- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$195
Average price
$269
Fastest journey
2 d 14 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 15 h 23 m
Buses per day
4
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 $269 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $195.
Of the 4 buses that leave Emeryville, CA for Chicago, IL on Mon, Aug 03, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct buses cover the 2970 km distance in an average of 2 d 15 h 23 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 14 h 35 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 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 |
|---|---|---|
$281 Average price | $364 Average price | $198 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 $281 (€229).
A flight is $167 (€136) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $364 (€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 $249 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 62h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $256 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 62h15 | Departure days Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $226 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 78h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $346 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 62h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $270 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 48h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $332 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $327 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:05PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 48h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $487 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 63h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $449 |
The table below shows live departures for Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 64h30 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
· · | 1:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 48h55 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 2:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 48h20 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 2:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 63h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
· · · | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 79h30 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 63h35 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 78h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 11:05 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 63h20 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
![]() | 6:20 AM Emeryville, CA | 63h05 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:50 AM Emeryville, CA | 62h35 | 10:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 $160 (€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 $160 (€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, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
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.

Most Emeryville, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART Station to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Emeryville, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need