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San Francisco to Chicago bus

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San Francisco - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 7 intercity buses per day from San Francisco to Chicago. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Chicago usually takes around 68 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 60 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance1855 mi (2985 km)
Shortest duration60h 20m
Cheapest price$173.95
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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

Bus tickets for a trip from San Francisco to Chicago cost $220.95 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 prices by travel date

$375$250$125MarApr

Bus tickets from San Francisco to Chicago are expected to cost between $211 and $370 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Chicago within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $216. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$350$280$210$140$70AMJJASONDJFM
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from San Francisco to Chicago, mark your calendar for June. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $278. However, taking the bus from San Francisco to Chicago during March is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $348. The best way to find deals on a trip in March is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

$500$400$300$200$1003020100

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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $313.66 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus 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.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US72d 20h 24m$361.20
  • 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 San Francisco to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 68 hours and 23 minutes to cover the 1855 miles from San Francisco 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.

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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Francisco to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 7 scheduled buses 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 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 Francisco to Chicago; ticket prices start at $104.00.

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 bus leave from in San Francisco?

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

San Francisco has two bus stations with service to Chicago.

All bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St

  • 700 Beach Street

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

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

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

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