- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
CHF148
Average ticket price on Sep 19
CHF176
Fastest journey on Sep 19
2 d 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
2 d 15 h 18 m
Buses on Sep 19
5
Distance
2970 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around CHF176 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF148.
It's difficult to get from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of CHF267 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 54h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF267, while a train costs an average of CHF431.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
CHF267 Average price Cheapest | CHF431 Average price |
54h 24m Average total duration Fastest 53h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 56h 51m Average total duration 56h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is CHF164 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average CHF431.
A bus is CHF294 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average CHF561.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 53h 54m.
Train takes on average 56h 21m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 61h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 78h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF166 |
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 12:35 AM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 61h30 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 1:40 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 48h45 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 1:40 PM Oakland, West Oakland BART Station, CA | 64h20 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 53h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF203 but you can travel from only CHF159 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 46h 50m.
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average bus duration 53h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF203 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 46h 50m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
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 Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Oakland, West Oakland BART Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Oakland, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station is 2 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station. ATMs are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Ticket office support is available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station.
Available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station: Station is fully accessible with elevators.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need