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How to get fromSan Diego to Chicagoby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

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There are 5 ways to get from San Diego to Chicago by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), 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 to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SAN - MDW
    4h 31m
    $136–544

  2. Fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SAN - ORD
    4h 48m
    $115–462

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from San Diego to Fullerton Amtrak Stationtrain train Pacific Surfliner
    2. Take the train from Fullerton Amtrak Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Southwest Chief
    46h 6m
    $733–1,567

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus
    2d 3h
    $374–723

  5. Drive 2,073.9 mi

    1. Drive from San Diego to Chicagocar car 2,073.9 mi
    32h 39m
    $379–547

San Diego to Chicago by train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Trains
Duration46h 6mAverage Duration
Ticket$733Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Diego to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,736.9 mi
  • Duration: 4h 31m

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

Southwest Airlines flies from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) every 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from San Diego to Chicago Union Station via Fullerton Amtrak Station in around 46h 6m.

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