4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$142
Average price
$219
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 9 h 30 m
Buses per day
3
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 $219 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $142.
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for San Diego, CA on Tue, Nov 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 25 the direct buses cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 9 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 15 m .
On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest buses will take 2 d 15 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.
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
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 bus with prices starting from €98. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 55m. 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 bus costs an average of €98, and a train costs an average of €161.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€182 Average price Cheapest | €290 Average price | €205 Average price |
45h 8m Average total duration 44h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 38m Average total duration 50h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 58h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $270 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:20AM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 55h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $245 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 06:20PM | Duration 51h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $329 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 74h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $383 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 61h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $350 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA buses for today, Monday, November 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
undefined · undefined · undefined+ FlixBus | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 58h45 | 2:45 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 4 transfers | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined+FlixBus | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 62h15 | 6:15 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined+FlixBus | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 58h10 | 2:10 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 4 transfers | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined · undefined | 4:00 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 63h50 | 7:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
| undefined · undefined · undefined+FlixBus | 5:20 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 55h50 | 1:10 AM San Diego, Rail Ct / E San Ysidro Blvd (McDonald`s), CA | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus++FlixBus | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 55h45 | 6:15 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 2 transfers | |
| FlixBus++FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 52h15 | 2:45 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
| FlixBus++FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 51h40 | 2:10 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 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 San Diego, 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.
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Nov 30
Dec 01
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 44h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $120 (€98) but you can travel from only $46 (€38) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 51h 0m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average bus duration 44h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $120 (€98) |
Buses per day 17 |
Fastest bus 51h 0m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 22:30 |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA with Greyhound for as low as $46 (€38). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Balboa Park, a sprawling urban park with museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo
- USS Midway Museum, a historic naval aircraft carrier museum offering interactive exhibits and tours
- La Jolla Cove, a picturesque coastal area known for its stunning views and marine life
- Gaslamp Quarter, a lively historic district with Victorian architecture, dining, and entertainment options
- Coronado Beach, a beautiful sandy beach known for its gentle waves and iconic hotel.
- Explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
- Enjoy a harbor cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships
- Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation
- Experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL
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