Fastest way from Chicago to Washington, D.C.: Flight, about 3h 10min (from €106). Cheapest: Bus, from €76 (about 17h 35min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Greyhound, Frontier Airlines; main departure point: Chicago Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Chicago to Washington, D.C.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €76 | 2 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Chicago OHare Airport | €106 | 1 |
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Practical tips
The bus saves money but takes up an entire day and night. If your schedule is tight or you need to be fresh on arrival, the flight is the sensible choice on this long route.
Some US bus stops are simply a street corner, not a station. Read your e-ticket carefully, note the address, and look it up on a map before leaving so you do not wait at the wrong place.
Both Chicago and the Washington area have more than one airport. Confirm the airport code on your booking and plan how to get from it to your accommodation before you land.
Long bus journeys often include a change. Keep a comfortable buffer between legs and know the time of the last onward departure so a delay does not leave you stranded overnight.
Fares on both bus and flight tend to rise as the date approaches. Booking ahead online gives you an instant e-ticket and usually the lowest price, especially in busy travel seasons.
The journey experience
Chicago and Washington, D.C. are roughly 700 miles apart, which is exactly the kind of distance where choosing the wrong mode can cost you a whole day. The quick answer: this is a trip where the plane and the bus are two very different experiences, and the comparison table on this page shows you time, price and frequency side by side so you can decide in seconds.
By air, you fly out of one of Chicago's two big airports and land in the Washington area, which makes the flight the obvious choice if your time is limited. By bus, you travel overland on a long-distance coach, usually with a connection along the way, and often overnight. It is the cheapest option and can save you a night of accommodation, but you should be ready for a long, tiring ride with reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi on some services and regular rest stops.
Our advice: if you value your time, fly. If your budget is tight and your schedule is flexible, the bus works, as long as you are comfortable with an overnight journey. Whichever you choose, check the exact departure point on your e-ticket before leaving: bus stops can be on a street corner rather than in a station, and airports serve different parts of each city. Book early for the best fares and you will arrive with no surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Chicago → Washington, D.C.
For most travellers the flight is the best choice: it takes about 3 to 4 hours, compared with roughly 18 to 21 hours by bus. The bus only makes sense if you are on a very tight budget, have a flexible schedule and are happy to travel overnight.
By plane, the journey takes about 3 h 10 to 3 h 50. By bus, expect about 18 to 21 hours. The big gap shows why the plane is usually the realistic option on this route, while the bus can replace a night in a hotel.
Bus tickets start from €76, with typical fares up to €77. Flights start from €106, with typical fares up to €107. The gap between the two is small, so the plane often offers much better value for the time saved. Book early for the best prices.
Flights are the quickest way to cover the route, and the shorter flight times shown suggest a fast air connection. For the bus, the long journey time means you should check your booking for any change of vehicle along the way and note each stop.
Departure points vary by operator, and some stops are on a street rather than inside a station. Your e-ticket shows the exact address of the departure and arrival stops, so check it before you travel and arrive a little early.
Why visit Washington, D.C.?
- ✓ Stroll the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol at sunset
- ✓ Explore the free Smithsonian museums, from the Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- ✓ Admire the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in spring
- ✓ Wander the historic cobblestone streets of Georgetown and walk along the Potomac waterfront
- ✓ Visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the solemn Changing of the Guard
When to visit Washington, D.C.?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
Late March to May, and September to November — mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in spring, vivid foliage in autumn
What to do in Washington, D.C.?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Washington, D.C.?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover Washington properly. In 2 days you can see the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and one or two Smithsonian museums; with 4 days you add Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery and a day trip to Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria. Book Capitol and White House tours weeks ahead and use the Metro to save time.
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