- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$173
Average price
$251
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 45 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 57 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
2784 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $251 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
Of the 5 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Aug 23, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 1 h 45 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 2 d 7 h 40 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 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $50, and a train costs an average of $200.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$356 Average price | $460 Average price | $325 Average price Cheapest | $442 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
49h 18m Average total duration 48h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 49h 31m Average total duration 49h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $31 (€25) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $356 (€286).
A flight is $135 (€109) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $460 (€370).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 48h 48m.
Train takes on average 49h 1m.
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 02:00AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 59h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $595 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 54h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $193 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 68h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $199 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 55h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $253 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 55h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $272 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 55h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $406 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 53h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $393 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 52h40 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $649 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 58h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $215 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $249 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 54h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $215 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 49h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $493 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $204 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 49h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $247 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 57h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $491 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· + FlixBus | 9:15 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 52h50 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 68h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 53h00 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 9:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 52h15 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 49h45 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 64h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 49h15 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 58h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 55h10 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
![]() | 2:35 AM San Diego, CA | 54h35 | 9:10 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
· · · | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 54h35 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 58h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 12 times per day, taking around 48h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $173 (€139) but you can travel from only $50 (€40) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 48h 35m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average bus duration 48h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $173 (€139) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 48h 35m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District). ATMs are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).
Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.
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