4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$376
Average price
$453
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 35 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 53 m
Buses per day
2
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 $453 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $376.
Of the 2 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Chicago, IL on Fri, Jan 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 09 the direct buses cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 35 m .
On Fri, Jan 09 the slowest buses will take 2 d 5 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.
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 bus with prices starting from €108. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 29m. 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 bus costs an average of €108, and a train costs an average of €161.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€200 Average price Cheapest | €255 Average price | €234 Average price |
54h 22m Average total duration 53h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 3m Average total duration 49h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration Fastest 4h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 52h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $276 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 50h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $275 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 49h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $380 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $272 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 04:10AM | Duration 58h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $273 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 59h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $372 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 58h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $276 |
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, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:35 PM San Diego, CA | 55h00 | 9:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:10 PM San Diego, CA | 54h25 | 9:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:25 PM San Diego, CA | 53h10 | 9:35 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 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.
Jan 09
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Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 11 times per day, taking around 53h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $134 (€108) but you can travel from only $91 (€73) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 22:30. The fastest bus covers the 1729 miles (2784 km) distance in 49h 30m.
Distance 1729 miles (2784 km) |
Average bus duration 53h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $134 (€108) |
Buses per day 11 |
Fastest bus 49h 30m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 22:30 |
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.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
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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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