Fastest way from New York City to Chicago: Flight, about 2h 25min – 2h 53min (from €127). Cheapest: Bus, from €111 (about 15h 55min – 19h 40min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines; main departure point: Newark Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from New York City to Chicago
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 | NY Allen St | €111 | 7 |
| United Airlines | Flight | Newark Airport | €142 | 85 |
| American Airlines | Flight | Newark Airport | €142 | 30 |
| Southwest Airlines | Flight | LaGuardia Airport | €147 | 18 |
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Practical tips
Before booking the bus, ask yourself whether you can afford to lose a full day. If you have a tight itinerary or a connection afterwards, the flight is usually the smarter choice for this distance.
Bus stops in New York can be on a street corner rather than inside a station. Read your e-ticket carefully and look up the exact address on a map the day before you travel.
The New York area has several airports, and Chicago does too. Check the airport code on your booking, and compare how easy each one is to reach from where you are staying.
An overnight departure can save a night of accommodation, but you will arrive tired. Pack a neck pillow, a layer for the air conditioning, snacks and a charger, and avoid planning a big first day.
Fares tend to rise closer to departure, so book ahead. On the day, arrive well before the bus or flight, since boarding and security can be slower than expected in New York.
The journey experience
Getting from New York to Chicago is one of the classic long hops across the United States, and the choice between bus and plane makes a huge difference to your day. The table on this page puts both options side by side on duration, price range and frequency, so you can see at a glance which one fits your budget and your schedule.
By air, you fly between the New York area airports and Chicago's airports on a short, frequent domestic hop, with a quick security routine and a baggage allowance to check. By bus, you cross several states on a long-distance coach, usually with reclining seats, onboard power outlets and Wi-Fi on many services. The bus is the cheaper way to travel and an overnight departure can save you a night of accommodation, but it is a real endurance trip. Always check which operator runs your departure and where it leaves from.
Our advice: if your time is limited or you want to arrive fresh, the plane is the sensible choice. If your budget is tight and you are happy to trade a day of travel for savings, the bus works well, especially when booked early. Whichever you pick, confirm the exact stop or airport on your e-ticket before leaving, and plan how you will reach the city centre on arrival. Booking online gives you instant confirmation, so nothing is left to chance.
Frequently asked questions — New York City → Chicago
It depends on your priorities. The plane is the fastest option, at around 2 h 25 to 2 h 55 of flight time, and is the sensible choice if your time is limited. The bus is the cheaper option but takes between 16 h and 20 h. Choose the bus only if budget matters more than time.
By plane, the flight takes about 2 h 25 to 2 h 55. By bus, the journey takes about 16 h to 20 h depending on the departure, traffic and stops along the way. Remember to add time for airport transfers and security if you fly.
Bus tickets start from €111, and typically go up to €121. Flights start from €127, and typically go up to €139. The two are close in price, so the plane often offers much better value for the time saved. Booking early helps you get the lowest fares.
This depends on the departure you choose. Some options run as a single through journey, while others involve a change on the way. Check the details of each departure before you book, as a change can affect the total journey and the risk of a missed connection.
Bus departures from New York usually leave from a terminal or a designated street stop, and arrive at a station or stop in Chicago. Flights use the airports serving each city. The exact point is shown on your e-ticket, so always check it before travelling.
Why visit Chicago?
- ✓ Take an architecture river cruise along the Chicago River past Willis Tower and Marina City
- ✓ Walk The 606 and Millennium Park, from Cloud Gate (The Bean) to the Crown Fountain
- ✓ Taste a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Pequod's, then catch live blues on Chicago's North Side
- ✓ Admire the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, from Seurat's La Grande Jatte to Hopper's Nighthawks
- ✓ Cheer on the Cubs at historic Wrigley Field or stroll the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan
When to visit Chicago?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
May to October — warm weather, lakefront festivals and outdoor dining, while winters are very cold and windy
What to do in Chicago?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Chicago?
Allow 3 to 4 days to cover the essentials: the Loop's architecture (boat tour on the Chicago River), Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Navy Pier and the lakefront trail. With 2 days, stick to downtown and one museum; with 5 or more, add a neighborhood like Wicker Park or Hyde Park, a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and a deep-dish pizza crawl. Buy a Ventra pass for the L and book the architecture cruise in advance.
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