- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$176
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
1 d 21 h 50 m
Average duration
1 d 23 h 57 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
2802 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $176.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · · 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 $104. 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 $104, and a bus costs an average of $164.
Distance: 1741 miles (2802 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$374 Average price | $357 Average price | $291 Average price Cheapest | $425 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 $66 (€53) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $357 (€288).
A flight is $83 (€66) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $374 (€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 $170 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 55h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 08:15AM | Duration 45h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $188 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 48h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 49h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 49h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $189 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Sunday, May 31. 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 | 55h05 | 3:20 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), CA | 3 transfers | |
· · + FlixBus | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 55h15 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, 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 | 48h15 | 3:30 PM Los Angeles, Cesar E Chavez / Vignes, 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 | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 49h40 | 10:30 PM Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station), 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 | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
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 $164 (€132) but you can travel from only $104 (€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 $164 (€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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, famous for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with works by Warhol, Kusama, and Koons; one of Downtown Los Angeles's most popular cultural stops.
Classic Southern California waterfront area with ocean views, street performers, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for skate culture, murals, performers, and nonstop people-watching.
Large urban park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to several of Los Angeles's best-known attractions.
A classic Los Angeles sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a French roll, often served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s best-known historic dishes.
Baja-style fish tacos are deeply rooted in Southern California food culture, especially in Los Angeles. They usually feature battered or grilled fish with cabbage, crema, and salsa.
Los Angeles is famous for its taco culture, and al pastor is a local favorite. Marinated pork is shaved from a spit and served on small corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
Legendary Hollywood restaurant serving classic American fare, steaks, and martinis. Formal, old Los Angeles atmosphere with deep culinary history.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich. Old-school atmosphere and one of Los Angeles’s most famous classic food institutions.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively, established dining room with strong local and national recognition.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially hotels, parking, and dining. Budget eats exist, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Small counter-service tips are optional.
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.

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