5.0
Pros: Prompt arrival. Cons: Everything was good. Tips: Blanket.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Charleston
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Bus from Chicago to Charleston: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Charleston. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Charleston usually takes around 14 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 12 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 400 mi (643 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h 40m |
| Cheapest price | €49.42 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Charleston
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Charleston?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Charleston cost €75.61 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 Charleston by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Chicago to Charleston is expected to be between €69 and €91. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 20, 2025, when tickets are available for May 20, 2025. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just €70.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Charleston by month
Bus tickets from Chicago to Charleston are at their cheapest average price in September. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around €67. On the other hand, traveling on this route during November might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for November trips cost €92, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 26 days in advance to save €22.45 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Charleston?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Charleston that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 14h 43m | €73.08 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 14h 26m | €83.34 |
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charleston from €73. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charleston and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Charleston. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Charleston from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Charleston, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 300 Reynolds St .
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Charleston takes 14 hours and 43 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Charleston in 12 hours and 40 minutes .
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Charleston.
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 3 bus trips from Chicago to Charleston every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 26 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Charleston usually start from €43.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Charleston
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 400 miles from Chicago to Charleston. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 hours and 40 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Charleston 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, 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 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Charleston, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Charleston 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 Charleston; ticket prices start at €65.95.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Charleston leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Charleston?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 300 Reynolds St
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Charleston.
All bus stations in Charleston:
Bus Station - 300 Reynolds St
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