Bus from Chicago to San Francisco, US: Tickets & Timetables

Next bus departures

Next departures from Chicago to San Francisco on 8 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Bus
Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
409 Townsend St, SFCheapest
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Bus
Downtown Greyhound Station
409 Townsend St, SFFastest
Greyhound Lines, Inc.Bus
537-517 W. Jackson Blvd
San Francisco Bus StationNo tags
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Bus
Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
San Francisco Bus StationNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Thursday at 7:32 PM CST.

Get from Chicago to San Francisco

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 2 days, 10 hours 45 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 2 345, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

10bus per day
2d 10hAverage duration
2982 kmDistance
75kgCO₂ emissions

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago to San Francisco, US 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 Chicago to San Francisco?

    The cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to San Francisco start at R 2 345. The average price for this route is around R 4 115. 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 Chicago to San Francisco?

    The average bus journey time from Chicago to San Francisco is 2d 10h, covering a distance of 2982 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 2d 2h and is operated by Greyhound.

  3. Which bus companies service the Chicago to San Francisco route?

    Several major bus companies operate on this route with 10 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Amtrak, FlixBus.

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

    The earliest bus departs from Chicago to San Francisco at 00:15. And the latest bus departs at 23:50.

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

    A bus trip from Chicago to San Francisco produces an estimated 75 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 Chicago to San Francisco?

    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 5627 reviews.

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

    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 Chicago to San Francisco?

    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 Chicago to San Francisco?

    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
05/12
R 8 397
06/12
R 8 727
Today
No data
08/12
R 6 107
09/12
R 6 436
10/12
No data
11/12
No data
12/12
R 5 395
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Chicago to San Francisco, US was searched and found on 12 Dec 2025 with a price of R 5 395

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, US as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 5 395 to R 9 212 for a bus ticket from Chicago to San Francisco, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 5 395, which is on 2025-12-12.

People from around the world trust Busbud

‌