Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to New Orleans
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Chicago to New Orleans Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to New Orleans?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to New Orleans.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceNOK 1,382.76 | Avg. PriceNOK 1,943.36 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration1d 0h 47m | Duration1d 0h 49m |
Bus from Chicago to New Orleans: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to New Orleans. Traveling by bus from Chicago to New Orleans usually takes around 24 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 835 mi (1344 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 35m |
| Cheapest price | NOK 673.91 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to New Orleans?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to New Orleans cost NOK 816.94 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 New Orleans by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to New Orleans in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 828 to NOK 1,788. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 13, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to New Orleans this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 828.
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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 1,302.14 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to New Orleans?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to New Orleans. 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 | 1d 0h 52m | NOK 1,592.30 |
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 New Orleans, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to New Orleans
The bus takes an average of 24 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 835 miles from Chicago to New Orleans. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in New Orleans. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to New Orleans, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to New Orleans 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 New Orleans; ticket prices start at NOK 1,123.86.
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.
New Orleans
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
New Orleans is the most populous city in the southern state of Louisiana and one of the most popular party destinations in the whole world. Known as The Big Easy, New Orleans is famous for its distinct French-Spanish architecture, Creole cuisine, and unique music. Around the globe, New Orleans is best known as the host city of Mardi Gras, a late-winter carnival known for flashy costumes and never-ending street parties. Because of that, NOLA is consistently among the preferred vacation destinations among spring breakers and post-grad travelers.
There’s a lot more to New Orleans than just partying, though. While you’re in town, connect with the artistic side of your personality with a visit to the famed New Orleans Museum of Art where you will find the South’s most impressive collection of French and American art. A visit to the Big Easy will not be complete without stopping by some of the city’s iconic cemeteries. Whether you take a guided tour or you explore on your own, you will learn a lot about the area’s history and urban legends.
New Orleans is one of the main economic and commercial centers of the U.S. Gulf Coast region, and as such it is easily accessible by all kinds of transportation. The airport is located not too far from the city center, while the city’s main bus and train station, the Union Passenger Terminal, is placed right in the heart of downtown New Orleans.
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 New Orleans.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in New Orleans?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Opened in 1954 to replace the five depots spread throughout the city, the Union Passenger Terminal connects all of New Orleans’ passenger rail into one iconic building. To this day, it remains the largest transportation hub in New Orleans and is a key link for travel throughout the Southern United States. Three of Amtrak’s long distance train lines end their service at Union Passenger Terminal: the City of New Orleans line from Chicago, the Crescent line from New York City, and the Sunset Limited line from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Buses operated by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also serve this station, as well as public transit which connects to New Orleans’ famous streetcars. At the station, there are shops, a game room, and food for purchase, and the city’s must-visit French Quarter is just a mile away.
All bus stations in New Orleans:
Union Term - 1001 Loyola Ave
Get around town with Moovit
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