Cheap bus tickets from Cincinnati to Chicago

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from Cincinnati to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 12 intercity buses per day from Cincinnati to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Cincinnati to Chicago usually takes around 9 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance
252 mi (406 km)
Shortest duration
5h 45m
Cheapest price
$38.98
Trips per day
4
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
3

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!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Cincinnati to Chicago Bus Schedule

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

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

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$96.89CheaperAvg. Price$133.83
Daily Trips12Daily Trips1
Duration9h 55mDuration9h 4mFaster
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on bus & train tickets sent directly to you.

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Cincinnati to Chicago (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Jared

July 7, 2026 - Visiting friends

FlixBus US
Pros: Bus arrived on time, the driver was professional, and there was no bad behavior on the bus. Cons: The bus bathroom did not have any toilet paper and was dirty. Tips: Bring your own toilet paper.

5.0

Benjamin

December 1, 2019 - Vacation

OurBus
Pros: Best bus trip experience in awhile! Cons: WiFi was password protected with no password posted anywhere Tips: Recommend ourBus over megabus/greyhound based on this trip.

5.0

Elena

November 3, 2019 - Business

Megabus
Pros: Fast and really good deal Cons: Put WiFi code on the window Tips: It’s affordable, fast and convenient

5.0

Evan

October 25, 2019 - Visiting family

Megabus
Pros: Marvelous mix of kind souls! Cons: WiFi & USB ports fell short of expectations Tips: Smiles make miles seem like seconds

5.0

Nicole

July 27, 2019 - Visiting friends

Megabus

How much is a bus ticket from Cincinnati to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Cincinnati to Chicago cost $79.38 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 Cincinnati to Chicago by travel date

$120$80$40AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Cincinnati to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $76 to $107. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 19, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $81.

Average bus ticket prices from Cincinnati to Chicago by month

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Cincinnati to Chicago is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $71. If you're planning to take the bus from Cincinnati to Chicago during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $107. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$2501020

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 23 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $25.32 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Cincinnati to Chicago?

There are multiple buses that travel from Cincinnati to Chicago, including FlixBus US, Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US87h 39m$73.16
Barons Bus Lines415h 36m$156.52
Greyhound211h 14m$53.75
  • 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 8 trips per day from Cincinnati to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $73.16.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Cincinnati to Chicago from $115. There are 4 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Cincinnati to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $156.52 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Cincinnati, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Downtown 466-436 E Court St and one other station. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Cincinnati to Chicago takes 15 hours and 36 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 13 hours and 5 minutes.

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $115 for a weekend trip to Chicago.

  • 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 2 bus trips from Cincinnati to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 14 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $48.96.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Cincinnati to Chicago

There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Cincinnati to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 Cincinnati to Chicago; ticket prices start at $65.

TRIPS PER DAY

12

DIRECT TRIPS

4

The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 252 miles from Cincinnati to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 45 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)

252

DISTANCE (KM)

406

The first bus leaves at 5:40am and the last bus leaves at 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Cincinnati to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

5:40am

LATEST BUS

2:00pm

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

MOST CROWDED

Thursday

LEAST CROWDED

Wednesday

City Information

Cincinnati

CIN-0CIN-1CIN-2

A city famous for its idyllic beauty and quaint quarters, Cincinnati is the destination for tourists who wish to stay away from a large crowd. On a bright sunny day in Cincinnati, head over to Eden Park. Encompassing over 183 acres of green space and tree groves, the park lives up to its name, and there are some scenic ponds where you can unwind as well as take a few amazing pictures. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum might sound like a scary place to visit, but its tranquility and amazing landscape design, which was ahead of its time, will make it worth the while to check it out. For those who still crave some liveliness, watching a game at the Great American Ball Park, home of the oldest professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds, will be an unforgettable experience.

Cincinnati features a very diverse food scene in spite of its German roots. If you are looking to try out some refreshing Mediterranean dishes, head over to Abigail Street, one of the local favorites. For authentic German dishes, the door at Mecklenburg Gardens welcomes you.

There’s not a central bus station in the city, as each of the different bus carriers serving Cincinnati operates out of a different location. The principal Amtrak train station is the Union Terminal on Western Ave. Cincinnati is served by Amtrak’s Cardinal line. The city’s main airport is the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located in Hebron, Kentucky.

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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 Cincinnati?

Main departure station: Downtown 466-436 E Court St

Cincinnati has two bus stations with service to Chicago.

All bus stations in Cincinnati:

  • Downtown 466-436 E Court St
  • University of Cincinnati - 2985 Short Vine St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Need a return trip from Chicago to Cincinnati?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.