Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles

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Bus from Chicago to Los Angeles: Journey Information

There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Los Angeles. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles usually takes around 52 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 47 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance: 1742 mi (2804 km)
Shortest duration: 47h 10m
Cheapest price: TRY 6,316.77
Trips per day: 0
Most frequent service: FlixBus US
Bus lines: 2

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Chicago to Los Angeles Bus Schedule

Chicago to Los Angeles Route Map

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Los Angeles:

See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles cost TRY 9,870.93 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 Los Angeles. 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 Chicago to Los Angeles by travel date

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from TRY 9,175 to TRY 12,005. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 21, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Los Angeles this week, bus tickets are available starting at TRY 9,760.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Los Angeles by month

Taking the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only TRY 12,005. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Los Angeles during July, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of TRY 16,251. 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 19 days in advance. This way, you can save up to TRY 6,950.21 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Los Angeles that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 14 scheduled trips per day.

Bus	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
FlixBus US	14	52h 23m	TRY 13,681.96
Tornado Bus	1	65h 25m	TRY 19,276.30

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 14 trips per day from Chicago to Los Angeles, and the average ticket for this route costs only TRY 13,681.96.
Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Los Angeles

There are 14 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 TRY 7,564.

Trips per day

Direct trips

The bus takes an average of 52 hours and 27 minutes to cover the 1742 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles. However, the fastest bus only takes 47 hours and 10 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)

1742

Distance (km)

2804

The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Los Angeles, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

12:15am

Latest bus

11:55pm

Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Los Angeles at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

Most crowded

Monday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses to Los Angeles leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
3501 S California Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Los Angeles?

Main arrival station: North Hollywood Bus Station

Buses arrive in Los Angeles at 5 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Los Angeles:

North Hollywood Bus Station
San Fernando Bus Station
800 N Alameda St
Downtown - Vignes Lot
611-613 Maple Ave

Need a return trip from Los Angeles to Chicago?

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