The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Cheapest price
$258
Average price
$258
Fastest journey
2 d 6 h 59 m
Average duration
2 d 6 h 59 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
2957 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA will cost around $258 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $258.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for San Jose, CA on Sat, Apr 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Apr 04 the direct buses cover the 2957 km distance in an average of 2 d 6 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 d 6 h 59 m .
On Sat, Apr 04 the slowest buses will take 2 d 6 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
6:01 PM54h59Chicago, IL1:00 AMSan Jose, CA$2581One-way0 transfers
6:01 PM54h59Chicago, IL1:00 AMSan Jose, CA$2581One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $189. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $189, and a train costs an average of $154.
Distance: 1837 miles (2957 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$415 Average price Cheapest | $587 Average price | $467 Average price |
52h 35m Average total duration 52h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 63h 4m Average total duration 62h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 49m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
3.0 - 7.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.9 - 17.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA buses for today, Friday, April 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 68h40 | 12:40 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:01 PM Chicago, IL | 54h59 | 1:00 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Apr 04
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Apr 10
Why should you book Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Buses from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 52h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $189 (€154) but you can travel from only $154 (€126) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 1837 miles (2957 km) distance in 54h 59m.
Distance 1837 miles (2957 km) |
Average bus duration 52h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $189 (€154) |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 54h 59m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA with Greyhound for as low as $154 (€126). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
- The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
- San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
- Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
- Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
- Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
- Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
- Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
- Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to San Jose, CA
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