Cheap bus tickets from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL. Traveling by bus from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL usually takes around 25 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 23 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 637 mi (1025 km) |
| Shortest duration | 23h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $81.95 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Utica to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Utica to Chicago?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$144.53Cheaper | Avg. Price$357.51 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration25h 11m | Duration14h 22mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Utica to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL?
Bus tickets for a trip from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL cost $91.94 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 bus ticket prices from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $89 to $112. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 14, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago, IL this week, bus tickets are available starting at $112.
Average bus ticket prices from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL by month
Taking the bus from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $89. If you're planning to take the bus from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $186. 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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $58.49 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Utica to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Utica to Chicago, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 25h 11m | $144.53 |
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 2 trips per day from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL, and the average ticket for this route costs only $144.53.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Utica to Chicago
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL. 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 Utica, NY to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at $141.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 25 hours and 11 minutes to cover the 637 miles from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 23 hours and 15 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)
637
DISTANCE (KM)
1025
The first bus leaves at 9:50pm and the last bus leaves at 9:50pm. To see the times for all buses from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
9:50pm
LATEST BUS
9:50pm
Because many passengers travel from Utica, NY to Chicago, IL at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Thursday
City Information
Utica, NY
Utica is a city in western New York, the county seat of Oneida County, and the tenth-largest city in the state. The town is famous for its greens, pies, and riggies (a.k.a. spicy, creamy chicken rigatoni), but Utica has so much more going for it than a delicious pasta dish.
If you’re in town during the second weekend of July, you can join in (or sit back and watch) the Boilermaker, a 15-kilometer footrace covering miles of hilly terrain both in and out of the city. Another main attraction in the city is the Utica Zoo, which has Red Pandas, Arctic foxes, Brazilian Rainbow Boas, and so much more. Afterward, stroll through the lush grounds of Roscoe Conkling Park, 625-acre of green encompassing the zoo.
The Stanley Theatre is another big attraction for the city, and it’s an absolute must-see. Originally built in 1928, the theatre has the perfect mix of Classic Hollywood charm and all the modern amenities. Come for a historical tour, host an event, or settle in for a live performance of your favorite play or musical.
For more history and gorgeous architecture, visit Union Station– either to admire the views or to catch an Amtrak to Niagara Falls, Toronto, Chicago, New York City, and Boston. Or, better yet, hop aboard the Amtrak Adirondack that winds through the wine country of the Hudson Valley into Montreal, showcasing some of the finest views New York State has to offer. Greyhound also has service to Utica with major routes from Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and Washington.
Chicago, IL
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 Utica?
Main departure station: 321 Main St
Most buses depart from the main station in Utica, NY.
All bus stations in Utica:
- 321 Main St
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago, IL 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 Utica?
Search Bus Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.