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Find bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus

Chicago-Columbus Bus Schedule

Bus
$42.00
6:05 AM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
2:50 PM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
BSB
4.5stars
0 transfers
Bus
$42.00
7:30 AM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
4:50 PM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
BSB
4.5stars
1 transfer
Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00
Bus
$94.00
7:30 AM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
8:00 PM
Ohio State Univ - 1739 N High St
BSB
4.5stars
2 transfers
Bus
$94.00
7:30 AM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
8:15 PM
Columbus Intl Arpt
BSB
4.5stars
2 transfers
Bus
$45.00
9:45 AM
Union Station - 225 S Canal St
7:45 PM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
GLI
1 transfer
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Journey Information

Chicago to Columbus bus - cost & duration

Cheapest price$28.00
Shortest Duration7h 45m
Trips per day31
Bus lines3

Buses from Chicago to Columbus

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by bus from Chicago to Columbus during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbus?

Based on daily average prices in last 30 days, $28.00 was the low point for bus fares from Chicago to Columbus. Buses from Columbus to Chicago are similarly priced. Any tickets cheaper than $28.00 could be considered a great deal.

The best way to find cheap deals on bus tickets is by booking as early as possible, since most bus companies increase the price as the travel date approaches. You should book at least 26 days in advance. By doing so, you could save $33.70 on your ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus usually takes around 10 hours and 54 minutes to cover the 276 miles (444 kilometers) from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 45 minutes. The trip is definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable on the bus. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Columbus at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Chicago?

The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Columbus, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 31 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Columbus every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Columbus?

There are 3 bus lines from Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Ohio. With 18 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines610h 17m$60.39
Greyhound1813h 24m$47.40
Miller Transportation79h 14m$62.94

Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Columbus from $35. There are 6 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Columbus and you can expect on average to pay $60 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Columbus. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Columbus from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St, In Columbus, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St and 2 other stations. An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Columbus takes 10 hours and 17 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Columbus in 7 hours and 45 minutes, On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 6 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $62 for a weekend trip to Columbus.

Book Greyhound from Chicago to Columbus from $37. There are 18 trips per day offered by Greyhound from Chicago to Columbus and you can expect on average to pay $47 for a Greyhound ticket to Columbus. In Chicago, Greyhound departs to Columbus from Union Station - 225 S Canal St and 3 other stations. In Columbus, Greyhound arrives at Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St and 2 other stations. An average trip on Greyhound from Chicago to Columbus takes 13 hours and 24 minutes, while the fastest available Greyhound trip will get you to Columbus in 7 hours and 45 minutes, On weekends, Greyhound offers 19 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $48 for a weekend trip to Columbus.

Book Miller Transportation from Chicago to Columbus from $28. There are 7 trips per day offered by Miller Transportation from Chicago to Columbus and you can expect on average to pay $63 for a Miller Transportation ticket to Columbus. In Chicago, Miller Transportation departs to Columbus from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and one other station. In Columbus, Miller Transportation arrives at Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St and 2 other stations. An average trip on Miller Transportation from Chicago to Columbus takes 9 hours and 14 minutes, while the fastest available Miller Transportation trip will get you to Columbus in 7 hours and 45 minutes, On weekends, Miller Transportation offers 7 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $63 for a weekend trip to Columbus.

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Buses to Columbus leave from multiple locations in Chicago, Illinois. These are the 4 most popular bus stations:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • Union Station - 225 S Canal St
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • 5800 N Cumberland Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Columbus?

Buses arrive in Columbus at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with. These are the main bus stations in Columbus, Ohio:

  • Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
  • Columbus Intl Arpt
  • Ohio State Univ - 1739 N High St
  • Intl Arpt

Price trends for buses from Chicago to Columbus

Average prices by travel date

$75$50$25FebMar

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

nena

May 29, 2020 - Visiting family

Barons Bus Lines

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: To watch movies. Pros: Relaxing. Cons: To watch movies.

4.0

Saurin

March 9, 2020 - Business

Miller Transportation

Pros: It was prompt and on or before time coz of tail winds. Cons: Accept digital tickets. Wifi wasn't working. Pros: It was prompt and on or before time coz of tail winds. Cons: Accept digital tickets. Wifi wasn't working.

5.0

Nabbo

January 1, 2020 - Visiting friends

Barons Bus Lines

Pros: Nothing but breaks. Cons: Chair lean back so people can lay down good n watching movie there never been movie playing. Pros: Nothing but breaks. Cons: Chair lean back so people can lay down good n watching movie there never been movie playing.

5.0

Robert

September 9, 2019 - Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: It was fun I drove Tours buses in Alaska so it was good to see from a passager exp. I was in front of handicap so seat wont recline but I made it. Cons: Well first after handicap is off reset seat so anyone in front can recline to relax.. other then that TP was ... Pros: It was fun I drove Tours buses in Alaska so it was good to see from a passager exp. I was in front of handicap so seat wont recline but I made it. Cons: Well first after handicap is off reset seat so anyone in front can recline to relax.. other then that TP was out so women had tough time with restroom duty.. #1 replace 1/4 rolls and always check bathroom for TP..More

5.0

Kim

May 25, 2019 - Visiting family

Barons Bus Lines

I forgot the driver name going but he is so professional a great driver so nice to every customer. I didn't care for the driver when I came back I think Monday he was really late getting us back.I forgot the driver name going but he is so professional a great driver so nice to every customer. I didn't care for the driver when I came back I think Monday he was really late getting us back.

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