San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL bus

Sun, Nov 23
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FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
SARFA S.L.
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
SARFA S.L.
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 23

Cheapest price

$382

Average price

$430

Fastest journey

2 d 1 h 30 m

Average duration

2 d 3 h 13 m

Buses per day

13

Distance

2784 km

Cheap tickets

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 $430 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $382.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.

FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhoundundefined · undefined · undefined
01:45PM49h30
San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
05:15PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
$3821One-way
3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhoundundefined · undefined · undefined
12:15PM51h00
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
05:15PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
$3821One-way
3 transfers
Greyhoundundefined · undefined · undefined · undefined
07:35PM54h35
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
04:10AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
$3851One-way
3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhoundundefined · undefined · undefined
03:55PM58h15
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
04:10AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
$3921One-way
3 transfers
Greyhoundundefined · undefined+FlixBusFlixBus
10:00AM52h30
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
04:30PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
$3941One-way
2 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 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

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
55h45
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$367
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:35AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
54h55
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$426
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
09:25AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
53h05
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$348
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
10:00AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
52h30
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$339
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
51h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sun
Cheapest price
$382
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
01:15PM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
50h00
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$340
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
01:45PM
Arrival Time
05:15PM
Duration
49h30
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$333
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
03:55PM
Arrival Time
04:10AM
Duration
58h15
Departure days
Mon, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$338
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
04:10AM
Duration
55h10
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$340
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
07:35PM
Arrival Time
04:10AM
Duration
54h35
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$328

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, November 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 1:19 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound5:00 PM San Diego, CA
52h35
9:35 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect
greyhound6:50 PM San Diego, CA
66h05
12:55 PM Chicago, IL0 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.

Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29

Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

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 $132 (€108) but you can travel from only $90 (€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.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $90 (€73)
Distance
1729 miles (2784 km)
Average bus duration
53h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
$132 (€108)
Buses per day
11
Fastest bus
49h 30m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
22:30
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $90 (€73)

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $264 (€215) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is $346 (€282); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL bus travel time is 51 h 30 min   for the 1726 mile (2784 km) long route, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 4: 10PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11: 15PM.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is September.
You have options as you can travel to Chicago, IL from San Diego, CA 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.
No, the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
  • 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
    No, luggage for the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL needs to be booked in addition.
    No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
    Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
    No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
    No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL

    San Diego
    Chicago
    The major bus station for departures in San Diego is San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center for your trip from San Diego to Chicago.
    San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
    information
    San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)
    information
    San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District)
    information
    HomeBusesBuses in USABus tickets to Chicago, ILSan Diego, CA to Chicago, IL bus

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