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Find bus tickets from Columbus to Chicago

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Columbus-Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus
$42.00
7:25 AM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
3:00 PM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
BSB
4.5stars
0 transfers
Bus
$58.00
7:55 AM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
6:30 PM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
GLI
1 transfer
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Bus
$58.00
7:55 AM
Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
6:05 PM
Dan Ryan Bus Station
GLI
1 transfer
Bus
$85.00
9:50 AM
Intl Arpt
7:35 PM
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
MRT
4.1stars
1 transfer
Bus
$58.00
9:50 AM
Intl Arpt
10:40 PM
Dan Ryan Bus Station
MRT
4.1stars
2 transfers
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Journey Information

Columbus to Chicago bus - cost & duration

Cheapest price$27.00
Shortest Duration7h 25m
Trips per day20
Bus lines3

Buses from Columbus to Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by bus from Columbus to Chicago right now?

We stand behind CDC guidelines that caution passengers against non-essential travel during the coronavirus outbreak. That said, we recognize not everyone is in a position to completely abstain. Whether it’s for work, to take care of family or to get back home, some circumstances inevitably require travel. If you’re one of those individuals who still needs to book a trip, you can continue to do so on Wanderu.

Know that most bus companies are still running at this time, though some have limited service. Visit our COVID-19 travel guide for resources and daily updates on the coronavirus and COVID travel restrictions.

In order to keep vehicles as clean and sanitized as possible, bus companies are taking extra precautions for coronavirus. For details on what various companies are doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

How much is a bus ticket from Columbus to Chicago?

Based on daily average prices in last 30 days, $32.17 was the low point for bus fares from Columbus to Chicago. Buses from Chicago to Columbus are similarly priced. Any tickets cheaper than $32.17 could be considered a great deal.

The best way to find cheap deals on bus tickets is by booking as early as possible, since most bus companies increase the price as the travel date approaches. You should book at least 9 days in advance. By doing so, you could save $31.98 on your ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus usually takes around 12 hours and 5 minutes to cover the 276 miles (444 kilometers) from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 25 minutes. The trip is definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable on the bus. It's a good idea to bring water and snacks.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Columbus?

The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Columbus to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 20 scheduled buses that travel from Columbus 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.

What bus companies travel from Columbus to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Columbus, Ohio to Chicago, Illinois. With 10 daily trips, Miller Transportation usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines48h 10m$35.53
Greyhound710h 32m$50.91
Miller Transportation1014h 24m$53.25

Where does the bus leave from in Columbus?

Buses to Chicago leave from multiple locations in Columbus, Ohio. These are the 3 most popular bus stations:

  • Bus Terminal - 111 E Town St
  • Ohio State Univ - 1739 N High St
  • Intl Arpt

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with. These are the main bus stations in Chicago, Illinois:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Union Station - 225 S Canal St
  • 5800 N Cumberland Ave

Price trends for buses from Columbus to Chicago

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20JanJan

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10FMAMJJASONDJ

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Columbus, OH to Chicago, IL

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Weiwei

January 3, 2020 - Solo travel

Miller Transportation

great!great!

4.0

Anna

August 15, 2019 - Vacation

Barons Bus Lines

Pros: Funny driver. Cons: WiFi wasn't working. Pros: Funny driver. Cons: WiFi wasn't working.

3.0

Sharlyn

August 4, 2019 - Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: It was very cheap and there was a power outlet. However, only every other seat had power outlets. False advertisement on their part. Miller transportation. Cons: Driver was so rude and angry. We were told we couldn’t use the lavatory unless it was an emergency. S... Pros: It was very cheap and there was a power outlet. However, only every other seat had power outlets. False advertisement on their part. Miller transportation. Cons: Driver was so rude and angry. We were told we couldn’t use the lavatory unless it was an emergency. She repeated this 5 times in a row like we were children. Then, when I made a polite request to know which stop would be a bathroom stop ( because she threatened to leave us at the station), she wouldn’t answer. If I asked an ETA for Chicago, she said “don’t know”. Tips: Expect a cheap ride but no customer service on miller transportation.More

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