Recommended route
Chicago
Direct trip to Columbus traveling by flights, bus
Columbus
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Alternative routes
Chicago
Travel by train, bus to Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Travel by bus to Columbus
Columbus
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Chicago
Travel by bus to West Lafayette
West Lafayette
Travel by bus to Columbus
Columbus
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How to get from Chicago to Columbus?

Planning to travel to Chicago from Columbus and looking for the best transportation options for your trip? We know that it is often difficult to choose the best way of transportation for a trip from Chicago to Columbus, whether it is for price, time or convenience reasons. Vivanoda will help you to find all the transportation solutions to travel between Chicago and Columbus, be it by plane, train, bus or carpool.

With detailed information about each mode of transportation and about the transport companies (Amtrak, FlixBus, Greyhound, MegaBus - US or Southwest Airlines), you will be able to easily compare fares, timetables and travel times, in order to choose the option that best suits your needs.

Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for a quick and convenient way to get from Chicago to Columbus, we've got all the information you need to plan an unforgettable Chicago Columbus trip.

For your trip from Chicago to Columbus, you have several transportation options

Bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus

Buses are often the most economical choice for travel from Chicago to Columbus, offering direct travel options or with intermediate stops.

Chicago to Columbus train tickets

If you like to travel more ecologically and economically, the Chicago Columbus train is ideal and meets your expectations.

Chicago to Columbus cheap flights

Many flights connect Chicago to Columbus every day, offering a fast and convenient option for travelers. If you are in a hurry, flying is the fastest way to get to Columbus in record time.

Whichever way you choose, our price comparison tool will help you find the Chicago to Columbus transportation option that best suits your needs and budget.

Chicago Columbus Travel Information

Departure city
Chicago
United States
Illinois
Destination city
Columbus
United States
Ohio
Distance
276 mi
Direct connection
Yes, direct connection by flights and bus
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Plan your trip from Chicago to Columbus easily with Vivanoda

Plan your trip from Chicago to Columbus easily with Vivanoda

With Vivanoda you can easily compare all available transportation options like flights, trains, buses and carpools according to your preferences and budget. You can also filter the results by price, travel time, schedule and comfort options. Thanks to its ease of use and clarity, Vivanoda allows you to find in a few clicks the tickets between Chicago and Columbus that best suit your needs. Vivanoda also displays all the special offers and promotions of different airlines like Amtrak, FlixBus, Greyhound, MegaBus - US or Southwest Airlines to help you save on your tickets. So don't hesitate and use Vivanoda now to prepare your trip between Chicago and Columbus with peace of mind!

Comparison of the different ways to travel between Chicago and Columbus

Advantages and disadvantages of flying from Chicago to Columbus?
Speed Flying between Chicago and Columbus is the fastest way to travel the 276 mi between Chicago and Columbus.
Choice of airlines There are many airlines operating flights from Chicago to Columbus, both direct and with a stopover, giving travelers a wide choice.
Environmental disadvantages Flights from Chicago to Columbus have a negative impact on the environment due to greenhouse gas emissions, as flying is one of the most polluting modes of transportation.
Security Checks Travelers to Columbus often have to arrive at Chicago airport early due to strict security checks.
Prices Airline tickets from Chicago to Columbus can be more expensive than train or bus tickets, especially during busy periods (vacations, weekends, etc.).
Advantages and disadvantages of traveling by train from Chicago to Columbus?
Environmentally friendly The Chicago Columbus train is considered a more environmentally friendly way to travel than flying or driving alone.
Accessibility The train stations in Chicago or Columbus are located in the city center, making it easy to access other means of transportation to get to the city center.
Speed Chicago to Columbus trains are often much faster than buses or cars.
Cost Chicago Columbus train tickets can be more expensive than bus or carpool tickets, especially on high-speed trains.
Flexibility Chicago Columbus train schedules can be limited and it may be more difficult to change trains when needed.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bus trip from Chicago to Columbus?
On-board services Modern buses that travel between Chicago and Columbus are usually equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets and toilets.
Flexibility Bus companies offer many schedule options for travel between Chicago and Columbus, which can be convenient if you have specific time constraints.
Price The price of bus tickets from Chicago to Columbus are often much cheaper than train or plane tickets to Columbus (and sometimes cheaper than carpooling as well), making it an affordable option for budget-conscious travelers.
Comfort Chicago-Columbus buses can be less comfortable than trains, due to reduced legroom and suspension quality.
Travel time Buses from Chicago to Columbus are mostly much slower than trains to Columbus to cover the 276 mi distance of the trip.

Where to start from in Chicago? Where do I arrive in Columbus?

Chicago Departure Bus Stations

Union Station
Map

Departure stations in Chicago

Chicago
Map

Departure airports in Chicago

Midway International
Map
O'Hare International
Map

Columbus arrival bus stations

Columbus
Map

Columbus Arrival Airports

Port Columbus International
Map
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3 tips for cheaper travel from Chicago to Columbus

Have you decided to travel from Chicago to Columbus and are looking for ways to save money on your travel ticket? We present you with 3 useful tips to save money on your trip. Whether you choose to take a bus, train or flights, these tips will help you find the best rates for your Chicago to Columbus trip.

  • 1. Book in advance
    This is often the most popular tip for saving money on a ticket from Chicago to Columbus. This is because train, plane, bus or ferry tickets are often cheaper if you buy them well in advance. This can sometimes save you tens or even hundreds of euros on your Chicago-Columbus trip.
  • 2. Avoid rush hour traffic
    Chicago-Columbus tickets are very often cheaper if you travel outside of rush hour. By avoiding these high demand times of the day, you could save money on your ticket. In addition, traveling to Columbus during off-peak hours can allow you to enjoy a more comfortable trip.
  • 3. Avoid extras
    Some extras, such as food and beverages consumed during the trip from Chicago to Columbus, can be expensive and are not always necessary for a short trip. To save money, try to plan snacks or drinks before you leave for Columbus, and use free alternatives for entertainment, like reading a book.

Bus Chicago Columbus

The frequency of departures to Chicago from Columbus varies depending on the carrier, the time period and the day of the week. To get a complete overview of all bus departures to Columbus, please specify your departure date and start a search on Vivanoda.

Most buses between Chicago and Columbus are new and offer on-board power outlets for charging devices, but this may vary depending on the carrier.

The average price of a bus ticket for the trip Chicago-Columbus varies depending on the carrier and the time of booking. On certain busy dates, prices can double! Compare all Chicago-Columbus bus prices on Vivanoda.

The duration of the bus trip between Chicago and Columbus usually varies depending on the traffic conditions and possible stops along the way. Vivanoda will allow you to see in real time all the buses traveling to Columbus for your travel date.

Cancellation and modification policies may vary depending on the bus company, so it is important to check the terms and conditions when making a reservation. Most of the time, cancelling or changing your Chicago-Columbus bus ticket will incur additional costs.

Most carriers allow you to book seats online for an Chicago-Columbus bus. There is often a charge for this service.

Bus companies Chicago Columbus

FlixBus
FlixBus
Greyhound
Greyhound
MegaBus - US
MegaBus - US
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Trains Chicago Columbus

There may be a price difference depending on the time of day you travel by train from Chicago to Columbus. Tickets purchased during off-peak hours are cheaper than those purchased during peak hours. To get a detailed overview of all prices, Vivanoda compares all modes of transportation between Chicago and Columbus.

It is recommended to book your train ticket from Chicago to Columbus at least a few weeks in advance to get the best price.

Trains between Chicago and Columbus are equipped with power outlets and free Wi-Fi for passengers. Power outlets are available in most cars, while the Wi-Fi connection may be unstable in some areas.

Train tickets from Chicago to Columbus can be refunded or exchanged but are usually more expensive. The cheapest tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable.

Of course passengers can take luggage with them on the train from Chicago to Columbus. There is no weight limit, but some train companies limit the amount of luggage you can take and require you to pay a supplement. On the other hand, the size of the luggage should be reasonable due to the often limited space inside the trains.

There are discounts for children, students and seniors traveling by train from Chicago to Columbus that vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the person. When you enter your age in your Vivanoda search, the prices displayed will take into account any age-related discounts.

Train companies between Chicago and Columbus

Amtrak
Amtrak
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Flights Chicago Columbus

Airlines Chicago Columbus

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
United Airlines
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