- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$216
Average price
$237
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 30 m
Average duration
2 d 3 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
2785 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $237 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $216.
Of the 3 buses that leave Fullerton, CA for Chicago, IL on Thu, Jul 23, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct buses cover the 2785 km distance in an average of 2 d 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 30 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest buses will take 2 d 5 h 20 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 Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $151. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 10h 38m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $151, and a bus costs an average of $189.
Distance: 1730 miles (2785 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$292 Average price | $242 Average price | $216 Average price Cheapest | $339 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
52h 33m Average total duration 52h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43h 41m Average total duration 43h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 38m Average total duration Fastest 10h 38m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $26 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $242 (€242).
A flight is $76 (€76) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $292 (€292).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 43h 11m.
Bus takes on average 52h 3m.
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 Amtrak | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 64h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $464 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $431 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 54h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $175 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 50h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 53h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 50h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $212 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $210 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $248 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $338 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 56h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 52h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $468 |
The table below shows live departures for Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:45 PM Fullerton, CA | 53h20 | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:55 PM Fullerton, CA | 50h30 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 PM Fullerton, CA | 50h30 | 10:25 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 Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 7 times per day, taking around 52h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $189 (€189) but you can travel from only $151 (€151) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1730 miles (2785 km) distance in 48h 0m.
Distance 1730 miles (2785 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $189 (€189) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 48h 0m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Fullerton, 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