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Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Chicago to San Diego. Traveling by bus from Chicago to San Diego usually takes around 52 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 49 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 1732 mi (2787 km) |
| Shortest duration | 49h 25m |
| Cheapest price | $174.54 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to San Diego?
$213.07 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to San Diego. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 26 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$429.26 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to San Diego?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to San Diego. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 7 | 2d 4h 5m | $420.02 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 7 trips per day from Chicago to San Diego, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 52 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 2787 kilometers from Chicago to San Diego. However, the fastest bus only takes 49 hours and 25 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to San Diego for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 5:00pm and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to San Diego, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to San Diego every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to San Diego; ticket prices start at $215.33.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in San Diego?
Main arrival station: San Ysidro Bus Terminal
Buses arrive in San Diego at 8 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in San Diego:
San Ysidro Bus Terminal
789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village
San Ysidro Transit Center
San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
La Jolla - UC San Diego
2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
SDSU - 5716 Hardy Ave
Balboa Park - Presidents Way
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