Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Albany
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Chicago to Albany Bus Schedule
Bus from Chicago to Albany: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Albany. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Albany usually takes around 28 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 26 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 711 mi (1144 km) |
| Shortest duration | 26h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $115.46 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Albany?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Albany cost $119.95 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 Albany. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 25 days in advance to save $100.76 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Albany?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Albany. 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 | 4 | 1d 4h 2m | $204.09 |
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 4 trips per day from Chicago to Albany, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Albany
The bus takes an average of 28 hours to cover the 711 miles from Chicago to Albany. However, the fastest bus only takes 26 hours and 25 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, 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 Albany, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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.
Albany
As the capital city of New York state, Albany is blessed with many historic buildings and quaint quarters, making it the perfect city to take a stroll around. One of the city’s top attractions is the famous New York State Capitol Building, a stately structure that has been around since as far as the 19th century. If you wish to learn more about the city’s rich history, head over to Bidwell House museum, which is actually a restored home filled with impressive artifacts. While staying in Albany, do take the time to visit The Egg, a unique-looking building that will certainly satisfy your architectural curiosity.
For a great dinner with a quirky twist, head over to Canvas, Corks and Forks - Schenectady. For some of the best BBQ dishes in town, don’t hesitate to give Warehouse Grill & BBQ a shot.
The busiest bus station in the area is the Albany Bus Terminal. The bus station welcomes buses from New York, Boston, Baltimore, and many other places. The nearest Amtrak train station is located in the neighboring town of Rensselaer, NY. The city’s principal airport is the Albany International Airport, located six miles northwest of Albany.
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 Albany.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Albany?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Albany Bus Terminal
The Albany Bus Terminal is a busy hub of intercity bus travel in downtown Albany. Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Adirondack Trailways, and Peter Pan operate bus trips that stop at this station. The terminal has customer service staff on-site, as well as restrooms and a small cafe. Several parking lots are available around the station, and a hotel is available just down the street. It is only a few blocks to downtown Albany and the New York State Capitol complex from the station.
All bus stations in Albany:
Albany Bus Terminal
Albany SUNY Bus Stop (Collins Circle)
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Albany to Chicago?
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