Bus Trip: Atlanta To Chicago, How Long?

The bus ride from Chicago to Atlanta takes between 12 hours 55 minutes and 16 hours 30 minutes, depending on the bus company and the number of stops. The distance between the two cities is around 700 miles, and there are multiple bus companies that offer this route, including Greyhound and FlixBus. The bus ticket prices vary depending on the company and the time of booking, but they generally range from $50 to $300.

Bus stations in Atlanta

The bus ride from Atlanta, GA, to Chicago, IL, is approximately 734 miles long and takes at least 12 hours and 55 minutes. There are several bus stations in Atlanta, GA, where passengers can board their bus to Chicago. Here is some information about the main bus stations in Atlanta:

Atlanta Bus Station (Greyhound Station)

The Atlanta Bus Station, operated by Greyhound, is located at 232 Forsyth St, Atlanta, GA 30303. This station is in the South Downtown area, and passengers can get there by subway, getting off at the Garnett Station, which serves the red and gold subway lines. The bus will board from the corner of Forsyth and Brotherton Street, and passengers are advised to check with station staff for the exact boarding location. The station has amenities such as a diner, vending machines, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and real-time bus arrival and departure information.

Atlanta Downtown (Civic Center)

This bus station is located at 435 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308. Passengers can board the bus for Chicago on the northernmost end of the eastbound curb of W. Peachtree St, near the corner of Pine Street, within the designated private bus and shuttle signed area at the Civic Center MARTA Bus Station.

Atlanta Airport

Located at 6000 N Terminal Dr, Atlanta, GA 30296, this station is within the airport. Effective 5/9/2023, buses will drop off passengers on the Lower Level, North Terminal (Domestic) roadway next to the North Parking area. For international flights, passengers can use the Plane Train or ATL shuttle buses to access the International Terminal.

Bus stations in Chicago

Chicago, Illinois is a transport hub with 3 bus stations and 101 connections departing from the city every day. The bus stations in Chicago are:

Greyhound Station

The Greyhound bus station is located at 630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States. The bus will stop off Harrison St and passengers are advised to follow the station instructions to the bus.

Chicago Train Station

Due to construction, the stop at Chicago Train Station has been moved to the Southside of Jackson in the red bus lane. The approximate address is 537-517 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606, United States, just east of S Clinton St. The counter remains in the same place inside Union Station.

Chicago (Cumberland Farms)

The Chicago (Cumberland Farms) bus stop is located in a bus bay of the Cumberland Farms CTA station at 5800 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, United States.

How to book a bus ticket

A bus ride from Atlanta to Chicago takes between 12 hours 55 minutes and 14 hours 35 minutes, covering a distance of about 730 miles. The cost of a bus ticket starts at \$59.99, with the average price being \$99.99.

Step 1: Choose a Bus Operator

Firstly, decide which bus operator you would like to travel with. In this case, you have a few options, including FlixBus and Greyhound. Both offer affordable tickets and have stations in Atlanta and Chicago. FlixBus, in particular, boasts eco-friendly travel, while Greyhound offers free onboard entertainment.

Step 2: Select Your Travel Dates and Time

Next, decide on your travel dates and time. Both FlixBus and Greyhound offer multiple trips per day, with the first bus usually departing very early in the morning and the last one leaving around 10 pm. FlixBus offers 8 direct buses per day, while Greyhound has up to 4 rides per day.

Step 3: Compare Prices and Book

Now, compare the prices and booking options for your chosen dates. Booking in advance, either through the company's website or mobile app, is often the best way to secure the lowest fare. FlixBus, for example, recommends booking early and avoiding busy travel times like weekends and holidays.

For FlixBus, the cost of a ticket starts at \$59.99, while the average price is \$99.99. For Greyhound, tickets start at \$99.99, and booking online or through their app allows you to pay with a debit or credit card. If you prefer, Greyhound also accepts cash payments at various sales points.

Step 4: Choose Your Preferences

Some bus operators allow you to choose your seat preference when booking. For example, with Greyhound, you can reserve your favorite seat, whether it's a window or aisle, at the time of booking. FlixBus also offers seat reservation options, including classic, table, panorama, or extra seats.

Step 5: Complete Your Booking

Finally, complete your booking by providing the required personal and payment details. FlixBus accepts various payment methods, including card, PayPal, and Google Pay. After booking, you will usually receive a confirmation, and your e-ticket will be available on your phone or device.

By following these steps, you'll be able to book your bus ticket from Atlanta to Chicago with ease, taking advantage of the affordable and convenient travel options available.

What to expect on the bus

When travelling by bus from Chicago to Atlanta, you can expect a journey of between 12 and 16 hours, covering a distance of around 730 miles. There are several bus companies that operate this route, including FlixBus and Greyhound, with tickets starting from $53.99.

Onboard Amenities

Both FlixBus and Greyhound offer a range of amenities to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Power outlets
• Onboard restroom
• Reclining leather seats with footrests
• Extra legroom
• Overhead storage

Luggage Allowance

Each passenger is allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one checked bag. If you need to bring additional or bulky luggage, you can reserve extra baggage when booking your ticket or add it later through the "Manage My Booking" section.

Booking Tips

To get the best price on your bus ticket, it's recommended to book in advance, especially if you're travelling during busy periods like weekends and holidays. You can book your ticket online or through the bus company's app, and you'll usually have a choice of payment methods, including card, PayPal, Google Pay, and more.

Departure and Arrival Information

The bus from Chicago to Atlanta departs from one of the city's three bus stations:

• Greyhound station off of Harrison St
• Chicago Train Station on W. Jackson Blvd
• Cumberland Farms CTA station on N. Cumberland Ave

Upon arrival in Atlanta, the bus will stop at one of the following locations:

• Greyhound station at the corner of Forsyth and Brotherton St
• Atlanta Downtown (Civic Center) on W. Peachtree St
• Atlanta Airport on N. Terminal Dr

How to track the bus

A bus ride from Atlanta to Chicago takes between 12 hours 55 minutes and 14 hours 35 minutes, covering a distance of about 730 miles. If you're planning to take this trip and want to be able to track the bus, here are some ways to do so:

Using the FlixBus Real-Time Bus Tracker:

FlixBus offers a Real-Time Bus Tracker on its website and mobile app. After booking your ticket, you can use this feature to select the relevant bus stop and check the arrival time. This allows you to find out the bus's location and stay updated about any delays.

Greyhound Bus Tracker:

If you choose to travel with Greyhound, they offer a bus tracker tool on their website and app. This tool provides real-time location updates for your bus and informs you about its departure and arrival times.

GotoBus Bus Tracking System:

GotoBus has a bus tracking system that allows you to track your bus location by searching with your Bus Schedule ID or by entering your departure and arrival cities.

RedBus "Track My Bus" Feature:

The RedBus mobile app offers a "Track My Bus" feature that enables you to see the exact location of the bus on a live map. This feature is useful for coordinating with family and friends, as you can share the bus location and get alerts about any delays.

BusWhere:

BusWhere is a platform that provides real-time bus location tracking and ETA notifications. It is commonly used for school and shuttle bus services. You can watch the bus move on the map in real-time and receive alerts when the bus is getting close to your stop.

By utilising these tracking features, you can stay informed about your bus's location, arrival, and departure times, making your travel experience more convenient and stress-free.

Frequently asked questions