4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$406
Average price
$406
Fastest journey
2 d 4 h 55 m
Average duration
2 d 4 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2957 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $406 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $406.
Of the 1 buses that leave San Jose, CA for Chicago, IL on Tue, Mar 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Mar 17 the direct buses cover the 2957 km distance in an average of 2 d 4 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 4 h 55 m .
On Tue, Mar 17 the slowest buses will take 2 d 4 h 55 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 Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $168. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $168, and a flight costs an average of $164.
Distance: 1837 miles (2957 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$387 Average price | $376 Average price Cheapest | $427 Average price |
60h 22m Average total duration 59h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58h 26m Average total duration 57h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 55m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
3.0 - 7.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.9 - 17.7kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, March 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:25 PM San Jose, CA | 53h50 | 11:15 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 Jose, 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.
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Why should you book San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- 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 FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 59h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $153 (€126) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 1837 miles (2957 km) distance in 52h 55m.
Distance 1837 miles (2957 km) |
Average bus duration 59h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $153 (€126) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 52h 55m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:45 |
Cheapest month Aug |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Best day to book ahead 14 days |
Bus providers: FlixBus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL with FlixBus for as low as $153 (€126). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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