How can I travel from Chicago to Columbus without flying?

The bus is the best choice to get to Columbus without flying. The bus provides a cost-effective, safe, and easy way to travel between the two cities. Taking a ride with other travelers through carpool services is an additional option to consider.

How long does it take to get to Columbus from Chicago by bus?

The travel time from Chicago to Columbus is about 9h 25m, but the fastest bus can get you there in about 7h 10m. This is the time it takes to travel the 276 miles (445 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the travel distance from Chicago to Columbus?

About 276 miles (445 km) separate Chicago and Columbus.

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

The majority of buses traveling from Chicago to Columbus start their journey at Downtown Greyhound Station and wind up at Columbus Bus Station. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

What is the most cost-effective way to travel from Chicago to Columbus?

You can save a lot of money on your trip from Chicago to Columbus by choosing to travel by bus. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $43.

How much are the bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus?

The average price of a one-way ticket from Chicago to Columbus is $60. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $43 and $216, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Chicago to Columbus (OH) Bus Tickets

SatApr 26

from $55

SunApr 27

from $57

MonApr 28

from $47

TueApr 29

from $44

WedApr 30

from $44

ThuMay 1

from $44

FriMay 2

SatMay 3

Cheap buses leaving Sunday

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 27 at 7:15pm
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Arrival time: April 28 at 4:10am
Destination city: Columbus
Destination location: 100 E Rich St
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 55m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 27 at 11:30am
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Arrival time: April 27 at 7:50pm
Destination city: Columbus
Destination location: 100 E Rich St
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 20m
Departure time: April 27 at 11:30am
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Arrival time: April 27 at 7:50pm
Destination city: Columbus
Destination location: 100 E Rich St
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 7h 20m
Departure time: April 27 at 2:45pm
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Arrival time: April 28 at 12:35am
Destination city: Columbus
Destination location: Columbus (E Mound St)
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 8h 50m
Departure time: April 27 at 8:25am
Departure city: Chicago
Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Arrival time: April 27 at 7:50pm
Destination city: Columbus
Destination location: 100 E Rich St
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 10h 25m

Accepted payments

Bus Chicago to Columbus: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$60

Average bus trip duration9h 25m

Number of daily buses16

Earliest bus departure5:45am

Distance275 miles (442 km)

Latest bus departure11:50pm

Compare bus companies

FlixBus

3.5/58,390 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.

Greyhound

3.5/586,943 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 Chicago Columbus recent customer reviews

Horrible I was supposed to get on my bus and I was informed there was no seats they resechduled my bus for 8 hours later with no place for me to stay

Grace R.

October 9, 2021

I was on time for my bus and never showed up I was stuck at the bus station for over 9 hours I had to buy a new ticket to get to Columbus Ohio from Chicago

Rebecca B.

October 23, 2019

The first portion of the trip from Chicago to Indianapolis went fine but during my layover the bus from Indianapolis to Columbus was late and didn’t depart till nearly 45min after the ticketed departure time. While the driver will blame it on two passengers that were arguing, this encounter lasted maybe all of 10minutes. We weren’t boarded until almost 830 so he was still responsible for nearly a 40 min delay.

Kevin B.

November 25, 2017

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

Chicago to Columbus Bus

Busbud helps you find a bus from Chicago to Columbus. Get the best fare and schedule, book a round trip ticket or find buses with WiFi and electrical outlets.

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

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Chicago to Columbus, 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 Chicago and Columbus?

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

Stops in Columbus

A - Columbus Bus Station

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - Columbus

How can I travel from Chicago to Columbus without flying?
How long does it take to get to Columbus from Chicago by bus?
What is the travel distance from Chicago to Columbus?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Columbus?
What is the most cost-effective way to travel from Chicago to Columbus?
How much are the bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

04/22

$64

04/23

$68

Today

$64

04/25

$62

04/26

$55

04/27

$57

04/28

$47

04/29

$44

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Columbus was searched and found on Apr 29, 2025 with a price of $44

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

You can expect to pay from $44 to $115 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Columbus based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $44 which is on 2025-04-29.

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

Make friends with the driver. They usually know a lot about your destination and may even recommend which side of the bus to sit on to get the best views on the road between Chicago and Columbus!

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Chicago to Columbus, 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 Chicago to Columbus that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

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

Did you know?

Did you know there are on average 4,400 intercity bus departures every day in the US only? This number has been growing for 9 years in a row, yay!

9.2% of ground transportation in Europe is done by bus versus 7.4% by train.

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.

Will you be returning to Chicago by bus?

Bus from Chicago to Columbus

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. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Bus Tickets from Chicago, IL to Columbus, OH

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving Sunday

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Bus Chicago to Columbus: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Chicago Columbus recent customer reviews

Chicago to Columbus Bus

Where are the popular stops in Chicago and Columbus?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - Columbus

How can I travel from Chicago to Columbus without flying?

How long does it take to get to Columbus from Chicago by bus?

What is the travel distance from Chicago to Columbus?

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

What is the most cost-effective way to travel from Chicago to Columbus?

How much are the bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Chicago by bus?

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Popular Buses Connecting Chicago

Buses Leaving from Chicago

Buses Going to Chicago

Popular Buses Connecting Columbus

Buses Leaving from Columbus

Buses Going to Columbus

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers