Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Raleigh
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Raleigh?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Chicago to Raleigh.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$122.57 | Avg. Price$101.84 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration1d 5h 10m | Duration23h 55m |
Bus from Chicago to Raleigh: Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Raleigh. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Raleigh usually takes around 28 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 23 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 641 mi (1032 km) |
| Shortest duration | 23h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $89.47 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Raleigh?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Raleigh cost $102.70 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh by month
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 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $122.22 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Raleigh?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Raleigh that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 9 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 9 | 1d 3h 32m | $173.00 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 2d 2h 58m | $305.00 |
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 9 trips per day from Chicago to Raleigh, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Raleigh
The bus takes an average of 28 hours and 48 minutes to cover the 641 miles from Chicago to Raleigh. However, the fastest bus only takes 23 hours and 55 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 10 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Raleigh 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 Raleigh; ticket prices start at $99.00.
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.
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Raleigh leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Raleigh?
Image credit: Sam Opp
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd
The Bus Terminal on Capital Blvd connects Raleigh to other major cities via bus routes on Greyhound and Southeastern Stages. Popular routes from this station head to Atlanta, New York City, and Washington, DC. Restrooms and a snack bar are available within the station, along with a comfortable seating area. Although the bus terminal is about 2 miles northeast of downtown, local public transit stops right outside the station provide easy access to the rest of Raleigh.
All bus stations in Raleigh:
Bus Terminal - 2210 Capital Blvd
3700 New Bern Ave
Tornado Bus Station
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Need a return trip from Raleigh to Chicago?
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