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Chicago, IL, USA to Lexington, KY, USA from $35: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chicago, United States of America
to
Lexington, United States of America

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 - Train, Bus, DriveBest price
606 kmDistance
4h 6m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Lexington 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.

Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  40m
Estimated price
$100-277
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
10h  51m
Estimated price
$35-199
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 606 km
Duration: 4h 6m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
11h  11m
Estimated price
$35-1006
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  32m
Estimated price
$88-277
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  9m
Estimated price
$92-517
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  30m
Estimated price
$92-277
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$108-507
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
7h  20m
Estimated price
$1000-1001
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
9h  59m
Estimated price
$1002-1003
Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
10h  2m
Estimated price
$1004-1005
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  20m
Estimated price
$1007-100

Traveling From Chicago to Lexington

Traveling from the bustling urban landscape of Chicago to the charming, horse-ranch-filled vistas of Lexington offers you an intriguing contrast between city life and Southern hospitality.

Best Neighbourhoods in Lexington

Lexington boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Lexington
• Vibrant dining and nightlife scene.
• Home to cultural landmarks and events.
Roman's Hill
• Scenic views of Kentucky landscapes.
• Quaint shops and local coffee spots.
Chevy Chase
• Boutique shopping and art galleries.
• Historic charm mixed with modern living.

Best Times To Visit Lexington's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your experience in Lexington's popular spots.

Kentucky Horse Park
Visit early in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere and fewer tourists.
Mary Todd Lincoln House
Afternoon tours are less crowded, allowing for a more personal experience.
Brent Boone Horse Farm Tours
Consider weekday visits to enjoy a leisurely pace and less traffic.

Lexington Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Lexington enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, making each time of year unique for travelers. Spring and fall typically offer mild temperatures and vibrant scenery, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Lexington

Try the Hot Brown, a rich open-faced sandwich featuring turkey, bacon, and Mornay sauce, from a local favorite like The Brown Hotel. This dish encapsulates Lexington's Southern roots and local flavor, providing a warm, inviting atmosphere that sets it apart from Chicago’s diverse culinary scene.

Chicago - Lexington operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Lexington

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$2774-2775

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Louisville

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$2776-2777

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Covington

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$2778-2779
Website
aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Lexington

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$2776-2775

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Louisville

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$2776-2770

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Covington

Average Duration
1h 18m
Estimated price
$2776-350
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway to Louisville

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$100-277280

Plane from Chicago Midway to Covington

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$351-352
Website
delta.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Covington via Detroit

Average Duration
3h 27m
Estimated price
$2776-353

Plane from Chicago Midway to Lexington via Detroit

Average Duration
3h 43m
Estimated price
$354-355

Plane from Chicago Midway to Lexington via Atlanta

Average Duration
5h 8m
Estimated price
$356-355

Plane from Chicago Midway to Lexington via Reagan Washington

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$357-355
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis

Average Duration
4h 54m
Estimated price
$358-2776
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 859-253-4636
Website
lextran.com

Bus from Transit Center to Appian Way @ Tates Creek Outbound

Average Duration
31m
Estimated price
$1992-1992
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Indianapolis Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 40m
Estimated price
$27720-1993
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Bus from Indianapolis Amtrak Station to Louisville, KY

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$19923-1994
Website
palmlandlines.com

Bus from Chicago IL to Indianapolis IN

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$2771-1007

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

Traveling between Chicago and Lexington 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 a scenic road trip from Chicago to Lexington spanning 377 miles. Look forward to approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes of driving through picturesque landscapes and charming towns. 💰 Explore the budget-friendly options for traveling by car from Chicago to Lexington, with prices ranging from $65 to $100. Enjoy the flexibility of a road trip while also saving on transportation costs.
Average price
$65 - $100
🚆 Embark on an exciting train journey from Chicago to Lexington! The scenic route covers a distance of 363 miles and takes approximately 10 hours and 7 minutes. Get ready for a comfortable ride with a transfer along the way. 🚌 Start your trip with a bus towards Nashville, a 5-hour and 50-minute ride departing from Chicago's 95th & Dan Ryan. Upon arrival in Louisville, hop on the bus towards Frankfort for a 1-hour and 40-minute journey to Lexington. The transfer is smooth with Greyhound and Miller Transportation agencies.
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your route from Chicago to Lexington, Amtrak is the primary operator, offering onboard catering services. Depending on the length of your trip and time of day, you can expect a selection of snacks, beverages, and hot meals available for purchase. Be sure to check Amtrak's menu prior to your trip at their official website to have an idea of what to order.
• Amtrak provides different seating options for your journey. If you're looking for a premium experience, consider reserving First Class seats that offer more legroom and access to a quieter lounge car. If you're traveling on a budget, Economy class seats are comfortable, but they may be less roomy. For more details regarding the seating layout and booking, visit Amtrak's website at amtrak.com
• When you arrive at the Lexington station, be aware that they do have luggage storage options, so you can explore the area without having to carry your bags. The station has restroom facilities for your convenience. To get to the city center efficiently, the fastest way is to take Bus Line 7, which connects directly to downtown Lexington. Check the local transit schedule at transit.lexingtonky.gov for up-to-date information.
🛫 Traveling from Chicago to Lexington by plane is convenient and quick, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 23 minutes. 💸 Depending on the timing and availability, the cost of a flight between Chicago and Lexington ranges between $144 and $607, making it a relatively affordable and efficient mode of transportation between these two cities.
Departure Point
Chicago O'Hare Airport
Arrival Point
Lexington Airport
🚌 Route 1: Traveling from Chicago to Lexington by bus takes approximately 10 hours and 11 minutes covering 379 miles. The journey involves a transfer, first to Nashville and then to Frankfort before reaching Lexington. 🚌 Route 2: Another option to reach Lexington from Chicago by bus is a longer route taking 15 hours and 36 minutes over 655 miles with a transfer in Detroit and then Atlanta before arriving in Lexington. 🚌 Route 3: For a route that includes multiple transfers, travelers can take a bus from Chicago to Memphis, then transfer to a bus headed to New York before finally transferring to Atlanta and reaching Lexington after 15 hours and 56 minutes covering 601 miles.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Lexington.

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The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Lexington is by taking a combination of train and bus, followed by driving via Middletown. This option usually costs between $30 and $200 and takes approximately 11 hours and 5 minutes. You can save money by booking in advance and checking for any available discounts or promotions. Remember to factor in additional costs such as meals and accommodations if necessary.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Lexington is to take a flight and then drive. The total travel time including both the flight and driving is approximately 4 hours. The cost of this option can range from $80 to $440 depending on factors such as the airline and time of booking. Flying is the most time-efficient option for this journey.
It is approximately 318 miles from Chicago to Lexington. The road distance is slightly longer at 376.8 miles. The distance can be covered by various modes of transportation such as car, train, or bus, depending on personal preference and convenience. The journey typically takes around 5-6 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions.
The travel time from Chicago to Lexington is approximately 5 hours and 37 minutes, including any necessary transfers. This travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen, such as flying, driving, or taking a train or bus. It is recommended to check the specific schedules and routes of the chosen mode of transportation to get the most accurate estimate of travel time.
There are a variety of hotels available near Lexington. Some popular options include Hyatt Regency Lexington and Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington. Prices for these hotels start at $42 per night. Additionally, there are numerous other accommodation options, including bed and breakfasts, guesthouses, and vacation rentals, to suit different preferences and budgets.
Yes, you can drive from Chicago to Lexington. The driving distance is approximately 377 miles, which takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes depending on traffic and the route you take. It is a straightforward drive on I-65 South and I-64 East. Keep in mind that gas, tolls, and parking fees may add to the overall cost of the trip.
To get to Lexington from Chicago O'Hare Airport, the best way is to take a flight to either Louisville International Airport or Blue Grass Airport in Lexington. There are several airlines that operate flights between these cities, and the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. From the airport, you can hire a taxi, use rideshare services, or rent a car to reach your final destination in Lexington. Alternatively, there are also bus services available that can take you from the airport to downtown Lexington.
United Airlines and American Airlines offer flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Lexington Airport. Both airlines operate multiple flights per day between the two cities, providing travelers with various options for departure and arrival times. It is advisable to check for the most up-to-date flight schedules and prices on the respective airlines' websites or through online travel agencies.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Lexington is by plane. Taking a direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Lexington Airport usually takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Both United Airlines and American Airlines provide flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Lexington Airport. This option is convenient for travelers who prioritize saving time and want to reach their destination quickly.
The flight from Chicago to Lexington takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes if you take a direct flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Lexington Airport. However, please keep in mind that this is just the flight time and does not include the time it takes to get to and from the airports, check-in, and go through security. It is always important to allow extra time for these factors when planning your travel.
The cost of driving from Chicago to Lexington can range between $65 and $100. This estimate includes expenses such as fuel, tolls, and parking fees. Keep in mind that these prices are approximate and can vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle you have and current gas prices. Additionally, it's advisable to check for any planned road closures or construction projects along the route before embarking on your journey to avoid any potential delays or detours.

Trips from Chicago

Trips to Lexington