4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$190
Average price
$218
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 3 h 25 m
Buses per day
12
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 $218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $190.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
FlixBus+
· · 12:40 PM49h45San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way3 transfers- · +FlixBus9:50 AM52h15San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA4:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way2 transfers
- · +FlixBus9:15 AM52h50San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center4:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus+ · · 1:10 PM49h15San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1911One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus+ · 9:25 AM53h00San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1921One-way4 transfers
- FlixBus+ · · 1:10 PM49h15San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1911One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus+ · · 12:40 PM49h45San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way3 transfers
- · +FlixBus9:50 AM52h15San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA4:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way2 transfers
- · +FlixBus9:15 AM52h50San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center4:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus+ · 9:25 AM53h00San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1921One-way4 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
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 $199.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$354 Average price | $457 Average price | $323 Average price Cheapest | $434 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 $354 (€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 $457 (€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.
San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| 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 $591 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 54h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $191 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 54h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 68h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 55h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $251 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 55h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $271 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 55h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $493 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 53h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $408 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 52h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 55h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 54h45 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $173 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $343 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $511 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $245 |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus++FlixBus | 7:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 54h30 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
| · +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 | 49h15 | 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 | |
| · · · | 7:00 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 55h20 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
| · · · | 7:00 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 59h00 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
| · · · | 7:35 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 58h25 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
| · · · | 7:35 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 54h45 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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 Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
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 $172 (€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 $172 (€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 Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Bus providers: Greyhound from San Diego, CA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound for as low as $50 (€40). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
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.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- 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.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA
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