Fastest way from Newark (New Jersey) to Chicago: Flight, about 4h 10min – 5h 25min (from €229). Cheapest: Bus, from €111 (about 15h 20min – 18h 10min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines; main departure point: Newark NJ.
There are 2 ways to get from Newark (New Jersey) 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 | Newark NJ | €111 | 4 |
| JetBlue | Flight | John F Kennedy Airport | €229 | 2 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Newark Airport | €387 | 1 |
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Practical tips
If your itinerary is tight or you only have a few days in Chicago, the plane saves you a whole day. The bus makes sense only if you are flexible and want to keep your budget low.
Make sure your flight leaves from Newark Liberty (EWR) in New Jersey, not JFK or LaGuardia in New York. In Chicago, check whether you land at O'Hare or Midway before planning your ride into the city.
US bus stops can be on a street corner rather than in a station. Read your e-ticket for the exact pickup address, and locate it on a map the day before so you do not run around at the last minute.
Both flights and buses tend to get more expensive as departure approaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking a few weeks ahead gives you more choice of departure times and usually a better fare.
If you take the bus, bring a power bank, water, snacks and a warm layer. Keep your ticket on your phone, download it offline, and arrive early so you do not miss the departure.
The journey experience
Newark to Chicago is a long hop of roughly 800 miles, so the first question is simple: do you want to save money and see the country from the window, or save a full day and fly? This page puts both options side by side so you can compare time and price at a glance and decide in a minute.
By air, you leave from Newark Liberty International Airport and land in Chicago, with services typically available on a regular basis throughout the day. It is the realistic choice if your schedule is tight or you do not want to lose a day of your trip. By long-distance bus, the journey is a real overland stretch through Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana. It is the budget option, and some services run overnight, which can save you a night of accommodation. Expect a standard coach with reclining seats, and bring a charger, snacks and a layer for the air conditioning.
Our honest advice: if you are short on time, fly; if you are on a tight budget and flexible, take the bus and book early. Whichever you pick, check the exact departure point on your e-ticket, because bus stops in the US are sometimes on a street corner rather than inside a station. Do that, and the trip is easy to manage.
Frequently asked questions — Newark (New Jersey) → Chicago
It depends on your priorities. The plane is the best choice if time matters, since it takes roughly 4 h 10 to 7 h depending on the routing. The bus is the budget option, taking around 15 h to 18 h, but it can double as an overnight journey and save you a night of accommodation.
By air, the journey takes about 4 h 10 to 7 h, depending on whether the flight is direct or includes a stopover. By bus, count on roughly 15 h to 18 h. The bus is much longer, so plan your arrival time and your first night in Chicago carefully.
Bus tickets start from €111, with typical fares up to €121. Flights start from €229, with typical fares up to €235. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gives you the best fare on either option.
Flights leave from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey and arrive in Chicago. For the bus, the departure point depends on the service you book, and it can be a station or a street stop. Always check the exact address on your e-ticket before travelling.
It depends on the service you choose. The flight range of roughly 4 h 10 to 7 h suggests that some options are direct while others include a stopover. Bus services of about 15 h to 18 h may also include a change. Check the details of each option before you book.
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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