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How to get fromChicago to Californiaby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, or train

Find Transport to California

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There are 11 ways to get from Chicago to California by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), 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 Chicago Midway International Airport to San Diego International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    6h 31m
    $164–710

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

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    6h 49m
    $104–460

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    43h 32m
    $1,200–1,900

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus FlixBus 2510 / ...
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus Greyhound US1210
    47h 25m
    $391–574

  5. Drive  2,012.7 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Los Angelescar car 2,012.7 mi
    31h 33m
    $368–531

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane ORD - SNA
    6h 39m
    $182–670

  7. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Sacramento International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)plane plane MDW - SMF
    6h 37m
    $194–859

  8. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC)plane plane MDW - SJC
    6h 49m
    $188–811

  9. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane MDW - LAX
    6h 52m
    $140–618

  10. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)plane plane MDW - LGB
    7h 15m
    $154–707

  11. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Ontario International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Ontario International Airport (ONT)plane plane MDW - ONT
    2. Take the train from Rancho Cucamonga to L.A. Union Stationtrain train
    8h 48m
    $162–719

Chicago to California by train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Trains
Duration43h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,200Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to California.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,742.3 mi
  • Duration: 6h 31m

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

Southwest Airlines flies from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) every 3 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles once daily. Tickets cost $1,200–1,900 and the journey takes 43h 32m.

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.

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