- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$338
Average price
$338
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 25 m
Average duration
2 d 1 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2869 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $338 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $338.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chico, CA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 2869 km distance in an average of 2 d 1 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 1 h 25 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 2 d 1 h 25 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $265. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $265, and a train costs an average of $366.
Distance: 1782 miles (2869 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$314 Average price Cheapest | $557 Average price | $657 Average price | $419 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
49h 55m Average total duration 49h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 43m Average total duration Fastest 11h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 60h 4m Average total duration 59h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $243 (€199) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $557 (€456).
A bus is $344 (€281) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $657 (€538).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 49h 25m.
Train takes on average 59h 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 USA | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 51h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $262 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 49h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $338 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 80h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $300 |
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 Chico, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 49h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $265 (€217) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 09:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1782 miles (2869 km) distance in 49h 25m.
Distance 1782 miles (2869 km) |
Average bus duration 49h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $265 (€217) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 49h 25m |
First bus 9:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chico, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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