Bus from Oakland to Chicago: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Oakland to Chicago on 8 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
West Oakland BART
537-517 W. Jackson BlvdCheapest
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
West Oakland BART
Downtown Greyhound StationFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
West Oakland BART
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
West Oakland BART
537-517 W. Jackson BlvdNo tags
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Oakland/Berkeley/East Bay
Downtown Greyhound StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:36 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Oakland to Chicago

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 5 hours 26 minutes and with fares starting at just R 2 099, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

8train per day
2d 5hAverage duration
2972 kmDistance
270kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average priceR 3 782 - R 8 945Average duration2d 14h
74kg CO₂e
Train
Average priceR 2 099 - R 38 597Average duration2d 5h
270kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Oakland to Chicago by bus

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the bus ticket from Oakland to Chicago?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Oakland to Chicago start at R 3 782. The average price for this route is around R 3 892. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the bus journey from Oakland to Chicago?

    The average bus journey time from Oakland to Chicago is 2d 14h, covering a distance of 2973 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 2d and is operated by Greyhound.

  3. Which bus companies service the Oakland to Chicago route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 12 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus.

  4. What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Oakland to Chicago?

    The earliest bus departs from Oakland to Chicago at 07:35. And the latest bus departs at 23:50.

  5. What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Oakland to Chicago?

    A bus trip from Oakland to Chicago produces an estimated 74 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.

  6. What is the best bus company from Oakland to Chicago?

    According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Amtrak, with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on 5696 reviews.

  7. Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Oakland to Chicago?

    Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.

  8. Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Oakland to Chicago?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.

  9. Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Oakland to Chicago?

    According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Amtrak, with a cleanliness rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found
05/01
R 4 420
06/01
R 4 066
Today
R 4 015
08/01
R 3 678
09/01
R 3 695
10/01
R 3 695
11/01
R 3 678
12/01
R 3 678
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Oakland to Chicago was searched and found on 08 Jan 2026 with a price of R 3 678

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

You can expect to pay from R 3 678 to R 44 122 for a bus ticket from Oakland to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 3 678, which is on 2026-01-08.

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.

What's the cheapest way to go from Oakland to Chicago?

busbud logoThe Bus is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

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