Cheap bus tickets from Baltimore to Chicago

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Bus from Baltimore to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 12 intercity buses per day from Baltimore to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Baltimore to Chicago usually takes around 22 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance: 605 mi (973 km)
Shortest duration: 18h 30m
Cheapest price: RON 318.49
Trips per day: 2
Most frequent service: Greyhound
Bus lines: 2

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Baltimore to Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Baltimore to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Sierra

March 11, 2024 - Visiting friends

Greyhound

Tips: Please don’t take calls/listen to music out loud…

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

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Baltimore to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Baltimore to Chicago cost RON 420.80 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 Baltimore to Chicago by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Baltimore to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from RON 369 to RON 503. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 20, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 402.

Average bus ticket prices from Baltimore to Chicago by month

Taking the bus from Baltimore to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only RON 508. If you're planning to take the bus from Baltimore to Chicago during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of RON 674. 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 23 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 339.13 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Baltimore to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Baltimore to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	4	25h 42m	RON 615.81
Greyhound	8	21h 13m	RON 599.36

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 4 trips per day from Baltimore to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 615.81.
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 8 bus trips from Baltimore to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 21 hours and 13 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from RON 318.49.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Baltimore to Chicago

There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Baltimore to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 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 Baltimore to Chicago; ticket prices start at RON 508.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 22 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 605 miles from Baltimore to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 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)

605

Distance (km)

973

The first bus leaves at 12:35am and the last bus leaves at 11:25pm. To see the times for all buses from Baltimore to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

12:35am

Latest bus

11:25pm

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Baltimore to Chicago 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, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

Most crowded

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Baltimore

Baltimore is a seaport in Maryland best known for its crab cakes and baseball legend, Babe Ruth. As there is plenty to see in Charm City, you'll be singing "Good Morning, Baltimore' as soon as you experience all of the sights and activities this quirky town has to offer.

Some of Baltimore's most impressive attractions are centered in and around Inner Harbor. This scenic waterfront is filled with historic ships, dating as far back as the Civil War in the case of the USS Constellation. Alongside shops and restaurants, Inner Harbor also hosts the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several entertainment venues where you can catch live music. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the harbor from atop Federal Hill Park, or if you prefer the view that inspired "The Star Spangled Banner," head out to Fort McHenry, known for its role in the War of 1812.

Baltimore is one of the stops on Wanderu's recommended East Coast wine tour, but don't worry about racking up a hefty tab; luckily, Baltimore is also one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S., with the cheapest bottle of beer going for just $1.42. Enjoy your wine or beer along the Avenue in Hampden, a neighborhood known for its hipster bars, restaurants, and boutiques.

Ready to plan your Baltimore adventure? Numerous bus and train options make Baltimore affordably accessible by ground transportation, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport not only offers hundreds of daily flights, it also is one of the best airports for food in the U.S.

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 Baltimore?

Main departure station: Baltimore Bus Terminal

Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Downtown Bus Station (2110 Haines St) - BALGLI-0

The bus terminal located at 2110 Haines St is the main bus station in Baltimore. Opened in 2016, the station serves as the main stop near Downtown Baltimore for the two largest bus carriers that conduct trips in and out of the city – Greyhound and Peter Pan Bus Lines. The station is served by only one line of Baltimore’s transit bus network. However, a connection is also available to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County bus system. As there aren’t many food options near the Baltimore Bus Terminal, we suggest bringing your own sandwich if you think you’ll get hungry during your trip.

All bus stations in Baltimore:

Bus Terminal - 2110 Haines St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

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

All bus stations in Chicago:

Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Need a return trip from Chicago to Baltimore?

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