- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
€161
Average price
€161
Fastest journey
2 d 16 h 10 m
Average duration
2 d 16 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2878 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around €161 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €161.
Of the 1 buses that leave Sacramento, CA for Chicago, IL on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 the direct buses cover the 2878 km distance in an average of 2 d 16 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 16 h 10 m .
On Wed, Aug 26 the slowest buses will take 2 d 16 h 10 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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €122. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 19m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €122, and a train costs an average of €187.
Distance: 1788 miles (2878 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€265 Average price Cheapest | €573 Average price | €560 Average price | €350 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
53h 4m Average total duration 52h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54h 9m Average total duration 53h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 19m Average total duration Fastest 6h 19m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is €295 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €560.
A bus is €308 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average €573.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 52h 34m.
Train takes on average 53h 39m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 45h25 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price €212 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 45h25 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price €323 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 64h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price €161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 66h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €148 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 61h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €234 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 45h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 79h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price €142 |
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 4:45 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 61h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
· · | 4:45 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 45h40 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
![]() | 4:55 AM Sacramento, CA | 64h10 | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
· · · | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 79h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 10:05 PM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 64h20 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 52h 34m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €122 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1788 miles (2878 km) distance in 43h 55m.
Distance 1788 miles (2878 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €122 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 43h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Sacramento, Bus Terminal to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Sacramento, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Sacramento, Bus Terminal is 1 km from Sacramento city centre. Public transport options include:
Sacramento, Bus Terminal has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food and coffee shop available
Free with registration. ATMs are multiple ATMs near ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal.
Available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Sacramento, Bus Terminal: Wheelchair ramps and elevators available.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need