Chicago, IL, USA to Nashville, TN, USA from $36: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Chicago to Nashville: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$36 - Train, BusBest price
641.6 kmDistance
4h Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Nashville 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 Nashville
Traveling from Chicago to Nashville offers a fascinating shift from the bustling urban landscape of the Windy City to the vibrant music scene and Southern charm of Music City.
Best Neighbourhoods in Nashville
Nashville's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, blending culture and entertainment.
Music Row
• Heart of Nashville's music industry.
• Home to legendary recording studios.
East Nashville
• Bohemian vibe with local art scene.
• Trendy cafes and unique shops.
The Gulch
• Sophisticated atmosphere with upscale dining.
• Iconic murals and vibrant nightlife.
Best Times To Visit Nashville's Attractions
Timing your visits to Nashville's attractions can enhance your experience significantly.
Country Music Hall of Fame
Visit on weekdays in the early morning for fewer crowds.
The Parthenon
Late afternoon offers a stunning sunset view and quieter atmosphere.
Broadway
Wednesday and Thursday evenings are ideal for live music without the weekend rush.
Nashville Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Nashville experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for travel thanks to pleasant temperatures. Understanding the weather variations can help you plan your activities and make the most of your visit.
Dining in Nashville: A Unique Culinary Experience
You shouldn’t miss trying hot chicken at Hattie B's, a dish that epitomizes Nashville's spicy culinary flair, setting it apart from Chicago’s deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches. The lively atmosphere and use of local ingredients add a distinctive Southern charm to your dining experience.
Chicago - Nashville operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Nashville, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station
Average Duration
10h 5mEstimated price
$50-120Bus from Indianapolis Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station
Average Duration
5h 45mEstimated price
$30-80Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
http://www.amtrak.com
Bus from Chicago Union Station to Nashville
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
$40-310Bus from Indianapolis Amtrak Station to Nashville
Average Duration
5h 25mEstimated price
$28-190Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Nashville Bus Station
Average Duration
10h 45mEstimated price
$35-130Bus from Indianapolis to Nashville Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 40mEstimated price
$28-95Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukee
Average Duration
1h 29mEstimated price
$3-75Train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 54mEstimated price
$8-110Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway Airport to Nashville Airport
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$120-290Website
delta.com
Plane from Chicago Midway Airport to Nashville Airport
Average Duration
3h 44mEstimated price
$140-470Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Nashville
Average Duration
1h 38mEstimated price
$160-290Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Nashville
Average Duration
1h 43mEstimated price
$160-350Website
flyfrontier.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Nashville
Average Duration
1h 32mEstimated price
$160-460Chicago to Nashville: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Nashville 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 Nashville covering a distance of 471 miles. Traverse through charming towns and vast fields on your journey south.
💸 Enjoy budget-friendly options with car travel costs ranging from $85 to $130. Save on flights and experience the freedom to stop at hidden gems along the way.
🎸 Arrive in Nashville after about 7 hours and 46 minutes of driving, ready to soak in the city's vibrant music scene and Southern hospitality. Get lost in the rhythm of country tunes and explore the rich cultural heritage of Music City.
Average price
$85 - $130
🚂 Traveling by train from Chicago to Nashville is a scenic journey that takes approximately 10 hours and covers a distance of 466 miles.
🚌 If you prefer a direct route, Greyhound offers buses departing from Chicago with a travel time of around 10 hours 5 mins, making it a convenient option for reaching Nashville.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check with Amtrak, the primary operator for this route, as they offer onboard catering services via a cafe car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. Amtrak also provides a meal service for long-distance routes, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner options for passengers in First Class.
• When booking your trip, consider the seating options available on Amtrak. They provide different classes: Coach (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach is the most economical, while Business Class offers more legroom and priority boarding. First Class passengers enjoy complimentary meals, spacious seating, and access to exclusive lounges.
• Upon arriving in Nashville, you'll arrive at the Music City Star Terminal. Note that you can leave luggage at the station through a storage service. Restrooms are available, but keep in mind showers are not provided. To get to downtown Nashville quickly, take the Music City Star Rail which connects to local buses or consider using rideshare apps for direct access.
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Nashville is a convenient option with a direct flight taking only 1 hour and 25 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport to Nashville Airport.
🏞️ With flight durations averaging around 4 hours, this trip allows travelers to quickly reach the vibrant city of Nashville from the bustling metropolis of Chicago. Prices for flights can vary from as low as $114 to $427, providing flexibility for different budgets.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Nashville Airport
⏰ Traveling by bus from Chicago 🌆 to Nashville 🎸 takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes. The direct Greyhound 🚌 service operates daily, departing every four hours.
🚌 Enjoy the scenic 477-mile journey from Chicago 🏙️ to Nashville 🎶 with comfort and convenience. Greyhound 🚍 offers reliable and affordable transportation, making it a great option for exploring the route.
🎫 Prices for the bus ticket between Chicago 🚏 and Nashville 🚌 range from $35 to $310, providing budget-friendly travel options for those looking to experience the vibrant city of Nashville.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
Nashville Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the Greyhound schedule in advance, as there are multiple departures every four hours; consider booking your ticket online for better pricing and to secure your seat: greyhound.com
• Prepare snacks and entertainment for your journey, as the bus ride from Chicago to Nashville takes approximately 10 hours; loading up on local snacks from Chicago, like Garrett's Popcorn or Lou Malnati's pizza, could make for a tasty journey.
• Upon arrival at the Nashville Bus Station, expect some local transportation options right outside; consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft or accessing Nashville’s public transit through WeGo Public Transit, which can be found at wegotransit.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Nashville.
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The distance between Chicago and Nashville is 399 miles, or 470.9 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By taking a train and then a bus, it takes approximately 11 hours and 19 minutes to reach Nashville from Chicago. Flying is the quickest option, with a travel time of about 3 hours and 59 minutes. Driving by car takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes from Chicago to Nashville, while taking a bus takes around 9 hours and 55 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Chicago to Nashville is by bus, which ranges in price from $40 to $310. Although it takes approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes, it is a budget-friendly choice for those looking to save money on their journey. Alternatively, the quickest way to reach Nashville is by flying, with a flight duration of 3 hours and 59 minutes. Although it is a bit more expensive, with ticket prices ranging from $80 to $330, it offers the advantage of significantly reducing travel time.
The prices of a bus ticket between Nashville and Chicago can vary significantly, ranging from $40 to $310. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best price. Additionally, prices may vary based on factors such as time of travel, class of service, and bus company.
To travel from Chicago to Nashville without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 471 miles, which usually takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes. The driving route offers flexibility and the convenience of making stops along the way. The cost of driving from Chicago to Nashville by car typically ranges from $85 to $130, depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle efficiency.
To travel from Chicago to Nashville without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey typically takes around 9 hours and 55 minutes, depending on traffic and other conditions. The cost of a bus ticket can range from $40 to $310, depending on the time of booking and availability. Buses provide a convenient and affordable option for travelers to reach Nashville from Chicago without having to drive themselves.
Yes, there is a direct link between Chicago and Nashville. Greyhound USA operates bus services that depart from Chicago Train Station and arrive at Nashville Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes. The bus services operate five times a day, seven days a week.
The flight between Chicago and Nashville typically takes 1 hour and 25 minutes on a direct flight. The price of a flight between the two cities can vary, ranging from $84 to $327. It's important to note that prices may vary based on factors such as the date of travel, airline, and booking time.
There are over 1120 hotels available in Nashville offering a variety of options for accommodation. Prices for hotels start at $47 per night, offering options for different budgets. Some popular areas to stay in Nashville include downtown, near the country music hall of fame, and near Broadway, where you can enjoy live music and vibrant nightlife. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability for your stay in Nashville.
Trips from Chicago
- Chicago to Peoria
- Chicago to Toronto
- Chicago to Grand Rapids
- Chicago to South Bend
- Chicago to Madison
- Chicago to Kalamazoo
- Chicago to Fort Wayne
- Chicago to Phoenix
- Chicago to Milwaukee
- Chicago to Knoxville
- Chicago to Gary
- Chicago to Detroit
- Chicago to Traverse City
- Chicago to Indianapolis
- Chicago to New York City
- Chicago to Minneapolis
- Chicago to Iowa City
- Chicago to Cleveland
- Chicago to Ann Arbor
- Chicago to Springfield
- Chicago to Charlotte
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Chicago to Naperville
- Chicago to Denver
- Chicago to New Orleans
- Chicago to San Francisco
- Chicago to Tulum
- Chicago to Cabo San Lucas
- Chicago to Morelia
- Chicago to Puerto Vallarta
- Chicago to Mackinac Island
- Chicago to Saint Louis
- Chicago to Aruba
- Chicago to TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
- Chicago to Atlanta
- Chicago to Athens
- Chicago to Istanbul
- Chicago to Champaign
- Chicago to Sydney
- Chicago to Aventura
Trips to Nashville
- Tuscaloosa to Nashville
- Atlanta to Nashville
- Chattanooga to Nashville
- New York City to Nashville
- Memphis to Nashville
- Minneapolis to Nashville
- Cookeville to Nashville
- Detroit to Nashville
- Los Angeles to Nashville
- Clarksville to Nashville
- Omaha to Nashville
- Milwaukee to Nashville
- Brentwood to Nashville
- Miami to Nashville
- Louisville to Nashville
- Des Moines to Nashville
- Cleveland to Nashville
- Seattle to Nashville
- Greenville to Nashville
- Buffalo to Nashville
- Pigeon Forge to Nashville
- Phoenix to Nashville
- Charleston to Nashville
- Jackson to Nashville
- Columbia to Nashville
- Murfreesboro to Nashville
- Jackson to Nashville
- Springfield to Nashville
- Franklin to Nashville
- Bowling Green to Nashville
- Peoria to Nashville
- Knoxville to Nashville
- Lebanon to Nashville
- Asheville to Nashville
- Lexington to Nashville
- Lexington to Nashville
- Franklin to Nashville
- Paducah to Nashville
- Kansas City to Nashville
- Las Vegas to Nashville