Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to California
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Bus from Chicago to California: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to California. Traveling by bus from Chicago to California usually takes around 16 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 344 mi (553 km) |
| Shortest duration | 14h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $111.98 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Chicago to California?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to California. Greyhound 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 4 | 16h 43m | $142.51 |
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 4 bus trips from Chicago to California every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 43 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to California usually start from $112.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to California
The bus takes an average of 16 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 344 miles from Chicago to California. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 40 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.
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.
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 California, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to California leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
S Canal St north of Jackson Blvd
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in California?
Main arrival station: 164-198 W Versailles Ave
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in California.
All bus stations in California:
164-198 W Versailles Ave
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Need a return trip from California to Chicago?
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