The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$273
Average price
$273
Fastest journey
2 d 8 h 34 m
Average duration
2 d 8 h 34 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2970 km
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 $273 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $273.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Oakland, CA on Mon, Mar 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 02 the direct buses cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 8 h 34 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 8 h 34 m .
On Mon, Mar 02 the slowest buses will take 2 d 8 h 34 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.


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 $263. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 21h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $263, and a train costs an average of $243.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$354 Average price Cheapest | $590 Average price | $428 Average price |
55h 24m Average total duration 54h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 57h 33m Average total duration 57h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 17m Average total duration Fastest 21h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:35AM | Duration 69h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $279 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 48h44 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $245 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA buses for tomorrow, Monday, March 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:01 PM Chicago, IL | 56h34 | 2:35 AM 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.
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
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Mar 08
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 54h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $263 (€209) but you can travel from only $243 (€193) 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 49h 44m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average bus duration 54h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $263 (€209) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 49h 44m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:50 |
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.

- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
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