- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 2h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, while a coach costs an average of £43.
Distance: 160 km
| Coach | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £12 Average Price Cheapest | £17 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 56m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL:
A train is £31 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL costing on average £43.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 9m.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (1h 30m by bus vs 1h 56m by car). Tickets start at around £43 compared to roughly £17 in fuel and tolls — a bit more, but you're getting time back, skipping traffic and parking, and you can work or rest on board.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel splits across several people), want flexibility on timing, or plan to stop en route.
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £10 by train.
There are 1 coaches per day. The earliest coach runs at 07:40, the last at 16:00. The fastest coach covers the 160 km distance in 1h 30m.
Distance 160 km |
Average bus duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 7:40 |
Last bus 16:00 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
Major art museum with global collections, notable Impressionist works, and a landmark setting beside Millennium Park.
Science museum in Jackson Park with hands-on exhibits, a U-505 submarine, and broad appeal for families and curious adults.
Natural history museum on the Museum Campus, known for dinosaur fossils, gem displays, and wide-ranging science exhibits.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and frequent events at the heart of central Chicago.
Bustling avenue for architecture, shopping, river views, and easy walking between landmark buildings and major attractions.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River with terraces, bridges, boat access, and excellent close-up architecture views.
Deep-dish pizza is a Chicago classic with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked in a deep pan.
Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers and celery salt.
Italian beef is thinly sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in savoury juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
Elegant fine-dining restaurant rooted in Midwestern ingredients, with polished service and a refined contemporary dining room.
Historic pizzeria known for classic Chicago deep-dish in a lively, casual setting near the Magnificent Mile.
Long-running counter-service spot famed for Italian beef sandwiches, dipped rolls and spicy giardiniera in a no-frills setting.
Expensive by US city standards: hotels, dining and attractions add up, though buses and the 'L' help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafés if table service is given.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL by coach. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest coach, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Princeton, IL to Chicago, IL buses use the Peru to Chicago station pair. Use this guide to compare Princeton, IL and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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