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Cheap bus tickets from Cleveland to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Cleveland to Chicago Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Cleveland to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€51.70
Avg. Price
€55.69
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
12
Daily Trips
2
Duration
Duration
10h 55m
Duration
6h 57m

Bus from Cleveland to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 11 intercity buses per day from Cleveland to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Cleveland to Chicago usually takes around 11 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 25 minutes.

Distance307 mi (495 km)
Shortest duration7h 25m
Cheapest price€35.61
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Cleveland to Chicago

(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Rachel

December 24, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Honestly, a much better experience than a plane. 6.5 hours of travel is comparable to a plane Checkin, travel, and security. I’d absolutely take this bus ride again for this route.

5.0

Daniel

October 15, 2019- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: We arrived a few minutes early in Cleveland. Cons: Instead of making multiple short bathroom stops, perhaps it would be better just to make one in the middle of the trip so that there is more time to get dinner at the travel station.

4.0

Judith

October 12, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Pros: It was so easy- no extra time waiting around- stress free. Cons: ability to charge cell phone On the way there the driver was sort of rude- On the way home the driver was delightful. Tips: chilly in bus- bring an extra sweater or a little throw.

5.0

Daniela

October 1, 2019- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: Great deal, great driver, clean bus, on time! Cons: There was no Wi-Fi and that sucked a bit. There was no plugs so all your devices had to be charged. For such a long trip that was inconvenient. Tips: Charge your devices and bring a book.

How much is a bus ticket from Cleveland to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Cleveland to Chicago cost €44.90 on average. Tickets cheaper than €44.90 are an excellent bargain. 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 Cleveland to Chicago by month

€64€51€38€25€13MAMJJASONDJF
Taking the bus from Cleveland to Chicago is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only €46. If you're planning to take the bus from Cleveland to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €60. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

€85€68€51€34€173020100

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 €23.76 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Cleveland to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Cleveland to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 10 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines17h 40m€46.51
Greyhound1011h 27m€59.10

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Cleveland to Chicago from €38. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Cleveland to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Cleveland, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave . In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Cleveland to Chicago takes 7 hours and 40 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 7 hours and 25 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway 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 10 bus trips from Cleveland to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 27 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from €36.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Cleveland to Chicago

The distance from Cleveland to Chicago is about 343 miles. Several bus carriers make this trip, including Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines and Megabus. Depending on which bus line you choose, it will take between 6 and 10 hours to reach Chicago.
On average, you can expect to pay $29.29 for a Megabus ticket from Cleveland to Chicago. If you’re the first person to purchase a Megabus ticket for your trip, you’ll pay just $1.
According to the 2018 census, the city of Cleveland has a population of 383,793. The Cleveland metro area (usually called Greater Cleveland) has a population of 2,057,009. That number includes the city’s population and the surrounding area.

The bus takes an average of 11 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 307 miles from Cleveland to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 25 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Cleveland to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 11 scheduled buses that travel from Cleveland 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 Cleveland to Chicago; ticket prices start at €34.78.

City Information

Cleveland

An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.

For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.

Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research 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 Cleveland?

Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave - CLEGLI-0

Image credit: Eli Pousson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave

Cleveland’s Bus Terminal at 1465 Chester Ave opened in 1948 amid wide celebration for its unique Streamline Moderne design. The aerodynamic architectural style, typical of Greyhound’s stations in big cities across the country, landed this station in the US National Register of Historic Places. Although the station was opened for Greyhound service, today, the station also serves Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Jefferson Lines. Vending machines and a snack bar in the station give you a chance to fuel up or take a short walk to one of several nearby cafés. The station sits in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and the Amtrak station is only 1 mile away.

All bus stations in Cleveland:

  • Bus Terminal - 1465 Chester Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

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

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