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San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL bus with FlixBus

Sat, Jan 31
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Jan 31

Cheapest price

$213

Average price

$213

Fastest journey

2 d 12 h 55 m

Average duration

2 d 12 h 55 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

2957 km

Cheap tickets

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 $213 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $213.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave San Jose, CA for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jan 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jan 31 the direct buses cover the 2957 km distance in an average of 2 d 12 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 12 h 55 m .

On Sat, Jan 31 the slowest buses will take 2 d 12 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.

Greyhound
08:15PM60h55
San Jose, CA
09:10AMChicago, IL
$2131One-way
0 transfers

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 bus with prices starting from €103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 54m. 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 bus costs an average of €103, and a flight costs an average of €56.

Distance: 1837 miles (2957 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight

€252

Average price

Cheapest

€266

Average price

€299

Average price

63h 16m

Average total duration

62h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

57h 30m

Average total duration

57h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 54m

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, Friday, January 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 9:25 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound8:15 PM San Jose, CA
60h25
8:40 AM 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 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.

Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03
Wed
Feb 04
Thu
Feb 05
Fri
Feb 06

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

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

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of to find the best option for your trip from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL.
  • 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?

  • 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
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 62h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $131 (€103) but you can travel from only $71 (€56) by flight.

The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1837 miles (2957 km) distance in 53h 50m.

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 $71 (€56)
Distance
1837 miles (2957 km)
Average bus duration
62h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$131 (€103)
Buses per day
5
Fastest bus
53h 50m
First bus
00:15
Last bus
23:10
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 $71 (€56)

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 $71 (€56). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
73h 20m
Cheapest Price
$956 (€753)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $131 (€103) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL is $320 (€252) ; 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 Jose, CA to Chicago, IL is 53h 50m to travel the 1837 miles (2957 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 Jose, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:10 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL, you can count on FlixBus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Jose, CA and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from San Jose, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 53h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL for bus company FlixBus.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus.
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 Jose, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • FlixBus
    • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL:
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: FlixBus.

popular bus stations

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

San Jose
Chicago
The major bus station for departures in San Jose is San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) for your trip from San Jose to Chicago.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
information

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