- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
€330
Average price
€330
Fastest journey
2 d 20 m
Average duration
2 d 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2968 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around €330 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €330.
Of the 1 buses that leave Berkeley, CA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 2968 km distance in an average of 2 d 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 20 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 2 d 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €134. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €134, and a train costs an average of €135.
Distance: 1844 miles (2968 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€201 Average price | €228 Average price | €158 Average price Cheapest | €356 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
47h 30m Average total duration 47h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52h 36m Average total duration 52h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 49m Average total duration Fastest 7h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is €43 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €201.
A flight is €69 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €228.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 47h 0m.
Train takes on average 52h 6m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 63h05 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €300 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 54h55 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €343 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €327 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €378 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €297 |
Compare train, bus, and flight 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 Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 11 times per day, taking around 47h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €116 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1844 miles (2968 km) distance in 48h 20m.
Distance 1844 miles (2968 km) |
Average bus duration 47h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €116 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 48h 20m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The 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 thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL by bus. 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 bus, 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 Berkeley, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART Station to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Berkeley, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need