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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Albany
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Albany: Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Albany. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Albany usually takes around 24 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 35 minutes.
- Distance
- 711 mi (1144 km)
- Shortest duration
- 20h 35m
- Cheapest price
- $69.96
- Trips per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Chicago to Albany Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Albany:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Albany?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Albany cost $93.58 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 Albany by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Albany in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $97 to $246. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 25, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Albany this week, bus tickets are available starting at $116.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Albany by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Albany is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $149. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Albany during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $227. 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 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $92.68 on your bus ticket compared to booking 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 | 7 | 24h 18m | $164.81 |
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 7 trips per day from Chicago to Albany, and the average ticket for this route costs only $164.81.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Albany
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Albany 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.
Trips per day
7
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 24 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 711 miles from Chicago to Albany. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 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)
711
Distance (km)
1144
The first bus leaves at 4:45am and the last bus leaves at 7:40pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Albany, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
4:45am
Latest bus
7:40pm
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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Thursday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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?
Main 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)
- Albany (SUNY)
Need a return trip from Albany to Chicago?
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