Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Baltimore
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Bus from Chicago to Baltimore: Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Baltimore. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Baltimore usually takes around 23 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 605 mi (973 km) |
| Shortest duration | 17h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $70.98 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Baltimore Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Baltimore?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Baltimore.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$150.95Cheaper | Avg. Price$230.66 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration23h 23m | Duration22h 3mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Baltimore:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Baltimore?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Baltimore cost $97.87 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 Baltimore by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Baltimore in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $77 to $155. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 1, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Baltimore this week, bus tickets are available starting at $99.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Baltimore by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Baltimore is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $99. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Baltimore during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $146. 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 $87.19 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Baltimore?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Baltimore, including FlixBus US, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 11 | 25h | $156.85 |
| Greyhound | 6 | 21h 37m | $144.43 |
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 11 trips per day from Chicago to Baltimore, and the average ticket for this route costs only $156.85.
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 6 bus trips from Chicago to Baltimore every day, with the average journey taking around 21 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Baltimore usually start from $68.98.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Baltimore
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Baltimore every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 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 to Baltimore; ticket prices start at $128.
TRIPS PER DAY
17
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 23 minutes to cover the 605 miles from Chicago to Baltimore. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 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)
605
DISTANCE (KM)
973
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Baltimore, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Baltimore at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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
Monday
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.
Baltimore
Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.
Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.
Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.
Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Baltimore 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 Baltimore?
Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 2110 Haines St
The bus terminal located at 2110 Haines St is the main bus station in Baltimore. Opened in 2016, the station serves as the main stop near Downtown Baltimore for the two largest bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city – Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines. The station is served by only one line of Baltimore’s transit bus network. However, a connection is also available to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County bus system. As there aren’t many food options near the Baltimore Bus Terminal, we suggest bringing your own sandwich if you think you’ll get hungry during your trip.
All bus stations in Baltimore:
- Bus Terminal - 2110 Haines St
- 2110 Haines Street
Need a return trip from Baltimore to Chicago?
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