Columbia, SC, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $56: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$56 by trainBest price

1054 kmDistance

4h 37m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Columbia to Chicago 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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Columbia - Chicago operators

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

Plane

Website

aa.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

2h 28m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 26m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

5h 25m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

5h 42m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Website

delta.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 51m

Estimated price

$1549-4760

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago Midway (MDW)

Average Duration

Estimated price

$4765-4766

Website

united.com

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

2h 27m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Plane from Columbia (CAE) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

Average Duration

4h 48m

Estimated price

$1549-4763

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Columbia Amtrak Station to Alexandria

Average Duration

10h 18m

Estimated price

$561-562

Train from Alexandria to Chicago Union Station

Average Duration

23h 41m

Estimated price

$564-569

Bus

Contact phone

+1 404-591-2750

Website

southeasternstages.com

Bus from Columbia to Atlanta, GA

Average Duration

3h 55m

Estimated price

$566-568

Website

palmlandlines.com

Bus from Atlanta, GA to Chicago IL

Average Duration

14h 40m

Estimated price

$4530-4531

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

16h 10m

Estimated price

$568-1548

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Chicago Bus Station

Average Duration

15h 45m

Estimated price

$4761-562

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

Traveling between Columbia and Chicago 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 Columbia to Chicago covering a distance of 804 miles. The journey will take around 13 hours and 29 minutes, offering breathtaking views along the way. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $140 to $220 for the drive to Chicago from Columbia by car. Plan your budget accordingly and make the most of your travel experience through scenic landscapes and vibrant cities.

Average price

$140 - $220

🌆 Experience the charm of the American Midwest as you travel for approximately 34 hours and 59 minutes from Columbia to Chicago by train. Operated by Amtrak, the trip offers a comfortable and relaxing way to reach your destination, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the ride. 💰 The prices for a train ticket between Columbia and Chicago can range from $56 to $453, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for a more luxurious experience, the train journey from Columbia to Chicago provides a convenient and scenic way to explore these vibrant cities.

Departure Point

Columbia Amtrak Station

Arrival Point

Chicago Union Station

🛫 Flying from Columbia to Chicago is a convenient and relatively quick journey. The direct flight offered by United Airlines, Delta, or American Airlines takes only 2 hours and 25 minutes. 🌆 Upon arrival at Chicago O'Hare Airport, travelers can expect a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 37 minutes. This transit time provides a seamless and efficient way to reach the bustling city of Chicago. 💸 Prices for flights between Columbia and Chicago can range from $154 to $476, offering travelers a variety of options to suit their budget and travel preferences. With multiple airlines serving this route, finding a suitable flight is easily achievable.

Departure Point

Columbia Airport

Arrival Point

Chicago O'Hare Airport

🚌 The bus journey from Columbia to Chicago is not direct, requiring a transfer in Atlanta. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 21 hours and 5 minutes. 🛣️ The bus service from Columbia to Chicago is operated by Southeastern Stages for departures and greyhound USA for arrivals. The journey covers a distance that takes about 19 hours and 20 minutes to complete. 💰 Prices for a bus ticket between Columbia and Chicago typically range from $115 to $157. Travelers can enjoy a scenic ride through various states on their way to the Windy City.

Departure Point

Columbia station

Arrival Point

Chicago Bus Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Columbia to Chicago.

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The distance between Columbia and Chicago is approximately 1054.1 km by road. It takes around 13 hours and 29 minutes to drive from Columbia to Chicago. By train, it takes 34 hours and 59 minutes to reach Chicago from Columbia. For a faster option, flying from Columbia to Chicago takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes. If you prefer traveling by bus, it takes about 19 hours and 20 minutes to reach Chicago from Columbia.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Columbia to Chicago is by taking a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $85 to $140. However, if time efficiency is a priority, then flying would be the best option. A flight from Columbia to Chicago takes around 4 hours and 37 minutes and costs between $120 to $360.

The prices for a train journey from Columbia to Chicago can range from $56 to $453, depending on the class and type of train chosen. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ride from Chicago to Columbia can vary from $87 to $139, with options for different bus companies and amenities.

To get from Columbia to Chicago without using public transportation, you can take a road trip. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 1293.9 km, which takes about 13 hours and 29 minutes. You can expect to spend around $140 to $220 on gas and tolls for this journey.

To travel from Columbia to Chicago without a car, the best option is to take a bus. There is a direct bus route from Columbia to Chicago via Atlanta, which takes approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $85 and $140. Another option is to take a flight, which is much faster, with a travel time of about 4 hours and 37 minutes, and prices ranging from $120 to $360. Lastly, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 34 hours and 59 minutes and costs between $55 and $460.

Yes, there is a link between Columbia and Chicago but there is no direct route by train. The train journey takes approximately 34 hours and 59 minutes, with a transfer in Alexandria. However, there is also a bus service available with a travel time of approximately 20 hours and 45 minutes, including transfers in Atlanta.

The flight from Columbia to Chicago typically takes around 2 hours and 24 minutes. The price of a flight between the two cities can vary, ranging from $124 to $356.

There are numerous accommodation options available in Chicago, with over 1116 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Chicago start at as low as $58 per night, offering a range of affordable choices.