Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Cincinnati
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Bus from Chicago to Cincinnati: Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Cincinnati. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Cincinnati usually takes around 10 hours and 50 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 | $38.98 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Cincinnati Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Cincinnati?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Chicago to Cincinnati.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$94.16Cheaper | Avg. Price$97.31 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips14 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration10h 50m | Duration8h 32mFaster |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Cincinnati (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Cincinnati:
- FlixBus US: 6 daily buses from $38
- Barons Bus Lines: 5 daily buses from $115
- Greyhound: 4 daily buses from $42
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Cincinnati?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Cincinnati cost $57.71 on average. Tickets cheaper than $57.71 are an excellent bargain. 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 Cincinnati by travel date
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 $70 to $105. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Cincinnati this week, bus tickets are available starting at $79.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Cincinnati by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Cincinnati is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $79. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Cincinnati during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $102. 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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $49.02 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Cincinnati?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Cincinnati, including FlixBus US, Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 6 | 6h 28m | $59.97 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 5 | 15h 34m | $146.18 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 12h 57m | $89.00 |
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 6 trips per day from Chicago to Cincinnati, and the average ticket for this route costs only $59.97.






Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Cincinnati from $115. There are 5 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Cincinnati and you can expect on average to pay $146.18 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 15 hours and 34 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Cincinnati in 12 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 5 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $115 for a weekend trip to Cincinnati.
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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Cincinnati every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Cincinnati usually start from $42.46.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Cincinnati
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Cincinnati every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 $64.
TRIPS PER DAY
14
DIRECT TRIPS
4
The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 50 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
252
DISTANCE (KM)
406
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Cincinnati, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Cincinnati at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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.
Cincinnati



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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Cincinnati leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Cincinnati?
Main arrival station: University of Cincinnati - 2985 Short Vine St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Cincinnati.
All bus stations in Cincinnati:
- University of Cincinnati - 2985 Short Vine St
- Downtown 466-436 E Court St
Need a return trip from Cincinnati to Chicago?
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