Find cheap bus tickets from Chicago to San Francisco

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ThuApr 25
from $191
FriApr 26
from $209
SatApr 27
from $198
SunApr 28
from $191
MonApr 29
from $175
TueApr 30
from $146
WedMay 1
ThuMay 2

Cheap buses leaving Thursday

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
    Departure time: April 25 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Union Station
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Salesforce Transit Center
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
    $193
  • This trip is recommended because it is: 2nd Cheapest
    Departure time: April 25 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Salesforce Transit Center
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
    $201
  • This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
    Departure time: April 25 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: Salesforce Transit Center
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
    $214
  • Departure time: April 25 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: 409 Townsend St, SF
    Operated by
    Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
    $191
  • Departure time: April 25 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: April 28 at
    Destination city: San Francisco
    Destination location: 409 Townsend St, SF
    Operated by
    Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
    $204
Bus Chicago to San Francisco: Trip Overview

Bus Chicago to San Francisco: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$189
Average bus trip duration2d 10h
Number of daily buses19
Earliest bus departure9:00 AM
Distance1854 miles (2990 km)
Latest bus departure11:00 PM

Chicago to San Francisco Buses

Information on this bus route

Daily Departures19
Earliest and Latest Bus Departures9:00AM - 11:00PM
Minimum Price$144
Average Ticket Price$189
Minimum Trip Duration2d9h
Average Bus Trip Duration2d10h
Distance1854 miles (2990 km)
Bus Companies on This RouteGreyhound, FlixBus
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions for your trip Chicago - San Francisco

You can travel between these two cities by bus or train. The two options are convenient and sustainable ways to reach San Francisco. Another option is using carpool services and riding with fellow travelers.

The average travel time from Chicago to San Francisco is about 2d 10h, but the quickest bus can get you there in about 2d 9h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1852 miles (2987 km) that separate the two cities.

The distance between the two cities is 1852 miles (2987 km).

On average, there are 19 daily departures on this route, offered by Greyhound and FlixBus. Depending on the day of the week, the number of buses available from Chicago to San Francisco may vary. Simplify your trip from Chicago to San Francisco by checking the schedules and selecting the bus that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

The first bus leaves at 9:00 AM and the last one leaves at 11:00 PM.

The majority of buses traveling from Chicago to San Francisco start their journey at Downtown Greyhound Station and wind up at Hyde/Beach (Fisherman's Wharf). These are the primary departure and arrival locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.

The cheapest way to travel this route is by bus. The lowest price for the bus on this route is $112.

The average bus ticket price from Chicago to San Francisco is $189. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $112 and $794, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

Once in San Francisco, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco Cable Cars, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park and Lombard Street.

Yes, it is possible to take an overnight bus from Chicago to San Francisco. Remember to bring along essentials like a blanket and some snacks to ensure a cozy and convenient journey.

Find cheapest prices for buses

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
04/22
No data
Today
$209
04/24
$177
04/25
No data
04/26
$194
04/27
$208
04/28
$198
04/29
No data
The cheapest trip from Chicago to San Francisco was searched and found on Apr 24, 2024 with a price of $177

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

You can expect to pay from $177 to $262 for a bus ticket from Chicago to San Francisco based on the last 1 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $177 which is on 2024-04-24.

Usually Greyhound 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 traveling from Chicago to San Francisco.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Chicago to San Francisco, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Chicago to San Francisco.

Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your bus trip from Chicago to San Francisco while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.

Did you know?

The bus driver with the longest career in the world drove more than 2,000,000 miles and is a happy World Record holder.

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

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

What's the cheapest way to go from Chicago to San Francisco?

The bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination
Vehicle TypeTravel TimeAvg PriceDaily Departures
Vehicle TypeBusTravel Time2d 10hAvg Price$189Daily Departures19
Vehicle TypeTrainTravel Time2d 9hAvg Price$269Daily Departures4

The best way to travel between Chicago and San Francisco is by bus. By choosing the bus, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $189 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $112. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to San Francisco, choose the bus, as it will take you from Chicago to San Francisco in about 2d 9h - that's the fastest way to get there!

Will you be returning to Chicago by bus?

Bus from San Francisco to Chicago

You can also go to San Francisco by train

Train from Chicago to San Francisco

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud makes bus travel easy. We help travelers find a bus, plot routes, and book intercity bus tickets all over the world. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.