How to travel from Chicago to Cincinnati

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2 ways to go from Chicago to Cincinnati

Bus
Average Price$40 - $237Average Duration9h 35m
10kg CO₂e
Cheapest
Train
Average Price$63 - $258Average Duration8h 32m
37kg CO₂e
Fastest
Most eco-friendly
Busbud recommends taking the train from Chicago to Cincinnati

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Cincinnati. The journey takes about 8 hours 32 minutes and with fares starting at just $63, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
8h 32mAverage Duration
$63Cheapest ticket
37kgCO₂ emissions
TodayNov 6
from $46
TomorrowNov 7
from $41
FriNov 8
from $37
SatNov 9
SunNov 10
from $57
MonNov 11
from $42
TueNov 12
WedNov 13

Next departures to Cincinnati

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: November 7 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Arrival time: November 7 at
    Destination city: Cincinnati
    Destination location: Cincinnati Bus Station
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 7 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: Cincinnati
    Destination location: Union Terminal
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 7 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: November 7 at
    Destination city: Cincinnati
    Destination location: Cincinnati Bus Station
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 7 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: Cincinnati
    Destination location: Union Terminal
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

From Chicago to Cincinnati: Trip Overview

Travel the 248 miles (400 km) from Chicago to Cincinnati by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to Cincinnati is $63. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$63
Average trip duration9h 3m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure5:10am
Distance248 miles (400 km)
Latest departure10:30pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $40
Fastest mode of travelBus - 5h 40m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to Cincinnati

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to Cincinnati is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Chicago to Cincinnati for an average of $69 and a travel time of 8 hours 51 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at $40.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to Cincinnati. The trip typically takes 8 hours 32 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $63. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to Cincinnati is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to Cincinnati and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs $40, and the average price is $69. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and Cincinnati?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to Cincinnati in roughly 8h 32m.

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to Cincinnati without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    The average travel time between Chicago and Cincinnati is around 9h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 5h 40m. This is the time it takes to travel the 249 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    When taking the bus from Chicago to Cincinnati, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and Cincinnati?

    The number of buses from Chicago to Cincinnati can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to Cincinnati by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    Buses traveling between Chicago and Cincinnati leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Union Station and arrive at Greyhound Station, Northland Blvd.

  8. How long is the train trip from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    A train trip between Chicago and Cincinnati is around 8h 32m, although the fastest train will take about 8h 32m. This is the time it takes to travel the 249 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Chicago and Cincinnati?

    The number of trains from Chicago to Cincinnati can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Cincinnati by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to Cincinnati?

    Trains traveling between Chicago and Cincinnati leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Union Station and arrive at Greyhound Station, Northland Blvd.

Why choose Busbud?

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Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to Cincinnati

Buses from Cincinnati to Chicago

Go by train

Trains from Chicago to Cincinnati

Trains from Cincinnati to Chicago

Popular routes