Rome2Rio

How to get fromCalifornia to Elginby plane, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), car, or train

Find Transport to Elgin

See all options

There are 10 ways to get from California to Elgin by plane, bus, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), car, or train

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly John Wayne Airport Orange County to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SNA - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    6h 1m
    $246–491

  2. Fly San Diego International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    cheapest
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SAN - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    6h 52m
    $92–394

  3. Train

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train Md-W
    45h 15m
    $580–1,271

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus 603
    2d 2h
    $347–553

  5. Drive  1,980.7 mi

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Elgincar car 1,980.7 mi
    31h 16m
    $362–523

  6. Fly Sacramento International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SMF - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    6h 55m
    $106–332

  7. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane LAX - ORD
    2. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    7h 7m
    $132–382

  8. Fly Sacramento International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SMF - MDW
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    7h 52m
    $129–565

  9. Fly San Diego International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport, train

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SAN - MDW
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Elgintrain train
    7h 55m
    $110–477

  10. Fly San Diego International Airport to General Mitchell International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)plane plane SAN - MKE
    2. Take the bus from Mitchell Airport to O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 2 Departuresbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop Dbus bus
    8h 59m
    $192–753

California to Elgin by train

Calendar10Weekly Trains
Duration45h 15mAverage Duration
Ticket$580Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from California to Elgin.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,762.6 mi
  • Duration: 6h 1m

What companies run services between California, USA and Elgin, IL, USA?

You can take a train from Los Angeles to Elgin via Chicago Union Station in around 45h 15m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Elgin Transportation Center - Bus Stop D via St Louis Bus Station, Chicago Bus Station, Chicago, Cumberland, Rosemont, and Rosemont CTA Station - Bus Stop D in around 2d 2h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

Booking & Getting There