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There are 32 intercity buses per day from Philadelphia to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Philadelphia to Chicago usually takes around 23 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 18 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 664 mi (1068 km) |
| Shortest duration | 18h 40m |
| Cheapest price | €58.77 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| 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.
Bus tickets for a trip from Philadelphia to Chicago cost €79.46 on average. 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.
If you're planning to travel by bus from Philadelphia to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from €65 to €111. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on May 14, 2024.
If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at €77.
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 €180.14 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 17 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 17 | 1d 3h 56m | €158.89 |
| Greyhound | 16 | 22h 16m | €112.64 |
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 17 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 16 bus trips from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 22 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from €55.
The bus takes an average of 23 hours and 29 minutes to cover the 664 miles from Philadelphia to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 18 hours and 40 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.
Because many passengers travel from Philadelphia to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Philadelphia to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 32 scheduled buses that travel from Philadelphia to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Philadelphia to Chicago; ticket prices start at €102.72.
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.
Image credit: Dough4872
Link to image attributionPhiladelphia's Greyhound Bus Terminal is a popular bus station served by several intercity bus companies, including Greyhound, Fullington Trailways, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. Conveniently located in downtown Philly, you can walk from the bus station to the nearby Pennsylvania Convention Center, Reading Terminal Market, and even Independence Hall (home of the Liberty Bell). The station is a comfortable place to begin your bus journey, with a snack bar, restrooms, and vending machines, as well as several nearby parking garages and quick bites. And if your destination is Philadelphia, the Greyhound Bus Terminal makes it easy to start your sightseeing or head to your hotel, thanks to the SEPTA subway stop half a block away.
Noble St/Spring Garden St.
199 Spg Gdn St
Drexel Overpass - 30th St. & JFK Blvd
Logan Square
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
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
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