Best option from Chicago to New York City: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 2h, from €101. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus; main departure point: Chicago Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Chicago to New York City
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €105 | 6 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
For a trip this long, the plane is usually the sensible choice if you have a tight schedule. Reserve the bus for flexible plans, or when you want to sleep on board and save a hotel night.
Chicago and New York each have several airports. Confirm the airport and terminal on your booking before leaving, and plan how you will reach the city from the New York airport you land at.
Some US bus stops are on a street corner, not in a station. Open the pickup location on your e-ticket, check it on a map the day before and arrive early to find the right spot.
Add baggage fees and airport transfers to the plane fare, and food for a long bus ride. The cheapest ticket is not always the cheapest trip, so compare everything before booking.
Fares tend to rise close to departure, so book ahead. Keep your e-ticket saved offline on your phone, in case the signal drops at a stop or in a terminal.
The journey experience
Chicago to New York is one of the longest popular corridors in the country, and it is also one of the clearest to compare: you either fly or you spend a long stretch on the road. If you want to know instantly which option suits you, the table on this page puts bus and flight side by side on duration, price range and frequency, so you can decide in seconds.
The plane is the fast, practical choice. Flights connect Chicago's airports with the New York area airports, with frequent departures through the day, and you can get a real seat and baggage allowance without losing a day. The bus is the budget-minded alternative for travellers who want to see the landscape or who have flexible plans, usually as a long-distance coach with a rest stop on the way, power outlets on many vehicles and no airport security to deal with. Some travellers choose it for the overnight option to save a hotel night.
Our honest advice: compare the totals, not just the ticket. Once you add airport transfers and baggage, the gap between bus and plane is often smaller than it looks, and a full day on the road is a heavy price for a short trip. Always check the exact departure stop or airport and terminal on your e-ticket before leaving, since bus stops can be on a street rather than inside a station. Book early for the best fares and keep your confirmation handy.
Frequently asked questions — Chicago → New York City
For most travellers the plane is the best option: the flight takes about 2 hours, against roughly 18 to 21 hours by bus. The bus makes sense if you are on a tight budget, have flexible plans or want to travel overnight to save a hotel night.
By plane, the flight takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes. By bus, the journey takes about 18 to 21 hours. Remember to add time for airport check-in, security and transfers if you fly, or for rest stops and possible delays if you take the bus.
Flights start from €101, with typical fares up to €147. Bus tickets start from €105, with typical fares up to €108. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so compare both options for your travel day before choosing.
Not necessarily. Bus fares start from €105, while flights start from €101. Since the flight takes about 2 hours and the bus about 18 to 21 hours, the plane often offers far better value for the same money, especially if you book ahead.
The exact departure and arrival points depend on the option and the operator you choose. Flights use the airports of each city, while buses use a terminal or a street stop. Always check the pickup and drop-off details on your e-ticket before travelling.
Why visit New York City?
- ✓ Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise and finish with pizza in DUMBO
- ✓ Take in the skyline from the Top of the Rock or the Edge observation deck at sunset
- ✓ Stroll the High Line and browse Chelsea Market's food stalls
- ✓ Spend a day at the Met and the Museum of Natural History around Central Park
- ✓ Catch a Broadway show in Times Square, then enjoy late-night jazz in Greenwich Village
When to visit New York City?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to November — mild temperatures, clear skies and fewer extreme heat or snow days
What to do in New York City?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit New York City?
Plan 4 to 5 days to cover the essentials: Midtown, Central Park, Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn and a couple of museums. With 2-3 days, stick to Manhattan highlights and skip the outer boroughs. Buy a metro pass or use OMNY tap-to-pay, and book major attractions like the Empire State Building or Statue of Liberty ahead of time.
Related searches