Find coaches from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago

Next departures

Next departures from San Diego to Chicago on 31 October
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)
Chicago 95Th & Dan RyanCheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
UCSD Health La Jolla Station
Downtown Greyhound StationFastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Greyhound Bus Stop
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 1:14 PM PDT.

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Compare 2 ways to travel from San Diego to Chicago

busbud logoWe recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 6 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just US$120, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

33bus per day
2d 6hAverage duration
2787 kmDistance
70kgCO₂ emissions
Average priceUS$120 - US$772Average duration2d 6h
70kg CO₂e
Average priceUS$186 - US$347Average duration1d 22h
254kg CO₂e

Bus San Diego, CA, US to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket priceUS$185
Average bus trip duration2d 6h
Number of daily buses33
Earliest bus departure06:45
Distance2786 km
Latest bus departure19:35

San Diego to Chicago Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from San Diego to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make it our job to connect you with the most dependable bus companies that cover bus service from San Diego to Chicago.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses travelling from San Diego to Chicago, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Frequently asked questions on the trip San Diego, CA, US - Chicago

  1. How much does a bus ticket from San Diego to Chicago cost?

    The bus ticket price from San Diego to Chicago starts at US$120. The best way to find cheap bus tickets from San Diego to Chicago is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

  2. How long is the bus ride from San Diego to Chicago?

    The average travel time between San Diego and Chicago is around 2d 6h, although the fastest bus will take about 2d 1h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2788 km that separates the two cities.

  3. How many daily bus connections are there between San Diego and Chicago?

    The number of buses from San Diego to Chicago can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 33 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from San Diego to Chicago by comparing and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  4. Which bus companies travel from San Diego to Chicago?

    When taking the bus from San Diego to Chicago, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus.

  5. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Diego to Chicago?

    Buses travelling between San Diego and Chicago leave from Mission Valley Sheraton or Old Town Courtyard Marriot and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Polk St & Canal St.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
28/10
US$310
29/10
US$321
Today
US$406
31/10
US$333
01/11
US$212
02/11
US$259
03/11
US$219
04/11
US$208
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on 04 Nov 2025 with a price of US$208

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from US$208 to US$891 for a bus ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$208, which is on 2025-11-04.

Usually Amtrak will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while travelling from San Diego to Chicago.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

From miles long of beauteous natural landscapes to impressive man-crafted sights, you’re bound to be in for a visual treat on your bus trip from San Diego to Chicago.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from San Diego to Chicago that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from San Diego to Chicago.

Did you know?

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

One of the longest bus route in the world goes all the way from Ontario to Alberta in Canada (with the same bus). This trip is 3,435 km or 2,135 miles long and the price is a bit under $100.

The word 'bus' is an abbreviation of 'omnibus" which means 'for all' in Latin as buses were meant to be transportation for everybody.

What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago?

busbud logoThe bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

Will you be returning to San Diego, CA, US by bus?

Bus from Chicago to San Diego, CA, US

You can also go to Chicago by train

Train from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

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