Rome2Rio

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

Find Transport to San Diego

See all options

There are 6 ways to get from Chicago to San Diego 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 from Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    5h 39m
    $202–855

  2. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    5h 59m
    $152–655

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train Southwest Chief
    2. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to San Diegotrain train Pacific Surfliner
    46h 5m
    $748–1,507

  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 San Diegobus bus
    2d 1h
    $392–749

  5. Drive 2,075.2 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to San Diegocar car 2,075.2 mi
    32h 35m
    $379–547

  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 1m
    $260–1,018

Chicago to San Diego by train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Trains
Duration46h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$748Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Chicago to San Diego.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,737 mi
  • Duration: 5h 39m

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

Southwest Airlines flies from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Chicago Union Station to San Diego via Fullerton Amtrak Station in around 46h 5m.

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