- 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
$272
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$335
Fastest journey on Oct 07
2 d 1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
2 d 10 h 29 m
Buses on Oct 07
9
Distance
2983 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $335 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $272.
It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least 2 times.
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· · · Buses from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 55h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $118 (€99) but you can travel from only $67 (€56) by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 47h 25m.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average bus duration 55h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $118 (€99) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 47h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 61h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $189 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:05AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 61h00 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $260 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 69h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $231 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 53h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 64h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $166 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 83h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 67h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 79h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $225 |
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · · | 8:40 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 69h20 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 8:40 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 53h45 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· · | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 49h15 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · · | 1:10 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 64h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 4 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 6:05 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 83h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 5 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 6:05 PM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 68h00 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29. ATMs are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29.
Available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29: Wheelchair accessible areas present.
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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