- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
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Cheapest price
$408
Average price
$436
Fastest journey
45h 50m
Average duration
52h 14m
Buses per day
8
Distance
2040 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $102. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 13h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $102, and a bus costs an average of $161.
Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$366 Average price | $350 Average price | $285 Average price Cheapest | $416 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
47h 20m Average total duration 46h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 26h 38m Average total duration 26h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 5m Average total duration Fastest 13h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $65 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $350 (€288).
A flight is $81 (€66) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $366 (€301).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 26h 8m.
Bus takes on average 46h 50m.
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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 48h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 55h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 45h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $172 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 48h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 49h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 66h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 55h15 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 55h05 | 3:20 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 45h50 | 8:15 AM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 5:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 48h05 | 3:20 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 5:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 48h15 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 49h40 | 10:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 66h20 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, CA | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 49h20 | 10:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 16 | |||||
FlixBus+ · | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 48h15 | 10:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 46h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $161 (€132) but you can travel from only $102 (€84) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1741 miles (2802 km) distance in 45h 14m.
Distance 1741 miles (2802 km) |
Average bus duration 46h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $161 (€132) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 45h 14m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need