Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Philadelphia

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Bus from Chicago to Philadelphia: Journey Information

There are 15 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia usually takes around 21 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance: 664 mi (1068 km)
Shortest duration: 17h 30m
Cheapest price: CZK 1,817.56
Trips per day: 1
Most frequent service: FlixBus US
Bus lines: 2

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Chicago to Philadelphia Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Philadelphia:

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Philadelphia?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Philadelphia cost CZK 2,255 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CZK 1,861 to CZK 3,658. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 28, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at CZK 2,208.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Philadelphia by month

Taking the bus from Chicago to Philadelphia is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only CZK 2,749. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Philadelphia during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 3,983. 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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CZK 2,058.04 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Philadelphia?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Philadelphia that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 11 scheduled trips per day.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	11	20h 53m	CZK 3,479.75
Greyhound	5	21h 57m	CZK 3,445.66

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 11 trips per day from Chicago to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only CZK 3,479.75.
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 5 bus trips from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 21 hours and 57 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from CZK 1,817.56.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia

There are 15 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia; ticket prices start at CZK 2,424.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Chicago to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 hours and 30 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)

664

Distance (km)

1068

The first bus leaves at 4:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:35 PM. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

4:45am

Latest bus

11:35pm

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Philadelphia. 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, 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

Saturday

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.

Philadelphia

We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?

Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.

Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Buses to Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Main arrival station: Philadelphia Bus Terminal

Buses arrive in Philadelphia at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Philadelphia (Bus Terminal)
Park and Ride off Matthews Rd

Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Chicago?

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