- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$232
Average price
$245
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 50 m
Average duration
2 d 2 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
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 $245 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $232.
Of the 2 buses that leave Fullerton, CA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct buses cover the 2785 km distance in an average of 2 d 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest buses will take 2 d 2 h 50 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 $185. 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 $185, and a bus costs an average of $232.
Distance: 1730 miles (2785 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$358 Average price | $297 Average price | $265 Average price Cheapest | $416 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 $32 (€26) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $297 (€242).
A flight is $94 (€76) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Fullerton, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $358 (€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 $569 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $402 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 53h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $265 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Tue, Sun | Cheapest price $232 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 50h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $260 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $258 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $304 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 48h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $415 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 63h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $574 |
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 $232 (€189) but you can travel from only $185 (€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 $232 (€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 — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
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.

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