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Journey Information
There are 19 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Charlotte. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Charlotte usually takes around 23 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 588 mi (945 km) |
| Shortest duration | 20h 10m |
| Cheapest price | $59.98 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 4 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Charlotte?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Charlotte cost $105.48 on average. 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 Charlotte. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
Bus tickets from Chicago to Charlotte are expected to cost between $100 and $196 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Charlotte within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $109. 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
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 27 days in advance to save up to $81.70.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Charlotte?
There are 4 bus lines from Chicago to Charlotte available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 19 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 21h 40m | $145.00 |
| FlixBus US | 6 | 1d 1h 23m | $153.03 |
| Greyhound | 19 | 23h 1m | $135.38 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 23h 55m | $380.00 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charlotte from $145. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charlotte and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Charlotte. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Charlotte from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Charlotte, Barons Bus Lines arrives at 518 W 4Th St .
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charlotte takes 21 hours and 40 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Charlotte in 20 hours and 10 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Charlotte.
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 to Charlotte, 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 19 bus trips from Chicago to Charlotte every day, with the average journey taking around 23 hours and 1 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Charlotte usually start from $63.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 29 minutes to cover the 588 miles from Chicago to Charlotte. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 10 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Charlotte, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
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 Charlotte, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 19 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Charlotte every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Charlotte; ticket prices start at $170.00.
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.
Charlotte
A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.
Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.
Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Charlotte leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Charlotte?
Image credit: City Dweller 2
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 518 W 4Th St
The bus station at 518 W 4th St in Charlotte welcomes travelers on journeys to destinations including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines bus services operate from this station, and available inside the station are restrooms, an ATM, and vending machines. Downtown Charlotte is within a few minutes’ walk, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. For those continuing their travels from Charlotte by train, the bus station is just 2 miles from Charlotte’s Amtrak station.
All bus stations in Charlotte:
518 W 4Th St
419 E 7th St
3301-400 Freedom Dr
4705 N Tryon St.
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