- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$396
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$423
Fastest journey on Sep 17
2 d 2 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
2 d 9 h 14 m
Buses on Sep 17
5
Distance
2983 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA will cost around $423 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $396.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $326 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 31m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.9 - 2.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $326, while a flight costs an average of $582.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$326 Average price Cheapest | $449 Average price | $582 Average price | $457 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53h 40m Average total duration 53h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56h 57m Average total duration 56h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration Fastest 6h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 31h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.0 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.9 - 17.9kg 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 Francisco, CA:
A bus is $123 (€100) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA costing on average $449 (€365).
A bus is $256 (€208) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA costing on average $582 (€473).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 53h 10m.
Train takes on average 56h 27m.
Tickets start at around $326 (€265) compared to roughly $457 (€371) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $130 (€106). The journey takes 53h 10m versus 31h 15m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 58h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $227 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 58h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $493 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 50h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:01PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 50h24 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $654 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 55h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $471 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:01PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 50h24 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $553 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 59h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $223 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10AM | Duration 58h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $226 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 50h10 | 12:35 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 59h55 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 59h35 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 58h00 | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 4 transfers | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 58h30 | 8:45 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Francisco, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 53h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $136 (€110) but you can travel from only $78 (€63) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 48h 4m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average bus duration 53h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€110) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 48h 4m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street station pair, with some services arriving at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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, 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, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue 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, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need