Cheap bus tickets from Columbus to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Columbus to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 25 intercity buses per day from Columbus to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Columbus to Chicago usually takes around 9 hours and 44 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
- RON 210.76
- Trips per day
- 25
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 3
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Columbus to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Average score for buses from Columbus to Chicago (Based on 27 ratings and reviews)
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There are several bus options that can take you from Columbus to Chicago:
- Barons Bus Lines: 8 daily buses from RON 264
- FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from RON 211
- Greyhound: 12 daily buses from RON 235
How much is a bus ticket from Columbus to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Columbus to Chicago cost about RON 297 when you book at the cheapest time, 14 days ahead. 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 Columbus to Chicago by travel date
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 RON 264 to RON 403. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 18, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at RON 292.
Average bus ticket prices from Columbus to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Columbus to Chicago is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only RON 288. 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 RON 355. 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 14 days in advance. This way, you can save up to RON 146.21 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Columbus to Chicago?
There are 3 bus lines from Columbus to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 12 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barons Bus Lines | 8 | 9h 6m | RON 287.87 |
| FlixBus US | 5 | 8h 38m | RON 349.71 |
| Greyhound | 12 | 10h 46m | RON 430.05 |
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of “ride like royalty” with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.
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 5 trips per day from Columbus to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only RON 349.71.






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 12 bus trips from Columbus to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 46 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from RON 234.67.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Columbus to Chicago
There are 25 scheduled buses that travel from Columbus to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 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
25
Direct trips
7
The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 44 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 3:40 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:50 PM. To see the times for all buses from Columbus to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
3:40am
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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Columbus



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. Columbus has had no passenger trains since 1979, when its Union Station was demolished, so the nearest Amtrak trains, such as the Lake Shore Limited and the Capitol Limited, stop in other Ohio cities. 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



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

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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