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Chicago to Atlanta bus

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Chicago - Atlanta Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 15 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Atlanta. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Atlanta usually takes around 16 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance589 mi (948 km)
Shortest duration13h 5m
Cheapest price$53.48
Trips per day13
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Atlanta

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Geraldine

December 21, 2021- Visiting family

Greyhound

Cons: Make the space bigger. Tips: I tell everyone to ride greyhound.

5.0

Michael

July 11, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Pros: Site seeing and the breaks. As well as the phone chargers. Cons: The septic system wasn't emptied, bathroom had no toilet paper and urine was all over the toilet and floor making the the whole bus sticky and smelling like urine. Tips: Bring a head pillow.

3.0

Wentz

June 27, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Make sure maintaince is up to date, bus broke down for 3hrs

3.0

Brenda

June 16, 2019- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: Cheep. Cons: Advance information about where stops would happen/how long they would be at minimum. Never knew when to expect I could get food/stretch.

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Atlanta?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Atlanta cost $87.99 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.

Average prices by travel date

$120$80$40AprMay

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Atlanta in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $89 to $119. 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 Atlanta this week, bus tickets are available starting at $99.

Monthly avg. prices

$125$100$75$50$25MJJASONDJFMA
Bus tickets from Chicago to Atlanta are at their cheapest average price in May. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $95. On the other hand, traveling on this route during November might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for November trips cost $120, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$175$140$105$70$353020100

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 $88.45 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Atlanta?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Atlanta that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 12 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US315h 1m$114.48
Greyhound1217h 4m$115.67

  • 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 3 trips per day from Chicago to Atlanta, 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 12 bus trips from Chicago to Atlanta every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Atlanta usually start from $53.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 589 miles from Chicago to Atlanta. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 5 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Atlanta for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Atlanta, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 15 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Atlanta every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 13 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Atlanta; ticket prices start at $170.00.

City Information

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.

Atlanta

Atlanta, GA - ATL-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta, GA - ATL-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta, GA - ATL-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and the largest city in the Peach State. Located in the heart of America’s South, Atlanta is one of the foremost economic and cultural hubs in the region and the United States in general. As such, it's among the best vacation destinations in Georgia.

The city has played a major role in the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. As a result, across Atlanta you can find various museums and points of interest dedicated to the lives and works of various key figures in those events, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center. Unsurprisingly, Atlanta is an important stop on our MLK Jr. itinerary.

Atlanta is also a key hub for the U.S. entertainment industry, and it offers some of the best nightlife experiences in the country. Here, you will find some of the finest craft beer in America and enjoy some of the best and most authentic southern food.

Atlanta is easily accessible by both bus and train from various parts of the country, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s location on the city’s outskirts makes it easy to travel to Atlanta from all over the world.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Atlanta leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Where does the bus arrive in Atlanta?

Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St - ATLGLI-0

Image credit: Cody Allison

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St

Built in 1996, the Atlanta Bus Station at 232 Forsyth Street SW is located close to downtown and is one of the most popular bus stations in the city. Served by Greyhound, Southeastern Stages and Jefferson Lines, this busy intercity bus terminal provides hundreds of connections to major cities. The Atlanta Bus Station offers convenient connections within Atlanta via the adjacent MARTA train station and multiple public bus stops within one block of the station. There are also several hotels and motels in the vicinity, for when you’re ready to relax after a successful day of traveling.

All bus stations in Atlanta:

  • Atlanta Bus Station - 232 Forsyth St

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