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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Pittsburgh

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Chicago to Pittsburgh Bus Schedule

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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
€60.57
Avg. Price
€131.66
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
10
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
12h 39m
Duration
9h 25m

Bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh: Journey Information

There are 11 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Pittsburgh. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh usually takes around 12 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance409 mi (659 km)
Shortest duration10h 50m
Cheapest price€44.94
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Pittsburgh?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Pittsburgh cost €54.08 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

€79€53€26AprApr

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Chicago to Pittsburgh is expected to be between €52 and €71. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 8, 2025, when tickets are available for May 8, 2025. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just €56.

Monthly avg. prices

€88€71€53€35€18MJJASONDJFMA
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Pittsburgh, mark your calendar for September. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just €60. However, taking the bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh during December is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of €77. The best way to find deals on a trip in December is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

€132€106€79€53€263020100

The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 29 days in advance to save €55.47 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Pittsburgh that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 6 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US512h 44m€72.82
Greyhound612h 51m€68.03
  • 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 5 trips per day from Chicago to Pittsburgh, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 Pittsburgh every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 51 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Pittsburgh usually start from €43.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Pittsburgh

The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 49 minutes to cover the 409 miles from Chicago to Pittsburgh. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 50 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Pittsburgh for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Pittsburgh, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 11 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Pittsburgh every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 €86.40.

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: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses to Pittsburgh leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh Intermodal Station / Grant St Transportation Ctr  - PGHIMS-0

Image credit: An Errant Knight

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

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