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There are 8 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Cincinnati. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Cincinnati usually takes around 11 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 252 mi (406 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 35m |
| Cheapest price | CZK 799.50 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Barons Bus Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Average score for buses from Chicago to Cincinnati
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Pros: Bus driver was nice and interactive. Cons: Drop off area was kind of sketchy. Tips: The bus came early and left exactly on time so be there at least 10-15 minutes early.
5.0
Pros: Fall colors. Cons: WiFi & USB port. Tips: Pack lite, be polite, and smile.
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Cincinnati cost CZK 1,527.42 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.
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Cincinnati in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CZK 1,369 to CZK 1,790. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on July 30, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to Cincinnati this week, bus tickets are available starting at CZK 1,579.
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 28 days in advance to save up to CZK 414.60.
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Cincinnati that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Barons Bus Lines usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 4 | 14h 58m | CZK 2,292.39 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 7h 22m | CZK 1,241.68 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Cincinnati from CZK 1,937. There are 4 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Cincinnati and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Cincinnati. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Cincinnati from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Cincinnati, Barons Bus Lines arrives at University of Cincinnati - 2985 Short Vine St and one other station.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Cincinnati takes 14 hours and 58 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Cincinnati in 5 hours and 35 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Cincinnati.
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 Cincinnati, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 252 miles from Chicago to Cincinnati. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Cincinnati. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Cincinnati, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati; ticket prices start at CZK 1,284.43.
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.
A city famous for its idyllic beauty and quaint quarters, Cincinnati is the destination for tourists who wish to stay away from a large crowd. On a bright sunny day in Cincinnati, head over to Eden Park. Encompassing over 183 acres of green space and tree groves, the park lives up to its name, and there are some scenic ponds where you can unwind as well as take a few amazing pictures. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum might sound like a scary place to visit, but its tranquility and amazing landscape design, which was ahead of its time, will make it worth the while to check it out. For those who still crave some liveliness, watching a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, will be an unforgettable experience.
Cincinnati features a very diverse food scene in spite of its German roots. If you are looking to try out some refreshing Mediterranean dishes, head over to Abigail Street, one of the local favorites. For authentic German dishes, the door at Mecklenburg Gardens welcomes you.
There’s not a central bus station in the city, as each of the different bus carriers serving Cincinnati operates out of a different location. The principal Amtrak train station is the Union Terminal on Western Ave. Cincinnati is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal line. The city’s main airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located in Hebron, Kentucky.
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionChicago has two bus stations with service to Cincinnati.
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Cincinnati.
University of Cincinnati - 2985 Short Vine St
109 Seventh St W
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With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
