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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Portland to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Portland to Chicago usually takes around 36 hours, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 31 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 888 mi (1429 km) |
| Shortest duration | 31h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $164.25 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Portland to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Portland to Chicago. Greyhound is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 2 | 1d 12h 0m | $196.69 |
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 2 bus trips from Portland to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 36 hours and 0 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $164.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 36 hours to cover the 888 miles from Portland to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 31 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.
The first bus leaves at 1:00pm and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Portland to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Portland to Chicago. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Portland, ME to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at $127.00.
City Information
Portland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Portland is Maine's largest city and, because of that, the main transportation hub in the state. From Portland, travelers can easily reach destinations such as Boston, Albany, and even Gainesville, Texas, by a combination of buses, trains, and ferries. And there’s plenty to do in the city, even if you’re traveling solo.
Since its foundation in 1786, Portland has recovered from no less than four major fires, creating a fascinating blend of old and new. The dedicated Arts District around upper Congress Street has a smattering of important museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art, the state's oldest public art institution.
The West End hosts the majority of Portland's historic buildings, creating an olde worlde feel. However, the presence of several well-regarded schools and colleges ensures Portland remains one of the most vibrant small cities in the U.S.
After several years of hardship, the Old Port district has once again become the center of the action. Its attractive cobblestone streets and 19th-century red-brick warehouses now contain a selection of on-trend cafes, bars, and boutique stores. At the same time, it's still possible to watch the time-honored tradition of fishermen unloading their lobster pots onto the foreshore.
East of the downtown area, you'll find Munjoy Hill. It's a district with strong Irish and Italian roots, making it one of the best places in Portland to enjoy the authentic cuisine of Italy. It’s no wonder we named Portland one of our top vacation destinations in Maine.
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 Portland?
Main departure station: Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Greyhound and FlixBus routes to Portland arrive at a Park & Ride lot off I-295 in the East Bayside area of the city. The Park & Ride lot has 200 free parking spaces but no station building. So make sure to use the restroom before heading to the bus stop, and pack any snacks you'll want on the ride. Luckily, there are a handful of coffee shops and bars in the area around the Park & Ride, so you can enjoy a beverage of your choice if you are waiting a while for your bus.
All bus stations in Portland:
Park & Ride - 274 Marginal Way
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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Need a return trip from Chicago to Portland?
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