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The cheapest and fastest buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Apr 06
Cheapest price
$189
Average price
$209
Fastest journey
22 h 15 m
Average duration
23 h 5 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1438 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $209 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $189.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
1:10 AM23h00Gainesville, FL12:10 AMChicago, IL$1891One-way1 transfer- 11:30 AM24h00Gainesville, FL11:30 AMChicago, IL$1891One-way1 transfer
- 5:00 PM22h15Gainesville, FL3:15 PMChicago, IL$2501One-way1 transfer
- 5:00 PM22h15Gainesville, FL3:15 PMChicago, IL$2501One-way1 transfer
- 1:10 AM23h00Gainesville, FL12:10 AMChicago, IL$1891One-way1 transfer
- 11:30 AM24h00Gainesville, FL11:30 AMChicago, IL$1891One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $138. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $138, and a flight costs an average of $244.
Distance: 893 miles (1438 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$189 Average price Cheapest | $246 Average price | $356 Average price |
23h 23m Average total duration 22h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 56m Average total duration 38h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration Fastest 6h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $396 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $369 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 28h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $336 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 30h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $332 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 25h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $344 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 27h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $320 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 31h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $500 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 23h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $363 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 27h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $517 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $490 |
Live departures
Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, April 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 undefined · undefined | 12:00 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 25h00 | 1:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
| undefined · undefined | 12:00 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 25h25 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| undefined · undefined+FlixBus | 12:20 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 28h10 | 4:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined | 12:20 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 30h50 | 7:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:30 PM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 25h00 | 4:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+ | 3:30 PM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 27h40 | 7:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
| +FlixBus+ | 5:30 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 31h40 | 1:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| +FlixBus+undefined · undefined | 5:30 PM Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter), FL | 43h30 | 1:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
| FlixBus+ | 9:15 PM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 23h00 | 8:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus · FlixBus+ | 10:05 PM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 27h05 | 1:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| 1:10 AM Gainesville, FL | 23h00 | 12:10 AM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus+undefined · undefined | 1:20 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 35h40 | 1:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus+undefined · undefined | 1:20 AM Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station | 36h05 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 14 times per day, taking around 22h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 893 miles (1438 km) distance in 23h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 893 miles (1438 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 (€112) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 23h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $138 (€112). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
22h 10m
Cheapest Price
$265 (€216)
FlixBus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
23h 15m
Cheapest Price
$138 (€112)
Greyhound frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
FAQs: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $138 (€112) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is $189 (€154) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is 23h 15m to travel the 893 miles (1438 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:10 PM.
There are 14 buses a day from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Gainesville, FL and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Gainesville, FL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 23h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Gainesville, FL and Chicago, IL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Gainesville, FL nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Gainesville
Chicago
The major bus station for departures in Gainesville is Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station for your trip from Gainesville to Chicago.
Gainesville, Rosa Parks Transfer station
information
Gainesville, NW 23rd St (North Walmart Supercenter)
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip to Chicago from Gainesville.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
Most popular bus connections from Gainesville, FL
More options for your journey from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Gainesville, FL
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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