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Cheap bus tickets from San Diego to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from San Diego to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 20 intercity buses per day from San Diego to Chicago. Traveling by bus from San Diego to Chicago usually takes around 62 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 48 hours and 50 minutes.
- Distance
- 1732 mi (2787 km)
- Shortest duration
- 48h 50m
- Cheapest price
- TRY 6,292.37
- Trips per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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San Diego to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Chicago?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceTRY 13,114.23Cheaper | Avg. PriceTRY 17,348.67 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips20 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration62h 34m | Duration59h 25mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from San Diego to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from San Diego to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Diego to Chicago cost TRY 7,635.37 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.
Average bus ticket prices from San Diego to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from San Diego to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from TRY 7,174 to TRY 10,443. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 26, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at TRY 7,174.
Average bus ticket prices from San Diego to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from San Diego to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only TRY 11,127. If you're planning to take the bus from San Diego to Chicago during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of TRY 17,617. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to TRY 7,671.97 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Diego to Chicago. 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 | 20 | 62h 34m | TRY 13,114.13 |
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 20 trips per day from San Diego to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only TRY 13,114.13.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Diego to Chicago
There are 20 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego 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 San Diego to Chicago; ticket prices start at TRY 9,077.
Trips per day
20
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 62 hours and 34 minutes to cover the 1732 miles from San Diego to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 48 hours and 50 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.
Distance (mi)
1732
Distance (km)
2787
The first bus leaves at 7:35am and the last bus leaves at 10:35pm. To see the times for all buses from San Diego to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
7:35am
Latest bus
10:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
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.
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 San Diego?
Main departure station: La Jolla - UC San Diego
Buses to Chicago leave from 4 stations in San Diego.
All bus stations in San Diego:
- La Jolla - UC San Diego
- 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
- 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village
- San Ysidro Transit Center
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
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
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Need a return trip from Chicago to San Diego?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.