Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Philadelphia
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Bus from Chicago to Philadelphia: Journey Information
There are 13 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Philadelphia. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia usually takes around 21 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 664 mi (1068 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 10m |
| Cheapest price | $77.46 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| 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 detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Philadelphia?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Philadelphia cost $110.39 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 $81 to $142. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 14, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Philadelphia this week, bus tickets are available starting at $104.
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 $114. 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 $186. 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 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $114.71 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Philadelphia?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Philadelphia, including FlixBus US, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 7 | 21h 18m | $178.24 |
| Greyhound | 6 | 22h 3m | $185.45 |
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 7 trips per day from Chicago to Philadelphia, and the average ticket for this route costs only $178.24.
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 6 bus trips from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Philadelphia usually start from $78.46.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Philadelphia
There are 13 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Philadelphia every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Philadelphia; ticket prices start at $132.
TRIPS PER DAY
13
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Chicago to Philadelphia. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours and 10 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 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Philadelphia, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Philadelphia 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.
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
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
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Philadelphia.
All bus stations in Philadelphia:
- Philadelphia Bus Terminal
Need a return trip from Philadelphia to Chicago?
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