4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
Cheapest price
$219
Average price
$242
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 8 h 47 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2787 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA will cost around $242 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $219.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
· 5:15 PM52h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station7:30 PMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2191One-way2 transfers- · · · 10:15 AM59h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL7:30 PMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2391One-way3 transfers
- · · · 11:10 PM58h50Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL8:00 AMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2671One-way5 transfers
- FlixBus+ · 5:15 PM52h15Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station7:30 PMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2191One-way2 transfers
- · · · 11:10 PM58h50Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL8:00 AMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2671One-way5 transfers
- · · · 10:15 AM59h15Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL7:30 PMSanta Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)$2391One-way3 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $243. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $243, and a bus costs an average of $271.
Distance: 1731 miles (2787 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$353 Average price | $324 Average price | $271 Average price Cheapest | $406 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53h 43m Average total duration 53h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43h 33m Average total duration 43h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 27m Average total duration Fastest 9h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA:
A flight is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA costing on average $324 (€265).
A flight is $83 (€68) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA costing on average $353 (€289).
Other travel options to Santa Ana, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 43h 3m.
Bus takes on average 53h 13m.
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.
Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 58h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $271 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 59h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 51h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $439 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $214 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 49h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $350 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 58h50 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. 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 | 59h15 | 7:30 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 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 Santa Ana, 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.
Jun 21
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Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 53h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $271 (€221) but you can travel from only $243 (€199) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 07:40, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1731 miles (2787 km) distance in 49h 5m.
Distance 1731 miles (2787 km) |
Average bus duration 53h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $271 (€221) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 49h 5m |
First bus 7:40 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Santa Ana, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Ana, CA and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Santa Ana, CA
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