San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL bus with Greyhound

Wed, Oct 07
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07

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

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 €152 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €136.

Fast buses

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

  • FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · ·
    1:10 PM49h15
    San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
    4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    €1361One-way
    3 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · ·
    12:40 PM49h45
    San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
    4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    €1371One-way
    3 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+Greyhound ·
    9:25 AM53h00
    San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
    4:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    €1381One-way
    4 transfers
  • FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · ·
    1:10 PM64h50
    San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
    8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL
    €1411One-way
    4 transfers
  • Greyhound · · ·
    7:45 PM54h35
    San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
    4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station
    €1531One-way
    3 transfers

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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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.

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 €40
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
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 €40

San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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

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, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound · · · 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
56h45
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station4 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+Greyhound · 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
53h00
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station4 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus · FlixBus+Greyhound · 9:25 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
68h35
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL5 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 12:40 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
49h45
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
49h15
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 1:10 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
64h50
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL4 transfers
Greyhound · · · 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
58h50
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL3 transfers
Greyhound · · · 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
55h10
4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
Greyhound · · · 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
54h35
4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
Greyhound · · · 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
58h15
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 9:15 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center
80h45
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL5 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
64h40
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 9:45 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA
80h15
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL5 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
64h20
4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus+Greyhound · · 10:05 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA
79h55
8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL5 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?

Greyhound operates all buses services from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.

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.

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 €40. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
43h 55m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
€126
Greyhound frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

Complete guide to Chicago, IL

Things to do in Chicago, IL

Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.

  • Must visit

Art Institute of Chicago

World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.

  • Must visit

Field Museum

Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.

  • Must visit

Museum of Science and Industry

Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.

US dollar ($)

Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.

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 €126 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is €269 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is 43h 55m to travel the 1729 miles (2784 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:10 PM.
There are 11 buses a day from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from San Diego, CA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA, San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA, La Jolla, UCSD Health La Jolla Station, CA . When arriving in Chicago, IL , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL .Passengers board the bus most frequently from San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA, which is located around 3 miles (5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • Greyhound
    • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • Greyhound
    • $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

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

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.

Departure bus stations in San Diego
Arrival bus stations in Chicago

Which San Diego, CA station do buses to Chicago, IL leave from?

Buses from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL leave from San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). The station is 3 miles (6 km) from San Diego, CA city centre at Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park)Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) from San Diego city centre

San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

BusFlixBus 2017 · 20m · €1
83 · 26m · €5
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 16m · every ~18 min
Blue · 21m · every ~9 min

San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) bus station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Several dining options nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit CenterSan Ysidro Station, San Diego, CA 92173, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center from San Diego city centre

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

BusFlixBus 2017 · 25m · €2
910 · 41m · €5
TramBlue · 41m · €14 · every ~14 min
Blue · 43m · €14 · every ~14 min

San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center bus station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

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)W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) from San Diego city centre

San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

TRUE

San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District) bus station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Several dining options are in the area.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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).

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District).

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District): Accessible for persons with disabilities.

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