4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$147
Average price
$358
Fastest journey
2 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 45 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 $358 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $147.
Of the 5 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Chicago, IL on Tue, Feb 24, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Feb 24 the direct buses cover the 2784 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 1 h 15 m .
On Tue, Feb 24 the slowest buses will take 2 d 16 h 5 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 flight with prices starting from €69. 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 €69, and a train costs an average of €161.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€285 Average price | €475 Average price | €233 Average price Cheapest |
49h 18m Average total duration 48h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48h 54m Average total duration 48h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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, Sunday, February 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:45 PM San Diego, CA | 55h40 | 10:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:40 PM San Diego, CA | 49h50 | 10:30 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:15 PM San Diego, CA | 50h00 | 11:15 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:55 PM San Diego, CA | 58h15 | 10:10 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, February 23 | |||||
| 2:15 AM San Diego, CA | 55h25 | 9:40 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:00 AM San Diego, CA | 55h10 | 10:10 AM 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.
Feb 23
Feb 24
Feb 25
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
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 $147 (€117) but you can travel from only $86 (€69) 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 $147 (€117) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 48h 35m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:10 |
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 $86 (€69). 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
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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