How much is the bus ticket from San Diego to Chicago?

The cheapest bus tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $131. The average price for this route is around $296. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

The average bus trip duration from San Diego to Chicago is 2d 6h, covering a distance of 1725 miles (2782 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1d 23h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which bus companies service the San Diego to Chicago route?

Several major bus companies operate on this route with 26 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound , Amtrak , FlixBus .

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from San Diego to Chicago?

The earliest bus departs from San Diego to Chicago at 6:45am. And the latest bus departs at 7:35pm.

What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from San Diego to Chicago?

A bus trip from San Diego to Chicago generates an estimated 70 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.

What is the best bus company from San Diego 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.

Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from San Diego to Chicago?

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

Which bus company has the most timely service from San Diego to Chicago?

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

Which bus company has the cleanest buses from San Diego 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.

Bus San Diego to Chicago from $136 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 12
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	4:15pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d 9h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	Cheapest
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 10h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 14h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 13
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	CheapestFastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	9:25am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 5h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	9:25am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 20h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 10h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 14
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	7:35am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 6h	3:55pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	9:25am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 5h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	9:25am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 20h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 15
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	7:35am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 6h	3:55pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	9:25am	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 5h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 16
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	CheapestFastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	12:15pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 2h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 10h	8:00am	537-517 W. Jackson Blvd	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 17
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus	Bus	10:00am	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 4h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	12:15pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 2h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 18
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d 3h	6:35pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	12:15pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 2h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Chicago on January 19
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	4:15pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d 9h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	Cheapest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	1:35pm	UCSD Health La Jolla Station	2d	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	12:15pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 2h	4:30pm	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
	Bus	7:35pm	Greyhound Bus Stop	2d 6h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	3:55pm	San Diego (Old Town-FlixBus)	2d 10h	4:10am	Downtown Greyhound Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 1:24 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Chicago

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 2 days, 6 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just $131, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

26bus per day

2d 6hAverage Duration

1725 milesDistance

70kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$131 - $725	Average Duration2d 6h	CO₂ emissions 70kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$186 - $1,753	Average Duration1d 22h	CO₂ emissions 254kg CO₂e

Where are the popular stops in San Diego and Chicago?

Stops in San Diego

A
Mission Valley Sheraton
1433 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108, USA
Map
B
Old Town Courtyard Marriot
2435 Jefferson St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA
Map
C
Downtown Holiday Inn
1617 1st Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Map
D
Greyhound Station
1313 National Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Map
E
Market St. & Park Blvd
601 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Map
F
San Ysidro McDonald's
727 E San Ysidro Blvd, San Diego, CA 92173, USA
Map

Stops in Chicago

A
Downtown Greyhound Station
630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Visit page Map
B
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Visit page Map
C
Polk St & Canal St
500-536 W Polk St, Chicago IL 60607, USA
Map
D
Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave
2807 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623, USA
Map
E
Cumberland CTA
5800 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, USA
Map
F
Turimex California Ave
2139 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Map

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/587,495 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.4

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

Amtrak

4/55,727 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

FlixBus

3.5/512,012 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.7

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

US bus companies:FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, Greyhound, ALSA, Intercape, Trenitalia, Big Sky

Frequently asked questions about traveling from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago by bus

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

How much is the bus ticket from San Diego to Chicago?
The cheapest bus tickets from San Diego to Chicago start from $131. The average price for this route is around $296. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus ride from San Diego to Chicago?
The average bus trip duration from San Diego to Chicago is 2d 6h, covering a distance of 1725 miles (2782 km). The quickest bus can get you there in 1d 23h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which bus companies service the San Diego to Chicago route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 26 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from San Diego to Chicago?
The earliest bus departs from San Diego to Chicago at 6:45am. And the latest bus departs at 7:35pm.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from San Diego to Chicago?
A bus trip from San Diego to Chicago generates an estimated 70 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and recommended mode of travel by Busbud.
What is the best bus company from San Diego 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.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from San Diego to Chicago?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Amtrak has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.6.
Which bus company has the most timely service from San Diego to Chicago?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely bus company on this route is FlixBus, with a punctuality rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from San Diego 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

01/10

$209

01/11

$285

Today

$344

01/13

$227

01/14

$261

01/15

$328

01/16

$328

01/17

$190

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Chicago was searched and found on Jan 17, 2026 with a price of $190

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 $190 to $1,693 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 $190 which is on 2026-01-17.