- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 12
Cheapest price
$196
Average price
$196
Fastest journey
2 d 2 h 50 m
Average duration
2 d 2 h 50 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2787 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $196 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $196.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Ana, CA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jul 12, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 12 the direct buses cover the 2787 km distance in an average of 2 d 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 2 h 50 m .
On Sun, Jul 12 the slowest buses will take 2 d 2 h 50 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.
6:35 PM50h50Santa Ana, CA9:25 PMChicago, IL$1961One-way0 transfers
- 6:35 PM50h50Santa Ana, CA9:25 PMChicago, IL$1961One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $196. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $196, and a train costs an average of $242.
Distance: 1731 miles (2787 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$299 Average price Cheapest | $459 Average price | $404 Average price | $405 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
51h 53m Average total duration 51h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 43h 28m Average total duration 42h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 29h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $299 (€246).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $106 (€87) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $404 (€333).
A bus is $160 (€132) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $459 (€377).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 9m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 42h 58m.
Bus takes on average 51h 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Ana, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 53h20 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $255 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $196 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 50h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $310 |
Live departures
Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:45 PM Santa Ana, CA | 53h20 | 9:05 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:35 PM Santa Ana, CA | 50h50 | 9:25 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:35 PM Santa Ana, CA | 50h50 | 10:25 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 Santa Ana, 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.
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Why should you book Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound operates all buses services from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 51h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $196 (€161) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 08:45, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1731 miles (2787 km) distance in 50h 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
Distance 1731 miles (2787 km) |
Average bus duration 51h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $196 (€161) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 50h 50m |
First bus 8:45 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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
Bus providers: Greyhound from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound for as low as $196 (€161). 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 Duration
50h 50m
Cheapest Price
$196 (€161)
Greyhound frequency
1 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
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
- Must visit
Museum Of Science And Industry
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
- Must visit
The Magnificent Mile
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Alinea
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
Ricobene's
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
United States Dollar
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $196 (€161) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL is $299 (€246) ; 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL is 50h 50m to travel the 1731 miles (2787 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 8:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:10 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Santa Ana, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 50h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Ana, CA and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
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 Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound.
Since neither Santa Ana, CA nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
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 Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL
Most Santa Ana, CA to Chicago, IL buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana
Arrival bus stations in Chicago
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $4 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
Most popular bus connections from Santa Ana, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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