- Recommended
California Museum of Photography
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA will cost around $300 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $276.
On Tue, Nov 03, we found 2 buses from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Nov 03 the direct buses cover the 2737 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 40 m .
On Tue, Nov 03 the slowest buses will take 2 d 7 h 10 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.

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Buses from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 49h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $232 but you can travel from only $231 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1700 miles (2737 km) distance in 43h 20m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 55h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $524 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 55h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $194 |
Operator Flixbus USA | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 04:43PM | Duration 48h13 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $514 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $274 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 48h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $471 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 48h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $260 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA buses for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:15 PM Chicago, IL | 55h10 | 10:25 PM Riverside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Buses from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA with Greyhound. Overnight buses available on this route with Greyhound. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Riverside, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riverside, CA trip today.
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
Art museum in downtown Riverside featuring regional, contemporary, and international works in a walkable civic district near the Mission Inn.
Local history museum sharing Riverside stories through exhibits on citrus, community life, and changing regional identity in a historic setting.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown district with historic architecture, shops, public art, and easy access to major Riverside sights and evening events.
Historic citrus estate and grounds with groves, gardens, and walking paths that reflect Riverside's agricultural past and landscape design.
Large urban park with lakes, gardens, trails, and picnic areas. Popular for walking, birdwatching, and relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
California burrito is a Southern California staple with carne asada, fries, cheese and salsa in a flour tortilla, popular across Inland Empire taquerias.
Carne asada fries are a regional fast-casual favorite: french fries topped with grilled beef, cheese, crema and guacamole, common in local Mexican spots.
Date shakes are a classic desert drink from nearby inland date-growing areas, blended thick with dates and ice cream on road trips across the region.
Upscale steakhouse near downtown known for classic cuts, seafood and polished service in a traditional setting.
Casual local favorite for tacos, burritos and other Mexican staples with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Established Riverside deli and sandwich shop known for generous portions, soups and a bustling casual atmosphere.
Moderate for Southern California; hotels, dining, and car costs are lower than Los Angeles, but transit is limited and tourist areas can add fees.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or add 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts for small tips.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Riverside, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Riverside, Parking Lot 30 station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 is 6 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30. ATMs are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Ticket office support is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Accessible pathways for wheelchairs.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.