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Cheap bus tickets from Sacramento to Chicago

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Sacramento to Chicago Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Sacramento to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$210.68
Avg. Price
$217.48
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
5
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
2d 22h 6m
Duration
2d 13h 6m

Bus from Sacramento to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 10 intercity buses per day from Sacramento to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Sacramento to Chicago usually takes around 71 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 60 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance1789 mi (2879 km)
Shortest duration60h 20m
Cheapest price$125.94
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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How much is a bus ticket from Sacramento to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Sacramento to Chicago cost $132.82 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.

Prices as travel date approaches

$400$320$240$160$803020100

The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save $284.52 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Sacramento to Chicago?

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

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US102d 23h 28m$364.65
  • 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 10 trips per day from Sacramento to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Sacramento to Chicago

The bus takes an average of 71 hours and 27 minutes to cover the 1789 miles from Sacramento to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 60 hours and 20 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. 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 bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Sacramento to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 10 scheduled buses that travel from Sacramento 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 bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Sacramento to Chicago; ticket prices start at $155.00.

City Information

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

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 bus leave from in Sacramento?

Main departure station: 961 2nd St

Buses to Chicago leave from 3 stations in Sacramento.

All bus stations in Sacramento:

  • 961 2nd St

  • 420 Richards Blvd

  • Univ - 65th St Light Rail Stn - 6740 Q St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

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

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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