- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
€486
Average price
€486
Fastest journey
2 d 10 h 20 m
Average duration
2 d 10 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2841 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Merced, 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 Merced, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around €486 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €486.
It's difficult to get from Merced, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 3 times.


Buses from Merced, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 61h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €293 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1765 miles (2841 km) distance in 61h 5m.
Distance 1765 miles (2841 km) |
Average bus duration 61h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price €293 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 61h 5m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 58h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price €486 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 61h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €293 |
The table below shows live departures for Merced, CA to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:05 AM Merced, CA | 58h20 | 4:25 PM Chicago, IL | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Merced, 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 Merced, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Merced, W 16th St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Merced, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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