- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
€136
Average ticket price on Oct 07
€152
Fastest journey on Oct 07
2 d 1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
2 d 3 h 25 m
Buses on Oct 07
16
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 €152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €136.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
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· Buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 11 times per day, taking around 50h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €126 but you can travel from only €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 43h 55m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average bus duration 50h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price €126 |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 43h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 54h35 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €154 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 56h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 53h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 52h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €141 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 50h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €162 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €120 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 55h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €203 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 52h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 55h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 49h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €278 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 54h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €300 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 80h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €134 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 64h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 64h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 64h10 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €182 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 63h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €182 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 56h45 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 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 · FlixBus+ · | 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 68h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 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 | |
· · · | 7:10 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 | |
· · · | 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 | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:15 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 80h45 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 64h40 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 80h15 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 64h20 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 79h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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