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

Find Transport to San Diego

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There are 6 ways to get from Chicago to San Diego by plane, train, bus, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound, Amtrak), or car

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 from Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    6h 4m
    $102–465

  2. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to San Bernardinotrain train Southwest Chief
    2. Take the bus from San Bernardino Downtown Transit Center to San Diegobus bus FlixBus 2015 / ...
    46h 3m
    $1,212–1,871

  3. 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 San Diegobus bus
    2d 3h

  4. Drive  2,075.2 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to San Diegocar car 2,075.2 mi
    32h 36m
    $379–547

  5. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    5h 54m
    $142–655

  6. Train to General Mitchell International Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Milwaukeetrain train
    2. Fly from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MKE - SAN
    7h 23m
    $209–836

Chicago to San Diego by train, bus, and tram

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration46h 3mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,212Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to San Diego.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,738.2 mi
  • Duration: 6h 4m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and San Diego, CA, USA?

American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, Inc. fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) hourly. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to San Diego via St Louis Bus Station, Los Angeles Union Station, and Los Angeles in around 2d 3h.

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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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