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Chicago to San Francisco coach

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Chicago - San Francisco Coach Timetable

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Journey Information

There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to San Francisco. Traveling by coach from Chicago to San Francisco usually takes around 61 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 61 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance1855 mi (2985 km)
Shortest duration61h 5m
Cheapest price£245.72
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Coach lines1

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

£260.78 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to San Francisco. 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

£258£206£155£103£52AMJJASONDJFM
Bus tickets from Chicago to San Francisco are at their cheapest average price in January. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around £193. On the other hand, traveling on this route during March might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for March trips cost £255, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

£357£285£214£143£713020100

To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Booking even a couple days before your trip can make your ticket cheaper than booking day-of.

What coach companies travel from Chicago to San Francisco?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to San Francisco. FlixBus US is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US22d 13h 46m£329.34
  • 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 2 trips per day from Chicago to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The coach takes an average of 61 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 1855 miles from Chicago to San Francisco. However, the fastest coach only takes 61 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.

"Travelers prefer riding the coach on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in San Francisco. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded coaches to San Francisco, book your ticket for the last day of the week."

The first coach leaves at 09:00 and the last coach leaves at 09:00. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 coaches per day from Chicago to San Francisco. However, neither coach offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer coaches during the trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to San Francisco; ticket prices start at £82.45.

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 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.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Chicago has two coach stations with service to San Francisco.

All coach stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the coach arrive in San Francisco?

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

These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in San Francisco.

Coach stations in San Francisco:

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

  • Salesforce Transit Center

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from San Francisco to Chicago?

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