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Buses from Chicago to Columbus

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Chicago - Columbus Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Information: Chicago to Columbus

There are 18 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Columbus. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Columbus usually takes around 8 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 7 hours,

Distance276 mi (444 km)
Shortest duration7h 0m
Cheapest price$26.99
Trips per day8
Most frequent serviceMiller Transportation
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Chicago to Columbus

(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

WILLIAM

May 29, 2022- Business

Barons Bus Lines

Pros: BaronsisbetterthanGreyhound. Cons: Longerreststops. Tips: LookoutforfallingBuckeyes.

Pros: BaronsisbetterthanGreyhound. Cons: Longerreststops. Tips: LookoutforfallingBuckeyes.

5.0

yolanda

May 28, 2022- Vacation

Miller Transportation

Pros: the bus driver was very professional and kund. Cons: great service. Tips: enjoy the ride.

Pros: the bus driver was very professional and kund. Cons: great service. Tips: enjoy the ride.

5.0

Jennifer

April 24, 2022- Visiting family

Miller Transportation

Pros: I just find that I can purchase my ticket online which is cheaper get my date set for the day I leave out go to the station pick up my ticket and wait for my bus to arrive on time and departure on time it's just real convenient. Cons: The only thing that I feel t...

Pros: I just find that I can purchase my ticket online which is cheaper get my date set for the day I leave out go to the station pick up my ticket and wait for my bus to arrive on time and departure on time it's just real convenient. Cons: The only thing that I feel that can be improved is the amount of people if they put on these buses as long as this covid is still out they should put a certain amount of people on these buses for everyone's safety. Tips: The only chips I have for The Travelers stay safe keep your face covered protect the next person that says are you behind you or beside you let's get rid of this killing germs keep everybody safe thank you.

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5.0

Lakishi

August 9, 2021- Regular commuter

Miller Transportation

Pros: I slept the entire trip it was good. Cons: Everything was fair no complaints. Tips: Keep your mask on.

Pros: I slept the entire trip it was good. Cons: Everything was fair no complaints. Tips: Keep your mask on.

5.0

Emily

May 6, 2021- Visiting family

Miller Transportation

Pros: Cheap, timely, easy. Cons: No covid precautions at all. Unless I missed it, there wasn’t even an announcement to keep masks on.

Pros: Cheap, timely, easy. Cons: No covid precautions at all. Unless I missed it, there wasn’t even an announcement to keep masks on.

Buses from Chicago to Columbus

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbus?

$30.24 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbus. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20JunJul

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Columbus is expected to range from $46 to $52. If you are looking to travel to Columbus within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $47. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $46 and can be found on July 11, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15ASONDJFMAMJJ

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in December. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $53 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Columbus in July, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $56 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 26 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $18.97 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Columbus?

There are 4 bus lines from Chicago to Columbus available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 11 daily trips, Miller Transportation 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 Lines48h 21m$46.39
FlixBus US27h 15m$33.60
Greyhound210h 4m$42.81
Miller Transportation119h 46m$63.19
  • Barons Bus Lines

    Barons Bus Lines

    Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of "ride like royalty" with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Columbus, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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 2 bus trips from Chicago to Columbus every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Columbus usually start from $38.

  • Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation, through its popular bus service Hoosier Ride, connects a number of cities across six states in the Midwest via intercity bus travel. Miller buses keep you connected throughout your journey with free WiFi and power outlets on board. The carrier is consistently rated well for on-time bus arrivals. The trip from Chicago to Columbus usually lasts 9 hours and 46 minutes on Miller Transportation, and ticket prices start at $28.

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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

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 long is the bus ride from Chicago to Columbus?

The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 276 miles from Chicago to Columbus. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours. 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.

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

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking buses from Chicago to Columbus. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the bus and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Chicago?

The first bus leaves at 12:00am 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 18 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Columbus every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 8 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

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.

Columbus

Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.

As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.

Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Columbus leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Canal St

Where does the bus arrive in Columbus?

Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St - CMHGLI2-0

Image credit: Antony-22

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Columbus, Ohio

The Bus Terminal at 111 E Town St is Columbus’ hub for intercity bus service on a variety of carriers including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Miller Transportation, Barons Bus Lines, and Amtrak Thruway. Conveniently located in downtown Columbus, the station’s area features several parking lots, hotels, and fast food restaurants. The waiting area within the station building includes restrooms, vending machines, and even arcade-style games if you’re prone to boredom while waiting for the bus. From this station, you can travel to destinations including Cincinnati, Chicago, and New York.

All bus stations in Columbus:

  • Columbus, Ohio

  • Ohio State University

  • Intl Arpt

  • NE Corner of E Rich St and S 3rd St

  • Columbus Intl Arpt

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