Chicago, IL, USA to Orlando, FL, USA from $95: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Chicago to Orlando: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$95 by busBest price

1595 kmDistance

4h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Orlando with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

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Traveling From Chicago to Orlando

The journey from Chicago to Orlando reveals a fascinating contrast between the bustling city life of the Windy City and the sunny, vibrant atmosphere of a Florida vacation spot.

Best Neighbourhoods in Orlando

Orlando boasts diverse neighborhoods that cater to various tastes and experiences.

Lake Nona

• Known for innovative medical and tech developments.

• Home to beautiful parks and scenic lakes.

Thornton Park

• Features charming brick-lined streets and trendy boutiques.

• Vibrant nightlife with popular restaurants and bars.

Winter Park

• Offers picturesque canals and stunning gardens.

• Renowned for art festivals and cultural events.

Best Times To Visit Orlando's Attractions

Maximize your Orlando experience by visiting attractions at optimal times.

Walt Disney World

Arrive early on weekdays to experience shorter lines and cooler temperatures.

Universal Studios

Visit during the off-peak season in January or September for fewer crowds.

SeaWorld Orlando

Mornings are quieter, especially on weekdays; plan your visit then.

Orlando Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Orlando enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters; the ideal time to visit is during the cooler months from November to April. Understanding how weather patterns influence your activities can enhance your travel experience, as rainy afternoons are common in summer.

Dining Recommendation in Orlando

Try the seafood paella at the local favorite, Café Tu Tu Tango, which showcases fresh, local ingredients and a colorful, artsy atmosphere that bursts with creativity—quite a departure from Chicago's deep-dish pizza scene. Here, the vibrant flavors and lively setting offer a refreshing contrast to the more robust culinary style found in the Windy City.

Chicago - Orlando operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Orlando, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$220-550

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) via Covington to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

4h 5m

Estimated price

$220-550

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) via Nashville to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

4h 25m

Estimated price

$220-550

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 58m

Estimated price

$55-280

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 59m

Estimated price

$55-280

Website

united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 45m

Estimated price

$170-650

Website

spirit.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 48m

Estimated price

$55-310

Website

aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

2h 45m

Estimated price

$170-700

Website

delta.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) via Atlanta to Orlando (MCO)

Average Duration

4h 23m

Estimated price

$80-480

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee

Average Duration

1h 29m

Estimated price

$3-75

Train from Chicago Union Station to Alexandria

Average Duration

23h 32m

Estimated price

$35-280

Train from Alexandria to Orlando

Average Duration

17h 19m

Estimated price

$35-270

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Atlanta Bus Station

Average Duration

16h 10m

Estimated price

$75-160

Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Orlando Bus Station

Average Duration

Estimated price

$45-110

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Atlanta Bus Station

Average Duration

15h 20m

Estimated price

$55-180

Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Orlando Bus Station

Average Duration

8h 20m

Estimated price

$35-120

Bus from West Palm Beach Bus Station to Orlando

Average Duration

3h 5m

Estimated price

$15-60

Website

palmlandlines.com

Bus from Chicago IL to West Palm Beach FL

Average Duration

27h 20m

Estimated price

$75-100

Chicago to Orlando: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Orlando offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Chicago to Orlando covering a distance of 1865.2 km. With nearly 19 hours of driving ahead, get ready for scenic landscapes and highway adventures along the way. 💵 Plan your budget accordingly as the cost of driving from Chicago to Orlando ranges between $210 to $310. 🌴 Arrive in sunny Orlando after a long but rewarding road trip. Explore the city's vibrant attractions, theme parks, and warm beaches as you unwind from the memorable drive from the Windy City.

Average price

$210 - $310

🚂 Embark on a thrilling train adventure from Chicago to Orlando! Even though there's no direct route, you can enjoy a scenic journey with a transfer through Alexandria. 🌴Spend approximately 41 hours and 51 minutes on the train, operated by Amtrak, as you cover the 2692.4 km distance from the lively city of Chicago to the sunny destination of Orlando. 💸Ticket prices range from $73 to $542 for this unforgettable train ride, offering you the opportunity to sit back, relax, and witness the beautiful landscapes as you make your way to Orlando.

Departure Point

Chicago Union Station

Arrival Point

Orlando station

Useful tips for train travellers

• On your train trip from Chicago to Orlando, Amtrak is the primary operator. Onboard services include a Café Car where you can purchase snacks, sandwiches, beverages (including alcoholic drinks), and breakfast items during your journey. Be sure to check the menu early on, as selections may vary and there are often daily specials.

• Amtrak offers several seating options on this route: the Standard Coach Class, which provides comfortable seating and ample legroom; the Business Class, featuring larger seats and more amenities like complimentary beverages; and Superliner Sleeping Cars for a more luxurious experience, including private rooms and dedicated attendants. Consider your budget and travel preferences when booking your ticket.

• The main operator for your route is Amtrak (www.amtrak.com). You may also want to check out other relevant transport providers if you plan to connect to neighboring cities. Useful links include the Orlando Amtrak station site (amtrak.com) for local transport schedules and the Orlando public transit site (golynx.com) for bus routes. Upon arrival in Orlando, you can leave your luggage at the Amtrak station for a fee. The station has restrooms available, but no showers.

🛫 Experience a quick and convenient journey from Chicago to Orlando by taking a direct flight that only lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes, offered by Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines departing from Chicago Midway Airport. ✈️ Enjoy a seamless flight experience as you cover a distance of 4 hours and 21 minutes to reach the vibrant city of Orlando from Chicago, with a range of ticket prices available between $60 to $287 for added flexibility in budget planning.

Departure Point

Chicago Midway Airport

Arrival Point

Orlando Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Chicago to Orlando, you can still make the journey with transfers via Atlanta Bus Station in about 25 hours and 10 minutes. Greyhound USA operates the bus services for this route. 🌆🛣️ Route 1 involves a total of 3 steps with transfers in Nashville and Atlanta, taking approximately 1 day and 2 hours to reach Orlando from Chicago. The total distance covered is about 1836.3 km. Greyhound is the agency that operates the buses for this route. 🛤️🚌 For Route 2, you will also have 2 transfers in Louisville and Atlanta, with the journey taking around 1 day and 9 hours. The total distance traveled is approximately 1831.4 km. Greyhound is the agency responsible for operating the buses on this route.

Departure Point

Chicago Bus Station

Arrival Point

Orlando Bus Station

Useful tips for bus travellers

• Make sure to check the Greyhound bus schedules for both your departure from Chicago and your transfer points in Nashville or Louisville and Atlanta, as not all buses will run on the same days or at the same times; you can find the schedules at greyhound.com

• During your transfers in Atlanta, if you have some time to spare, explore the Atlanta Bus Station, which is well-equipped with dining options such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and local Southern eateries to refresh yourself before continuing your trip; find more details here: atlantaga.gov

• Upon arrival at the Orlando Bus Station, be prepared for potential delays in luggage retrieval and plan your transportation to your final destination in advance, as ride-sharing services may become busy; the Orlando Bus Station is conveniently located next to a SunRail station for local transit, which you can check at sunrail.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Orlando.

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The distance between Chicago and Orlando is approximately 1596.5 km by air. Traveling by plane is the fastest option, taking around 4 hours and 21 minutes. Alternatively, taking a combination of train from Chicago to Milwaukee and then flying to Orlando takes about 6 hours and 10 minutes. For those preferring land transportation, it would take around 25 hours and 10 minutes by bus and 18 hours and 59 minutes by car to cover the road distance of 1865.2 km between the two cities.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Orlando is by bus, with ticket prices ranging from $95 to $160 and the travel time taking approximately 31 hours and 52 minutes. However, if saving time is a priority, then flying is the most time-efficient choice, taking only 4 hours and 21 minutes with ticket prices ranging from $55 to $290.

The price range for a train journey from Chicago to Orlando typically falls between $73 to $542. On the other hand, a bus ticket from Orlando to Chicago can cost between $93 to $294.

To travel from Chicago to Orlando without using public transportation, you can opt to drive the 1865.2 km distance, which typically takes around 18 hours and 59 minutes by car. The cost of driving can vary between $210 to $310 depending on factors such as fuel prices and any accommodations along the way.

One option to travel from Chicago to Orlando without a car is to take a bus via Atlanta, which typically takes around 25 hours and costs between $90 and $300. Another faster option is to fly directly from Chicago to Orlando, which takes about 4 hours and costs between $55 and $290. If you prefer a more leisurely journey, you can also consider taking a train, which takes approximately 41 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $70 and $550.

There is no direct train or bus link between Chicago and Orlando. Travelers taking the train would need to transfer at Alexandria during the 41-hour journey. Similarly, those opting for the bus route would have to transfer at Atlanta, extending the travel time to approximately 25 hours.

The quickest flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Orlando Airport typically takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The prices for flights between Orlando and Chicago can range from $60 to $287, depending on the airline, time of booking, and travel dates.

There are over 1233 hotels available near Orlando with prices starting at $44 per night. Some popular areas to consider for accommodation in Orlando include International Drive, Lake Buena Vista, and the Downtown area. Depending on your budget and preferred amenities, you can choose from a range of options including luxury resorts, budget-friendly hotels, and vacation rentals near popular attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios.