- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck views, and naval history exhibits. One of the city’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$149
Average price
$288
Fastest journey
2 d 3 h 5 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 40 m
Buses per day
7
Distance
2784 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $288 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $149.
Of the 7 buses that leave Chicago, IL for San Diego, CA on Sun, May 24, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct buses cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 3 h 5 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest buses will take 2 d 11 h 50 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $59, and a train costs an average of $198.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$307 Average price | $452 Average price | $305 Average price Cheapest | $435 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
47h 19m Average total duration 46h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 4m Average total duration 49h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 53m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA:
A flight is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA costing on average $307 (€249).
A flight is $147 (€119) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA costing on average $452 (€365).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 46h 49m.
Train takes on average 49h 34m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 73h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $355 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 60h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 73h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $269 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 59h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 59h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $209 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 58h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $264 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 62h15 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $296 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 53h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:01PM | Arrival Time 09:10PM | Duration 52h09 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $185 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $207 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:01PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 52h09 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $388 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 57h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $403 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 57h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $346 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 51h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 55h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 55h45 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $460 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:15 PM Chicago, IL | 58h05 | 1:20 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 57h45 | 1:45 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:01 PM Chicago, IL | 51h09 | 9:10 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:30 PM Chicago, IL | 55h40 | 5:10 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:15 PM Chicago, IL | 51h05 | 1:20 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:30 PM Chicago, IL | 55h45 | 6:15 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
![]() | 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 73h05 | 6:15 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:15 AM Chicago, IL | 59h50 | 5:05 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Chicago, IL | 59h50 | 6:05 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 46h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $131 (€106) but you can travel from only $59 (€48) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 50h 30m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average bus duration 46h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $131 (€106) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 50h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A large aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck views, and naval history exhibits. One of the city’s signature attractions.
Balboa Park’s major art museum, known for European old masters, Asian art, and rotating exhibitions in a landmark Spanish Colonial Revival building.
Contemporary art museum with strong regional and international programming, especially noted for its oceanfront La Jolla location and modern exhibitions.
San Diego’s flagship urban park, packed with gardens, museums, Spanish Colonial architecture, plazas, and highly photogenic walking paths.
A scenic coastal area known for sea lions, cliffs, turquoise water, and one of the city’s most photographed ocean viewpoints.
The city’s best-known historic downtown district, lined with Victorian-era buildings, lively streets, and a strong day-to-night atmosphere.
Beer-battered or grilled fish in a tortilla, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A signature San Diego favorite shaped by Baja California influence.
A San Diego staple burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most iconic late-night and taqueria foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent border-style dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Established waterfront seafood restaurant in Point Loma known for fresh local catch, fish sandwiches, and harbor views.
Legendary casual spot in Barrio Logan known for traditional Mexican plates, handmade tortillas, and an old-school local atmosphere.
Popular casual venue celebrated for fish tacos, smoked fish tacos, and fresh coastal Baja-style seafood in a laid-back setting.
San Diego is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining, though tacos, casual eats, and happy hours can help keep daily costs lower.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 nightly for hotel housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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