Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Pittsburgh
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Bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh: Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh usually takes around 13 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 409 mi (659 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $50.47 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Pittsburgh Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Chicago to Pittsburgh.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$98.19Cheaper | Avg. Price$184.71 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration13h 56m | Duration9h 25mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Pittsburgh:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh cost $70.08 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Pittsburgh by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $53 to $91. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Pittsburgh this week, bus tickets are available starting at $63.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Pittsburgh by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $71. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $95. 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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $51.15 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 10 | 14h 36m | $101.45 |
| FlixBus US | 7 | 12h 44m | $92.32 |
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 10 bus trips from Chicago to Pittsburgh every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 36 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Pittsburgh usually start from $51.96.
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 Pittsburgh, and the average ticket for this route costs only $92.32.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh 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. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Pittsburgh; ticket prices start at $110.
TRIPS PER DAY
17
DIRECT TRIPS
5
The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 56 minutes to cover the 409 miles from Chicago to Pittsburgh. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 25 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)
409
DISTANCE (KM)
659
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Pittsburgh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Pittsburgh 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
Pittsburgh
Once the epitome of American industrial power, Pittsburgh has recently seen new waves of changes that turn it into a vibrant destination for visitors, especially for families. When in Pittsburgh, don’t miss out on the chance to hop on the Duquesne Incline and get to the top of Mount Washington. You will be rewarded with a panoramic view of where the three rivers collide, which offers plenty of excellent photogenic angles. Culturally-inclined travelers will find the Senator John Heinz History Center the perfect place to spend a day in. It does not just offer exhibitions on the city’s history but also on its baseball and football legacies, as well as Heinz products. Whether you are a sports fan or not, it is worthwhile to check out the Heinz Field, which provides a unique waterfront view.
Pittsburgh’s staple is pierogies, and some of the highest-rated eateries that include the dish on their menu are Pierogies Plus and Penn Brewery. These establishments serve other Eastern European dishes for your enjoyment as well. For traditional American eats, Eleven has an excellent selection.
Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, and Fullington Trailways all provide intercity transit service to Pittsburgh, and visitors can catch their buses at the Grant Street Transportation Center. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the nearby Pittsburgh Union Station. The main airport of the city is the Pittsburgh International Airport, which is located 10 miles west of Downtown. Another alternative is the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport, 44 miles east of the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh?
Main arrival station: Pittsburgh Intermodal/Grant St Trans Ctr
The Grant Street Transportation Center on 11th St is the primary transportation hub of the city. It sits right across the street from the Amtrak Station, and its downtown location makes it convenient to access all of Pittsburgh. The station offers intercity bus services from popular lines such as Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Jefferson Lines, with destinations including New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. Ample parking is available at the station, and surrounding amenities include multiple hotels and takeout venues.
All bus stations in Pittsburgh:
- Pittsburgh Intermodal/Grant St Trans Ctr
Need a return trip from Pittsburgh to Chicago?
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