- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Cheapest price on Oct 21
$158
Average ticket price on Oct 21
$178
Fastest journey on Oct 21
1 d 22 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 21
2 d 9 h 30 m
Buses on Oct 21
3
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 $178 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · · Buses from Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 52h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $138 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:49. The fastest bus covers the 1788 miles (2878 km) distance in 44h 34m.
Distance 1788 miles (2878 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $138 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 44h 34m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 02:30AM | Duration 66h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:05AM | Duration 46h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 59h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $177 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Tuesday, October 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 66h15 | 2:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 3 transfers | |
· · | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 46h40 | 9:05 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 59h35 | 8:45 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Sacramento, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
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.

Most Chicago, IL to Sacramento, CA buses use the Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair, with some services arriving at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton). Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Sacramento, 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.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton). ATMs are available at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton).
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton).
Available at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, 2nd Street / J Street (Baker & Hamilton): Wheelchair accessible pathways are present.
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