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Cheap coach tickets from San Francisco to Chicago

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San Francisco to Chicago Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Chicago?

There are usually 3 daily train trips from San Francisco to Chicago.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
TRY 9,566.08
Avg. Price
TRY 13,255.92
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
2d 14h 19m
Duration
2d 15h 38m

Coach from San Francisco to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity coaches per day from San Francisco to Chicago. Traveling by coach from San Francisco to Chicago usually takes around 60 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 54 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance1855 mi (2985 km)
Shortest duration54h 5m
Cheapest priceTRY 6,911.62
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Coach lines1

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How much is a coach ticket from San Francisco to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Francisco to Chicago cost TRY 8,488.61 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly average prices

TRY 14,405TRY 11,524TRY 8,643TRY 5,762TRY 2,881AMJJASONDJFM
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from San Francisco to Chicago, mark your calendar for October. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just TRY 9,795. However, taking the bus from San Francisco to Chicago during December is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of TRY 13,430. The best way to find deals on a trip in December is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

TRY 19,945TRY 15,956TRY 11,967TRY 7,978TRY 3,9893020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 19 days in advance. This way, you can save up to TRY 9,237.21 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from San Francisco to Chicago?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Francisco to Chicago. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US52d 12h 58mTRY 13,117.63
  • 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 5 trips per day from San Francisco to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by coach from San Francisco to Chicago

The coach takes an average of 60 hours and 57 minutes to cover the 1855 miles from San Francisco to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 54 hours and 5 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach 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 coaches as people head from San Francisco to Chicago 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 coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.

The first coach leaves at 07:00 and the last coach leaves at 08:00. To see the times for all coaches from San Francisco to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from San Francisco to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco to Chicago; ticket prices start at TRY 9,617.94.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

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.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in San Francisco?

Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Most coaches depart from the main station in San Francisco.

All coach stations in San Francisco:

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Coaches arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which coach line you are traveling with.

Coach stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from Chicago to San Francisco?

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