Cheap bus tickets from California to Chicago
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Bus from California to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from California to Chicago. Traveling by bus from California to Chicago usually takes around 15 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 5 minutes.
Distance | 344 mi (553 km) |
Shortest duration | 11h 5m |
Cheapest price | $112.98 |
Most frequent service | Greyhound |
Bus lines | 1 |

What bus companies travel from California to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from California to Chicago. Greyhound is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Greyhound | 2 | 15h 3m | $123.27 |
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 2 bus trips from California to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 15 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $113.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from California to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 344 miles from California to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 5 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.
The first bus leaves at 7:00pm and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from California to Chicago, 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 California?
Main departure station: 164-198 W Versailles Ave
Most buses depart from the main station in California.
All bus stations in California:
164-198 W Versailles Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Chicago to California?
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