Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA bus

Tue, Dec 02
+ Add return
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Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Itabus
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 02

Cheapest price

$462

Average price

$462

Fastest journey

2 d 4 h

Average duration

2 d 4 h

Buses per day

1

Distance

2970 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA will cost around $462 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $462.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Oakland, CA on Tue, Dec 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 02 the direct buses cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 4 h .

On Tue, Dec 02 the slowest buses will take 2 d 4 h 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.

Greyhound
02:45PM52h00
Chicago, IL
06:45PMOakland, CA
$4621One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €282. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 8h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €282, and a bus costs an average of €387.

Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€387

Average price

€282

Average price

Cheapest

€341

Average price

52h 30m

Average total duration

52h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

57h 33m

Average total duration

57h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

8h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA by train, bus, or flight

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.

Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04
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Dec 05
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Dec 08

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

USAUSA
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Icon of bus

Buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 52h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $480 (€387) but you can travel from only $349 (€282) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 52h 0m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $349 (€282)
Distance
1845 miles (2970 km)
Average bus duration
52h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
$480 (€387)
Buses per day
3
Fastest bus
52h 0m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
23:50
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $349 (€282)

FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA can start from as little as $334 (€270) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA is $334 (€270); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time between Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA is on average 60 h 50 min   for the 1841 mile (2969 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA leaves at 4: 45AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA leaves at 11: 20PM.
The cheapest month to travel from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA by bus is October.
You have options as you can travel between Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.
No, the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Oakland, CA are:
  • Lake Merritt, a large tidal lagoon offering scenic walking paths and boating activities
  • Oakland Museum of California, a museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural sciences of California
  • Jack London Square, a waterfront area with dining, shopping, and entertainment options
  • Redwood Regional Park, a vast park with hiking trails through towering redwood trees
  • Chabot Space and Science Center, an interactive museum with planetarium shows and telescopes for stargazing.
The best things to do in Oakland, CA include:
  • Visit the vibrant Temescal Alley, known for its unique shops and eateries
  • Explore the historic USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's " Floating White House"
  • Enjoy a performance at the Fox Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace
  • Discover the diverse flavors at the Oakland First Fridays street festival
  • Take a scenic bike ride along the Bay Trail, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
    No, luggage for the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

    Chicago
    Oakland
    The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Oakland.
    Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    information
    Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
    information

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