- 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
$244
Average price
$417
Fastest journey
2 d 20 m
Average duration
2 d 10 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2970 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Emeryville, 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 Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $417 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $244.
Of the 3 buses that leave Emeryville, CA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Jun 18, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 18 the direct buses cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 10 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 20 m .
On Thu, Jun 18 the slowest buses will take 2 d 15 h 55 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 train as it is the most popular option from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $86. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 11h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $86, and a train costs an average of $159.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$280 Average price | $363 Average price | $197 Average price Cheapest |
55h 34m Average total duration 55h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53h 10m Average total duration 52h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 23m Average total duration Fastest 11h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $83 (€68) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $280 (€229).
A flight is $166 (€136) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $363 (€297).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 52h 40m.
Bus takes on average 55h 4m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 63h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $248 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 78h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $255 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 62h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $225 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 78h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $345 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 62h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $269 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $185 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $226 |
The table below shows live departures for Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, June 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:05 PM Emeryville, CA | 48h20 | 10:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 18 | |||||
![]() | 6:20 AM Emeryville, CA | 63h05 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:05 PM Emeryville, CA | 48h20 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 55h 4m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $159 (€130) but you can travel from only $86 (€70) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 48h 20m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average bus duration 55h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $159 (€130) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 48h 20m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 21 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 Emeryville, 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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