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Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Newark to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Newark to Chicago usually takes around 22 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 702 mi (1130 km) |
| Shortest duration | 20h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $73.96 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Newark to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
How much is a bus ticket from Newark to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Newark to Chicago cost $94.00 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 prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Newark to Chicago is expected to be between $84 and $127. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 14, 2024, when tickets are available for May 14, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $96.
Monthly average prices
Taking the bus from Newark to Chicago is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $103. If you're planning to take the bus from Newark to Chicago during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $172. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
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 $197.01 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Newark to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Newark to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 15 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 22h 45m | $127.33 |
| Greyhound | 15 | 22h 53m | $130.26 |
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 1 trips per day from Newark to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 15 bus trips from Newark to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $68.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 22 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 702 miles from Newark to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 20 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Newark 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Newark to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Newark 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 Newark to Chicago; ticket prices start at $91.00.
City Information
Newark
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
As the most populous city in New Jersey, Newark offers some excellent museums, parks and restaurants that you can enjoy year-round. Art lovers should stop by the famous Newark Museum to enjoy a rich collection of works by American artists and sculptors. History buffs should check out the New Jersey Historical Society for ongoing exhibitions documenting the state’s rich history.
Located by the Passaic River, Newark offers various places where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. For the best views, head over to the city’s Riverfront Park near the hip Ironbound neighborhood. If you’re seeking more outdoor enjoyment, check out Branch Brook Park where you will find various lakes and plenty of cherry blossoms.
Newark is one of the biggest travel hubs in the United States, which makes it very easily accessible via all types of transportation. The Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the three airports that serves the New York City metro area, and its close proximity to Newark’s Penn Station makes it easy to reach from anywhere via bus or train.
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 Newark?
Main departure station: 1 Raymond Plaza W
Most buses depart from the main station in Newark.
All bus stations in Newark:
1 Raymond Plaza W
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain 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
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