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Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL
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 train with prices starting from $241. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 52h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $241, and a bus costs an average of $250.
Distance: 1845 miles (2970 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$259 Average price | $242 Average price Cheapest |
61h 47m Average total duration 61h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 52h 53m Average total duration Fastest 52h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 1:10 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 7:20 AM Oakland, CA | 63h10 | 10:30 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:05 PM Oakland, CA | 63h45 | 1:50 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL by train or bus
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.
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Why should you book Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
FlixBus operates all buses services from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 61h 17m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $250 (€203) but you can travel from only $241 (€196) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:25. The fastest bus covers the 1845 miles (2970 km) distance in 49h 10m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $241 (€196)
Distance 1845 miles (2970 km) |
Average bus duration 61h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $250 (€203) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 49h 10m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:25 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $241 (€196)
Bus providers: FlixBus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL with FlixBus for as low as $241 (€196). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
75h 5m
Cheapest Price
$931 (€756)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
FAQs: Bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $250 (€203) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL is $259 (€211) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL is 49h 10m to travel the 1845 miles (2970 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:25 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Oakland, CA and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Oakland, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 49h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Oakland, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train and bus.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL for bus company FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL:
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL
Oakland
Chicago
The major bus station for departures in Oakland is Oakland, West Oakland BART Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Oakland, West Oakland BART Station for your trip from Oakland to Chicago.
Oakland, West Oakland BART Station
information
The major bus station for arrivals in Chicago is Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) for your trip to Chicago from Oakland.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Most popular bus connections from Oakland, CA
More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Oakland, CA
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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