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There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Philadelphia to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€92.34 | Avg. Price€228.16 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips24 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration23h 11m | Duration22h 21m |
There are usually 27 daily bus trips available from Philadelphia to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Chicago usually takes 23 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 17 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 664 mi (1068 km) |
| Shortest duration | 17h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €70.75 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Average score for buses from Philadelphia to Chicago
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
3.0
Pros: The 2nd bus driver was very nice and helpful! He was very stern & direct about others speaking loudly on the phone, which is nice because no one wants to hear others’ vulgar conversations. Cons: Less smoking breaks in between driving. Tips: A passenger brought a big black plastic garbage bag as luggage and was not allowed to put it underneath the bus just an FYI.
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Philadelphia to Chicago was €81.14. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around €91.13 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
The average cost of a one-way bus trip from Philadelphia to Chicago is expected to fluctuate between €80 and €167 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a bus trip to Chicago in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Philadelphia is €89.
By booking your bus trip from Philadelphia to Chicago on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about €91.13 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Philadelphia to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 15 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 13 | 1d 0h 30m | €138.51 |
| Greyhound | 15 | 22h 18m | €134.34 |
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 13 trips per day from Philadelphia to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 15 bus trips from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from €74.
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Philadelphia to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 17 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by buses from Philadelphia to Chicago on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 27 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Chicago; ticket prices start at €109.99.
We may feel a little bit more than just brotherly love for Philadelphia, a city steeped in history and culture. Where else can you channel your inner Rocky Balboa on his epic run, and later enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak as a reward?
Philadelphia’s affordability (especially compared to other East Coast cities) is just one of many reasons it is among Wanderu’s best destinations for college students. Another reason is how much there is to do! Early American history takes precedence at Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, while museums abound on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, sometimes called the most artistic mile in the city. Head to Reading Terminal Market to fuel up for a night hitting the bars, clubs, and live music joints that line South Street.
Philadelphia is a major hub for both Greyhound and Amtrak, and its 30th Street Station is one of the busiest stations in the country. The plentitude of ground travel and the nearby Philadelphia International Airport make this exciting city very easily accessible, even on a budget.
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.
Buses to Chicago leave from 3 stations in Philadelphia.
199 Spring Garden St
Schulykill Ave & Walnut St Bus Stop
199 Spring Garden St
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionBuses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
€194+
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€29+
€15+
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€17+
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.
