The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Cheapest price
$378
Average price
$378
Fastest journey
2 d 7 h 10 m
Average duration
2 d 7 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2957 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $378 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $378.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for San Jose, CA on Thu, Dec 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 04 the direct buses cover the 2957 km distance in an average of 2 d 7 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 7 h 10 m .
On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest buses will take 2 d 7 h 10 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 bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €83. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €83, and a bus costs an average of €129.
Distance: 1837 miles (2957 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€283 Average price | €254 Average price | €240 Average price Cheapest |
52h 35m Average total duration 52h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 62h 37m Average total duration 62h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 11m Average total duration Fastest 5h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
3.0 - 7.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.9 - 17.7kg 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.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, December 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:15 AM Chicago, IL | 55h10 | 12:25 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Jose, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
Dec 04
Dec 05
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Dec 10
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Buses from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 52h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $161 (€129) but you can travel from only $103 (€83) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1837 miles (2957 km) distance in 57h 15m.
Distance 1837 miles (2957 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $161 (€129) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 57h 15m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:10 |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA with Greyhound for as low as $103 (€83). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
- The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
- San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
- Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
- Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
- Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
- Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
- Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
- Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
- 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 Jose, 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 Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
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