Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to Lake Forest

See all options

There are 9 ways to get from Chicago to Lake Forest by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound, Amtrak), 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 O'Hare International Airport to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane ORD - SNA
    6h 20m
    $232–475

  2. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, train

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane MDW - LAX
    2. Take the train from Los Angeles to Irvinetrain train
    8h 44m
    $154–647

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train Southwest Chief
    43h 46m
    $735–1,445

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Los Angeles to Irvinebus bus
    2d 1h
    $355–654

  5. Drive 2,012.2 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Lake Forestcar car 2,012.2 mi
    31h 35m
    $368–531

  6. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane ORD - LAX
    2. Take the train from Los Angeles to Irvinetrain train
    8h 59m
    $234–427

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

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego to Irvinetrain train
    8h 59m
    $232–965

  8. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Diego International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego to Irvinetrain train
    9h 19m
    $192–765

  9. 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
    9h 32m
    $190–820

Chicago to Lake Forest by train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Trains
Duration43h 46mAverage Duration
Ticket$735Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to Lake Forest.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,751.7 mi
  • Duration: 6h 20m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and Lake Forest, Orange County, CA, USA?

American Airlines and United Airlines fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) every 2 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Fullerton Amtrak Station once daily. Tickets cost $700–1,500 and the journey takes 42h 44m.

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

More Questions & Answers