The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Cheapest price
$133
Average price
$203
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 10 m
Average duration
2 d 9 h 41 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
2878 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around $203 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Sacramento, CA on Wed, Jan 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jan 21 the direct buses cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 9 h 41 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 1 h 10 m .
On Wed, Jan 21 the slowest buses will take 2 d 17 h 40 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 Sacramento, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €119. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €119, and a flight costs an average of €58.
Distance: 1788 miles (2878 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€221 Average price Cheapest | €248 Average price | €290 Average price |
54h 57m Average total duration 54h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52h 37m Average total duration 52h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 7m Average total duration Fastest 5h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 66h30 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $279 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:01PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 58h09 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $274 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 66h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $319 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 59h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $316 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Tuesday, January 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 66h30 | 10:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 3 transfers | |
undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 6:01 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 58h09 | 4:10 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ undefined · undefined · undefined | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 66h00 | 4:30 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 4 transfers | |
| Wednesday, January 21 | |||||
undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 5:10 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 59h20 | 4:30 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 5 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Sacramento, 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.
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 24
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 54h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $148 (€119) but you can travel from only $72 (€58) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:49. The fastest bus covers the 1788 miles (2878 km) distance in 47h 35m.
Distance 1788 miles (2878 km) |
Average bus duration 54h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $148 (€119) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 47h 35m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:49 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA start from as low as $148 (€119) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $274 (€221) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 10 daily trains from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 47h 35m but the average duration is 54h 27m
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL and arrive in Sacramento, Bus Terminal
- First train typically departs at 12:15 AM and the last at 11:49 PM
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- California State Capitol Museum, a historic building housing the state government and offering tours of its legislative chambers and exhibits
- Crocker Art Museum, featuring a diverse collection of art from California and around the world, including European, Asian, and contemporary works
- Old Sacramento State Historic Park, a preserved district with Gold Rush-era buildings, museums, and shops along the Sacramento River
- Sacramento Zoo, home to over 500 animals from around the globe, focusing on conservation and education
- American River Parkway, a scenic 23-mile parkway offering trails for biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the American River.
- Old Sacramento Waterfront, a preserved historic district with shops, restaurants, and museums reflecting the Gold Rush era
- American River Bike Trail, a scenic 32-mile path perfect for cycling, walking, and enjoying nature
- Sutter's Fort State Historic Park, a reconstructed 19th-century fort offering insights into California's early pioneer history
- Midtown Farmers Market, a vibrant market showcasing local produce, crafts, and food vendors every Saturday
- Tower Bridge, an iconic vertical lift bridge offering picturesque views of the Sacramento River and city skyline.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA
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