How do I get from New York to Chicago without flying?

You have the option of traveling from one city to the other by either bus or train. Both are convenient and sustainable ways to travel to Chicago. You can also use carpool services and share a car ride with other travelers.

How long is the bus trip from New York to Chicago?

The average travel time from New York to Chicago is about 1d, although the fastest bus will take 17h 40m, on average. This is the time it takes to travel the 712 miles (1148 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is New York from Chicago?

About 712 miles (1148 km) separate New York and Chicago.

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from New York to Chicago?

Most of the buses traveling from New York to Chicago leave from New York Port Authority and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.

What is the cheapest way to go from New York to Chicago?

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $56.

How much does a bus ticket from New York to Chicago cost?

The average price of a one-way ticket from New York to Chicago is $115. In the last 30 days, the prices ranged from $56 to $392, so it's good to do your research before booking.

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Once in Chicago, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Lincoln Park Zoo, The Field Museum, Auditorium Building and Theatre, Navy Pier and Lake Michigan.

Can I take an overnight bus from New York to Chicago?

Yes, you can take a night bus to go from New York to Chicago. Make sure to pack a blanket and a snack to make your trip more comfortable.

New York to Chicago Bus Tickets

TodayMay 14

from $167

TomorrowMay 15

from $131

FriMay 16

from $113

SatMay 17

from $98

SunMay 18

from $109

MonMay 19

from $95

TueMay 20

from $91

WedMay 21

from $88

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: May 15 at 10:45am
Departure city: New York
Departure location: Midtown - 300 W 31st St
Arrival time: May 16 at 6:10am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 20h 25m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: May 15 at 10:45am
Departure city: New York
Departure location: Midtown - 300 W 31st St
Arrival time: May 16 at 5:40am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 19h 55m
Departure time: May 15 at 1:30am
Departure city: New York
Departure location: Midtown - 300 W 31st St
Arrival time: May 15 at 11:40pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 23h 10m
Departure time: May 15 at 2:45am
Departure city: New York
Departure location: New York Port Authority
Arrival time: May 15 at 11:40pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 21h 55m
Departure time: May 15 at 10:00am
Departure city: New York
Departure location: Chinatown
Arrival time: May 16 at 6:10am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 21h 10m

Accepted payments

Compare 2 ways to go from New York to Chicago.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$56 - $392	Average Duration1d	CO₂ emissions 29kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$93 - $739	Average Duration22h 40m	CO₂ emissions 104kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	Fastest

Busbud recommends taking the bus from New York to Chicago

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 1 day, 55 minutes and with fares starting at just $56, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

53bus per day

1d Average Duration

$56Cheapest ticket

29kgCO₂ emissions

Bus New York to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$115

Average bus trip duration1d

Number of daily buses53

Earliest bus departure1:30am

Distance710 miles (1145 km)

Latest bus departure11:59pm

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/586,978 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.3

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Greyhound New York Chicago recent customer reviews

I did not enjoy anything about Greyhound. Bus was later to its connecting bus at Pitsburgh and I had to reschedule for a connecting bus 8 hours later.

Edward R.

August 9, 2023

- she was very disrespectful and she went backwards from our route that what made us late. I had to be in Chicago for a dance show that I missed and she very rude she said she wasn't waiting for us when it time for us to make our Rs. I was suppose get here at 3 I got here at 7. I was very happy

Anthony D.

March 13, 2020

Aside from lateness, wifi did not work (on my journey from NYC back to Chicago via Cleveland) and the outlets only worked on one side of the bus. Additionally, there were no signs of any kind (as far as I could see) at the Union Station stop to indicate to Greyhound travelers that they were in the right place. I was one of several passengers who could not be certain that they were in the correct spot because there was no sign. This was frustrating.

Scott C.

February 22, 2020

FlixBus

3.5/58,615 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

FlixBus New York Chicago recent customer reviews

I got left at a Pilot gas station in PA not happy! I had to take a Uber to a bus station to purchase another ticket 🙃 to Chicago.

Elianne L.

April 5, 2025

Big delays, almost 0 communication, estimates of delays not accurate at all, missed connection because of delay. Stuck in different city, had to pay for a hotel, also lost money on a hotel i booked at my final destination. Extremely tiresd after sleepless 24hours with no water or food.

Martynas J.

August 20, 2023

New York Trailways

4/54,365 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.2

Trailways is a network of over 70 bus companies that focus on providing quality bus rides at affordable prices all over the US since 1936. Among the most famous affiliates are Trailways of New York, Pine Hill Trailways, Adirondack Trailways and Burlington Trailways. Trailways buses have WiFi, power outlets, bathrooms, air conditioning, overhead lighting, and reclinable seats with footrests. You can find two different types of Trailway fares: saver and flexible. Saver tickets are non-refundable, while flexible tickets are fully reimbursed up to one hour before travel time. If you're traveling with them, don't forget to print your boarding pass and show a valid photo ID to board the bus.

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, Tufesa, Wanda Coach

New York to Chicago Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from New York to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

Bus service from New York to Chicago will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from New York to Chicago, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Where are the popular stops in New York and Chicago?

Stops in New York

A - New York Port Authority

B - GW Bridge

C - Chinatown

D - 11th Ave (between W35th and W36th Street)

E - Chinatown - E Broadway

F - 34th St & 9th Ave

Stops in Chicago

A - Downtown Greyhound Station

B - Chicago O'Hare International Airport

C - Polk St & Canal St

D - Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave

E - Cumberland CTA

F - Turimex California Ave

Frequently asked questions for your trip New York - Chicago

How do I get from New York to Chicago without flying?
How long is the bus trip from New York to Chicago?
How far is New York from Chicago?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from New York to Chicago?
What is the cheapest way to go from New York to Chicago?
How much does a bus ticket from New York to Chicago cost?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?
Can I take an overnight bus from New York to Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

05/12

$277

05/13

$227

Today

$123

05/15

$131

05/16

$113

05/17

$98

05/18

$109

05/19

$95

The cheapest trip from New York to Chicago was searched and found on May 19, 2025 with a price of $95

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from New York to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $95 to $293 for a bus ticket from New York to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $95 which is on 2025-05-19.

Usually Greyhound Lines, Inc. will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from New York to Chicago.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from New York to Chicago, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from New York to Chicago that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from New York to Chicago, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

What's the cheapest way to go from New York to Chicago?

The bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Vehicle Type	Travel Time	Avg Price	Daily Departures
Vehicle TypeBus	Travel Time1d	Avg Price$115	Daily Departures53
Vehicle TypeTrain	Travel Time22h 40m	Avg Price$212	Daily Departures3

Will you be returning to New York by bus?

Bus from New York to Chicago

You can also go to Chicago by train

Train from New York to Chicago

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Compare 2 ways to go from New York to Chicago.

Bus New York to Chicago: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

New York to Chicago Bus

Where are the popular stops in New York and Chicago?

Frequently asked questions for your trip New York - Chicago

How do I get from New York to Chicago without flying?

How long is the bus trip from New York to Chicago?

How far is New York from Chicago?

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from New York to Chicago?

What is the cheapest way to go from New York to Chicago?

How much does a bus ticket from New York to Chicago cost?

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Can I take an overnight bus from New York to Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

What's the cheapest way to go from New York to Chicago?

Will you be returning to New York by bus?

You can also go to Chicago by train

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

People from around the world trust Busbud

Popular Buses Connecting New York

Buses Leaving from New York

Buses Going to New York

Popular Buses Connecting Chicago

Buses Leaving from Chicago

Buses Going to Chicago

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers