Chicago to Los Angeles bus
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Journey Information
There are 33 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Los Angeles. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles usually takes around 50 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 45 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 1742 mi (2804 km) |
| Shortest duration | 45h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $148.42 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Chicago to Los Angeles Route Map
Buses from Chicago to Los Angeles
- FlixBus US: 21 daily buses from $150
- Greyhound: 24 daily buses from $148
- Tornado Bus: 2 daily buses from $323
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The average price for a bus ticket to Los Angeles is $198.25. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus is one of the most eco-concious way to travel on this route. Wanderu ensures that you find great deals on bus tickets everytime, we search all of the best bus options to present you the lowest prices available from our partner carriers.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Los Angeles is expected to range from $201 to $281. If you are looking to travel to Los Angeles within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $206. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $201 and can be found on April 11, 2023.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in February. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $190 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles in October, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $246 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 20 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $145.10 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?
There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Los Angeles available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 24 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 21 | 2d 3h 13m | $267.29 |
| Greyhound | 24 | 2d 2h 20m | $264.30 |
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 2d 14h 59m | $322.55 |
FlixBus US
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 21 trips per day from Chicago to Los Angeles, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Greyhound
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 24 bus trips from Chicago to Los Angeles every day, with the average journey taking around 50 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Los Angeles usually start from $148.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Los Angeles?
The bus takes an average of 50 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 1742 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. However, the fastest bus only takes 45 hours and 15 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.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave Chicago?
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Los Angeles, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many bus trips to Los Angeles are there per day?
There are 33 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Los Angeles 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 Chicago to Los Angeles; ticket prices start at $143.00.
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.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.
The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Los Angeles leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
S Canal St north of Jackson Blvd
3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Los Angeles?
Main arrival station: 800 N Alameda St
Buses arrive in Los Angeles at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Los Angeles:
800 N Alameda St
Downtown - Vignes Lot
Los Angeles Un Station Arrival
611 Maple Ave
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