and vending machines. In addition, a handful of restaurants and bars are available within the surrounding block, and less than a mile south of the station, you can explore Fort Lauderdale’s vibrant downtown.

All bus stations in Fort Lauderdale:

Broward Blvd Park & Ride
Ft Lauderdale Intl Airport - 320 Terminal Drive

Need a return trip from Fort Lauderdale to Chicago?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.