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4.6
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 bus with prices starting from $187. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 12h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $187, and a train costs an average of $240.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$379 Average price Cheapest | $490 Average price | $432 Average price | $435 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51h 26m Average total duration 50h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 33m Average total duration 57h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 54m Average total duration Fastest 12h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 31h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA costing on average $432 (€348).
A bus is $111 (€89) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA costing on average $490 (€394).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 50h 56m.
Train takes on average 57h 3m.
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.
Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 57h25 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $276 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 47h44 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $596 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:01PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 49h44 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 49h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:01PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 49h44 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $293 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Oakland, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 5:25 PM Chicago, IL | 49h20 | 6:45 PM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:01 PM Chicago, IL | 49h44 | 7:45 PM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 50h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $187 (€150) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 48h 44m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average bus duration 50h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $187 (€150) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 48h 44m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 56 days |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA with Greyhound for as low as $187 (€150). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Oakland, CA and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Oakland, CA
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