Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Cleveland
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Bus from Chicago to Cleveland: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Cleveland. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Cleveland usually takes around 11 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 307 mi (495 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $41.97 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Chicago to Cleveland Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Cleveland?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to Cleveland.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$76.16Cheaper | Avg. Price$114.68 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration11h 13m | Duration6h 48mFaster |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Cleveland (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Cleveland:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Cleveland?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Cleveland cost $53.02 on average. Tickets cheaper than $53.02 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 Cleveland by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Cleveland in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $44 to $77. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Cleveland this week, bus tickets are available starting at $49.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Cleveland by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Cleveland is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only $52. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Cleveland during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $70. 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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $50.15 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Cleveland?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Cleveland, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 11h 13m | $76.16 |
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 Cleveland, and the average ticket for this route costs only $76.16.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Cleveland
There are currently 3 bus carriers that go from Chicago to Cleveland: Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound and Megabus. Greyhound has averages 13 daily trips to Cleveland, which is the most of any bus line, and the journey averages 8 hours and 27 minutes. Out of those 13 daily trips, 9 of them are direct routes that do not require a transfer. Barons Bus Lines has 2 daily trips, with an average duration of 10 hours and 12 minutes. Megabus offers 2 daily routes, but has the fastest duration at 6 hours and 20 minutes.
A direct bus from Chicago to Cleveland takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes. Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound and Megabus all have direct routes, though Megabus exclusively has direct routes, while the other two also include some trips with transfers. For buses with transfers, the longest it would take to get to Cleveland is 8-10 hours.
The cheapest possible ticket you can purchase from Chicago to Cleveland is $10. To get this price, your best bet is to book as early as possible. The average ticket from Chicago to Cleveland is closer to $23. If you were to book two weeks or more ahead of your trip, you’re likely to save an average of $18.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Cleveland 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 Cleveland; ticket prices start at $73.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 307 miles from Chicago to Cleveland. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 50 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)
307
DISTANCE (KM)
495
The first bus leaves at 11:05am and the last bus leaves at 7:40pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Cleveland, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
11:05am
LATEST BUS
7:40pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Cleveland 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, 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
Sunday
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.
Cleveland



An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.
For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.
Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research Center.
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 Cleveland.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Cleveland?
Main arrival station: E. 12th between Rockwell and St. Clair
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Cleveland.
All bus stations in Cleveland:
- E. 12th between Rockwell and St. Clair
Need a return trip from Cleveland to Chicago?
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