Rome2Rio

How to get fromChicago to Big Surby plane, shuttle, bus, train, taxi, car, or subway

Find Transport to Big Sur

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from Chicago to Big Sur by plane, shuttle, bus, train, taxi, car, or subway

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 Chicago Midway International Airport to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, shuttle

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane MDW - SJC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    8h 53m
    $312–960

  2. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Monterey Regional Airport, taxi

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)plane plane MDW - MRY
    2. Take the taxi from Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) to Big Surtaxi taxi
    8h 37m
    $238–765

  3. Bus, train

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to Denver Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Denver Union Station to Salt Lake City Intermodal Trans Ctrbus bus
    3. Take the train from Salt Lake City to Emeryvilletrain train
    4. Take the bus from Emeryville to Salinasbus bus
    2d 9h
    $595–1,153

  4. Train, taxi

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Emeryvilletrain train
    2. Take the train from Emeryville to Salinastrain train
    3. Take the taxi from Salinas to Big Surtaxi taxi
    2d 10h
    $923–1,810

  5. Drive 2,248 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Big Surcar car 2,248 mi
    35h 5m
    $411–593

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane ORD - SJC
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    9h 26m
    $272–650

  7. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane MDW - SFO
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Terminal 3-Lower Level to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    10h 3m
    $312–580

  8. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane ORD - SFO
    2. Take a shuttle bus from SFO Airport Terminal 3-Lower Level to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    10h 21m
    $252–450

  9. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Oakland International Airport, BART, shuttle

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Oakland International Airport (OAK)plane plane MDW - OAK
    2. Take the subway from Coliseum to Milpitassubway subway
    3. Take a shuttle bus from SJC Airport Terminal A to Monterey Shuttle Stationshuttle bus
    10h 33m
    $334–1,024

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) flights

Calendar33Weekly Planes
Duration5h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$197Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Big Sur.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,944.6 mi
  • Duration: 8h 53m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Big Sur, CA, USA?

There is no direct connection from Chicago to Big Sur. However, you can take the subway to Midway, walk to Chicago-Midway-Airport-MDW airport, fly to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC), walk to SJC Airport Terminal A, take the shuttle to Monterey Shuttle Station, then take the taxi to Big Sur. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to Big Sur via Denver Union Station, Salt Lake City Intermodal Trans Ctr, Salt Lake City, Emeryville, Emeryville, Salinas, Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7, and Monterey Transit Plaza / Gate 4 Tyler in around 2d 9h.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators
Other 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