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Cheap bus tickets from Charlotte to Chicago

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Charlotte to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Charlotte to Chicago?

There are usually 1 daily train trips available from Charlotte to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$162.70
Avg. Price
$291.94
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
12
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
1d 5h 20m
Duration
1d 4h 36m

Bus from Charlotte to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 19 intercity buses per day from Charlotte to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Charlotte to Chicago usually takes around 28 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance588 mi (945 km)
Shortest duration19h 35m
Cheapest price$95.95
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines3

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Charlotte to Chicago

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Matthew

June 26, 2019- Business

Greyhound

Pros: I was able to switch buses in Columbus, Ohio that had me arrive in Chicago 6hrs earlier than originally scheduled! Cons: Availability of food at the stations. Tips: Make sure to bring plenty of food since it is difficult to find places to purchase snacks at various stations along your route.

How much is a bus ticket from Charlotte to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Charlotte to Chicago cost $142.82 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. 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 Charlotte to Chicago by month

$200$160$120$80$40JFMAMJJASOND
Bus tickets from Charlotte to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in February. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $151. On the other hand, traveling on this route during December might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for December trips cost $198, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$250$200$150$100$503020100

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 6 days in advance to save $90.77 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Charlotte to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Charlotte to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 18 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines21d 0h 20m$157.64
FlixBus US181d 5h 9m$211.34
Tornado Bus11d 23h 41m$405.00
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago from $145. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Charlotte, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from 518 W 4Th St . In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago takes 24 hours and 20 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 19 hours and 35 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Chicago.

  • 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 18 trips per day from Charlotte to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Charlotte to Chicago

The bus takes an average of 28 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 588 miles from Charlotte to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 hours and 35 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.

Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, 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 Charlotte to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 19 scheduled buses that travel from Charlotte to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Charlotte to Chicago; ticket prices start at $156.00.

City Information

Charlotte

A mecca for fans of speed in general and for NASCAR in particular, Charlotte is a burgeoning urban center that still retains its southern charm. Even if you are not a hardcore fan of NASCAR, it is still worth taking the time to check it out. Housing more than just plaques dedicated to legendary drivers, the museum also features high-tech exhibits, as well as racing simulators to keep you enthralled. If cars are not your thing, the bustling Uptown area, which houses the city’s top museums such as Discovery Place or Mint Museum Uptown, will offer a day’s worth of interesting facts to enjoy. When you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of Uptown, Freedom Park, located about three miles north of the city center, provides a natural refuge where you can recover.

Charlotte’s food scene is brimming with life, as modernized Southern staples take the city by storm. Perhaps the best place to enjoy the tastiest Southern dishes in town is at Price’s Chicken Coop. If you are looking to enjoy some fine barbecues, Midwood Smokehouse or Noble Smoke might have what you need.

Charlotte’s busiest bus station is at W 4th St in the heart of the city, offering bus trips by several carriers like Greyhound and Jefferson Lines to other cities such as Richmond or New York. The city is served by three Amtrak lines: the Crescent, the Carolinian, and the Piedmont. Travelers can catch these trains at the station on Tryon St in Lockwood. The main airport of the city is the Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which is the sixth-busiest airport in the country. It is located 6 miles from the city center.

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 Charlotte?

Main departure station: 3301-400 Freedom Dr

Buses to Chicago leave from 4 stations in Charlotte.

All bus stations in Charlotte:

  • 3301-400 Freedom Dr

  • 419 E 7th St

  • 518 W 4Th St

  • 4705 N Tryon St.

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • 3501 S California Ave

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