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

Find Transport to San Diego County

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There are 6 ways to get from Chicago to San Diego County by plane, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train (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 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
    8h
    $262–845

  2. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Palm Springs International Airport, drive

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane ORD - PSP
    2. Drive from Indio-Palm-Springs-Airport-PSP to San Diego Countycar car
    8h 54m
    $192–404

  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 Phoenix Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Phoenix Bus Station to El Cajon Transit Centerbus bus
    46h 41m
    $447–664

  4. 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 Diego Old Town Transportation Centertrain train Pacific Surfliner
    47h 12m
    $1,361–2,082

  5. Drive  2,071.7 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to San Diego Countycar car 2,071.7 mi
    32h 50m
    $379–547

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

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    8h 17m
    $202–595

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) flights

Calendar52Weekly Planes
Duration5h 28mAverage Duration
Ticket$159Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to San Diego County.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,782.2 mi
  • Duration: 8h

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and San Diego County, 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 bus from Chicago Bus Station to San Diego County via St Louis Bus Station, Phoenix Bus Station, El Cajon Transit Center, and Maple View St & Ashwood St in around 46h 41m.

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Need to know: Greyhound

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