Cheap bus tickets from Charlotte to Chicago
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Bus from Charlotte to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Charlotte to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Charlotte to Chicago usually takes around 21 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 587 mi (945 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 50m |
| Cheapest price | $90.47 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Charlotte to Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Charlotte to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
June 26, 2019 - Business
GreyhoundThere are several bus options that can take you from Charlotte to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Charlotte to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Charlotte to Chicago cost $120.31 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 travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Charlotte to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $104 to $162. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $120.
Average bus ticket prices from Charlotte to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Charlotte to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $148. If you're planning to take the bus from Charlotte to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $207. 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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $110.18 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Charlotte to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Charlotte to Chicago, including FlixBus US, Barons Bus Lines. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 21h 43m | $191.30 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 1 | 21h 5m | $164.89 |
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 Charlotte to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $191.30.






Book Barons Bus Lines from Charlotte to Chicago from $160. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Charlotte to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $164.89 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 21 hours and 5 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $160 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Charlotte to Chicago
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Charlotte to Chicago 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 Charlotte to Chicago; ticket prices start at $171.
TRIPS PER DAY
5
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 587 miles from Charlotte to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
587
DISTANCE (KM)
945
The first bus leaves at 5:05am and the last bus leaves at 5:20pm. To see the times for all buses from Charlotte to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:05am
LATEST BUS
5:20pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
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: 518 W 4Th St

The bus station at 518 W 4th St in Charlotte welcomes travelers on journeys to destinations including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. Both Greyhound and Jefferson Lines bus services operate from this station, and available inside the station are restrooms, an ATM, and vending machines. Downtown Charlotte is within a few minutes’ walk, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers. For those continuing their travels from Charlotte by train, the bus station is just 2 miles from Charlotte’s Amtrak station.
All bus stations in Charlotte:
- 518 W 4Th St
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Charlotte?
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