Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA bus

Sat, Feb 28
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Alsa
Costa Verde
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 02

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

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 $273 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $273.

Fast buses

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.

Greyhound
06:01PM56h34
Chicago, IL
02:35AMOakland, CA
$2731One-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 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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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.

Last updated at 10:44 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound6:01 PM Chicago, IL
56h34
2:35 AM Oakland, CA0 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.

Mon
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Thu
Mar 05
Fri
Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07
Sun
Mar 08

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
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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.

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 $243 (€193)
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
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 $243 (€193)

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 $263 (€209) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA is $354 (€281) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA is 49h 44m to travel the 1845 miles (2970 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA leaves at 11:50 PM.
A trip to Oakland, CA from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 49h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Oakland, CA is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA including taking a train, bus, and 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.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no 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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