Cheap bus tickets from Columbus to Chicago

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Bus from Columbus to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 22 intercity buses per day from Columbus to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Columbus to Chicago usually takes around 9 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance
276 mi (444 km)
Shortest duration
7h 10m
Cheapest price
$43.98
Trips per day
8
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
3

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Columbus to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Columbus to Chicago (Based on 26 ratings and reviews)

4.6

5.0

Rashmikant

November 1, 2025 - Visiting friends

FlixBus US
Pros: Very nice experience

5.0

RASHMIKANT

October 15, 2025 - Visiting family

FlixBus US
Pros: Nice Cons: Very good Tips: nice bus experiance

4.0

Kaenia

September 26, 2025 - Visiting family

Barons Bus Lines
Cons: Los asientos Tips: Muy bueno

5.0

Mikafui

July 25, 2025 - Visiting family

Barons Bus Lines
Pros: Great Cons: Nothing Tips: None

5.0

PAULINE

July 12, 2025 - Visiting friends

FlixBus US
Pros: The view of the beautiful farms along the way 😍 The friendly and helpful driver 👌 Cons: Care of the bathroom Tips: If you need any assistance while on board, please ask the great drivers 😊 they are super helpful

How much is a bus ticket from Columbus to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Columbus to Chicago cost $54.90 on average. Tickets cheaper than $54.90 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 Columbus to Chicago by travel date

$75$50$25AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Columbus to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $53 to $75. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 21, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $57.

Average bus ticket prices from Columbus to Chicago by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Columbus to Chicago is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $60. If you're planning to take the bus from Columbus to Chicago during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $74. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$2001020

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 $36.97 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Columbus to Chicago?

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

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound810h 41m$92.80
Barons Bus Lines89h 6m$60.14
FlixBus US69h 9m$69.92
  • 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 8 bus trips from Columbus to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 41 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $47.46.

    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
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Chicago from $55. There are 8 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $60.14 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Columbus, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Columbus (E Mound St) and 2 other stations. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Columbus to Chicago takes 9 hours and 6 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 7 hours and 15 minutes.

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 8 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $55 for a weekend trip to Chicago.

  • 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 6 trips per day from Columbus to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $69.92.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Columbus to Chicago

There are 22 scheduled buses that travel from Columbus to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 8 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

TRIPS PER DAY

22

DIRECT TRIPS

8

The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 276 miles from Columbus to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 10 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)

276

DISTANCE (KM)

444

The first bus leaves at 4:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:50pm. To see the times for all buses from Columbus to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

4:15am

LATEST BUS

11:50pm

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, 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.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

Columbus

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Brimming with life and cultural events, Columbus is the affordable destination of your dreams! Featuring a budding art scene, Columbus attracts art lovers through the exhibitions at the Columbus Museum of Arts where children and adults alike can indulge in thought-provoking artworks. Fans of sports should not miss out on a baseball game at Huntington Park, which offers reasonably-priced tickets; it is also rarely crowded. For those who simply want to stroll about, the German Village offers a quaint and scenic view rarely seen elsewhere.

As the sun goes down, dig deeper into the German heritage of Columbus by enjoying a traditional schnitzel dish at the Schmidt's Restaurant and Sausage Haus. When you are looking for a quick snack, Bodega serves some of the best sandwiches in town, and there are up to 47 varieties of craft beers for you to choose from.

Columbus’ busiest bus station is located on E Town St., and it offers intercity bus trips to Cleveland, Chicago, New York and many other cities. The Columbus Union Station was the first union station ever built, and it’s served by Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited train lines. The local airport, the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, is located on the east side of the city, 6 miles east of Downtown. It provides access to 31 other airports.

Chicago

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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 Columbus?

Main departure station: Columbus (E Mound St)

Buses to Chicago leave from 5 stations in Columbus.

All bus stations in Columbus:

  • Columbus (E Mound St)
  • 100 E Rich St
  • Columbus (E Mound St)
  • 845 N Wilson Rd
  • Columbus (Airport)

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

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 Columbus?

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