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How to get from Washington, DC to Chicago

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What is the best way to travel from Washington, DC to Chicago?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Flights for the journey to Chicago from Washington, DC. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 2 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Flight is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
21h 50m
$63
$95
20
Flight
2h 12m
$76
$127
35

What is the cheapest way to reach Chicago from Washington, DC?

You can get to Chicago with just $63 by taking a Bus from Greyhound US, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

today
from $69
tomorrow
from $63
Friday
from $95
Saturday
from $94
Sunday
from $86
Monday
from $109
Tuesday

    Cheapest Buses today

  • Greyhound US
    22h 10m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    2:40 PM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $69
  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $70
  • Greyhound US
    21h 50m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    2:20 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $78
  • Greyhound US
    23h 30m
    0
    11:55 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $79
  • Cheapest Flights today

  • Frontier Airlines
    18h 13m
    0
    7:00 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    12:13 AM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $76
  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 12m
    0
    1:01 PM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    12:13 AM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $80
  • Frontier Airlines
    23h 14m
    0
    10:10 AM
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    8:24 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $80
  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 47m
    0
    8:50 PM
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    9:37 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $131
  • JetBlue Airways
    7h 8m
    0
    9:45 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    3:53 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    JetBlue Airways
    Economy
    from $151
  • United Airlines
    2h 12m
    0
    6:30 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    7:42 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $184

    Cheapest Buses tomorrow

  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $63
  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $64
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $67
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $72
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $91

    Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $95
  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    5:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $102
  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $104
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $112

    Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $94
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $95
  • Greyhound US
    23h 30m
    0
    11:55 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $105
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $124

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:20 AM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $86
  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $100
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $101
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $122

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $109
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $110
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $110
  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    5:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $113
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $144

What are the fastest trips from Washington, DC to Chicago?

You can get to Chicago from Washington, DC in just 2h 12m with a Flight from United Airlines. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

today
from 2h 12m
tomorrow
from 21h 55m
Friday
from 21h 55m
Saturday
from 21h 55m
Sunday
from 21h 55m
Monday
from 3h 20m
Tuesday

    Fastest Flights today

  • United Airlines
    2h 12m
    0
    6:30 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    7:42 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $184
  • Skyscanner
    2h 25m
    0
    10:30 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    11:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Skyscanner
    Economy
    from $184
  • JetBlue Airways
    7h 8m
    0
    9:45 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    3:53 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    JetBlue Airways
    Economy
    from $151
  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 12m
    0
    1:01 PM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    12:13 AM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $80
  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 47m
    0
    8:50 PM
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    Baltimore/Washington Airport
    9:37 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $131
  • Frontier Airlines
    18h 13m
    0
    7:00 AM
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    Ronald Reagan Washington Airport
    12:13 AM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $76
  • Fastest Buses today

  • Greyhound US
    21h 50m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    2:20 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $78
  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $70
  • Greyhound US
    22h 10m
    0
    5:30 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    2:40 PM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $69
  • Greyhound US
    23h 30m
    0
    11:55 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $79

    Fastest Buses tomorrow

  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $64
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $72
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $63
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $67
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $91

    Fastest Buses Friday

  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $104
  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    5:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $102
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $95
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $112

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $94
  • Greyhound US
    23h 30m
    0
    11:55 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $105
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $95
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $124

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • Greyhound US
    21h 55m
    0
    5:00 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    1:55 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $100
  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:20 AM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $86
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $101
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $122

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • Greyhound US
    27h 20m
    0
    5:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $113
  • FlixBus
    33h 20m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    8:05 PM
    Chicago
    Greyhound Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $110
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Canal & Van Buren
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $109
  • Greyhound US
    33h 50m
    0
    11:15 PM
    Washington, DC
    Union Station
    8:05 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $110
  • FlixBus
    35h 40m
    0
    11:45 AM
    Washington, DC
    Dupont Circle Station
    10:25 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $144
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Washington, DC to Chicago

What are the most popular stations in Washington, DC and Chicago?

In Washington, DC, you will usually depart from Pennsylvania Av SE & L'Enfant Sq SE Bus Stop, Union Station or Armory Metro, while in Chicago you will be arriving at Union Station, 95th Red Line Station or Cumberland CTA, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Chicago from Washington, DC? With 6 connections between 2 Bus and Flight operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Washington, DC and Chicago, you can pay as low as $63 with a Bus from Greyhound US.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from United Airlines: you will get to Chicago in just 2h 12m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Washington, DC and Chicago are Greyhound US, FlixBus and Frontier Airlines, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Washington, DC and Chicago is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport or to Cicero, IL, and look at flights from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, and landing at Chicago Midway Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Washington, DC to Chicago?

The most popular companies between Washington, DC and Chicago, are Greyhound US, FlixBus and Frontier Airlines. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Greyhound US and FlixBus

Airlines: Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways and 2 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Washington, DC to Chicago

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Washington, DC to Chicago. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Washington, DC to Chicago

How can I reach Chicago from Washington, DC?

Every day, there are on average 6 connections between Bus and Flight, with which you can get to Chicago from Washington, DC.

How far is Chicago from Washington, DC?

The distance between Washington, DC and Chicago is 595.9 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Washington, DC and Chicago?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 26 kgs of CO2, a train 34 kgs, a car 163 kgs, and a flight 236 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Washington, DC to Chicago?

You can get to Chicago with just $63 by taking a Bus from Greyhound US.

What is the fastest way to get from Washington, DC to Chicago?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Chicago in just 2h 12m with a Flight from United Airlines.

More routes to Washington, DC and to Chicago

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Washington, DC and to Chicago. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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