Cheap bus tickets from Newark to Chicago
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Bus from Newark to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 11 intercity buses per day from Newark to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Newark to Chicago usually takes around 21 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 16 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 702 mi (1130 km) |
| Shortest duration | 16h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $81.98 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Newark to Chicago Bus Schedule
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There are several bus options that can take you from Newark to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Newark to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Newark to Chicago cost $116.84 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 Newark to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Newark to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $94 to $180. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $125.
Average bus ticket prices from Newark to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Newark to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $136. If you're planning to take the bus from Newark to Chicago during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $166. 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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $110.61 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Newark to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Newark to Chicago, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 6 | 22h 26m | $183.31 |
| FlixBus US | 5 | 19h 49m | $159.71 |
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 6 bus trips from Newark to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 26 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $79.96.
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 5 trips per day from Newark to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $159.71.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Newark to Chicago
There are 11 scheduled buses that travel from Newark to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 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 Newark to Chicago; ticket prices start at $168.
TRIPS PER DAY
11
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 21 hours and 23 minutes to cover the 702 miles from Newark to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 16 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
702
DISTANCE (KM)
1130
The first bus leaves at 7:30am and the last bus leaves at 11:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Newark to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
7:30am
LATEST BUS
11:35pm
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.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Newark
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?
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 Newark?
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