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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Chicagoby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car, or train

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There are 8 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Chicago by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), 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 Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SBA - ORD
    6h 52m
    $82–357

  2. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train Pacific Surfliner / ...
    2. Take the train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    47h 16m
    $1,257–1,987

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop 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 2h
    $405–597

  4. Drive  2,084.2 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Chicagocar car 2,084.2 mi
    33h 13m
    $381–550

  5. Fly Santa Barbara Municipal Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SBA - MDW
    8h 2m
    $102–467

  6. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane LAX - MDW
    9h 23m
    $196–705

  7. Train to Los Angeles International Airport, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Los Angelestrain train
    2. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane LAX - ORD
    9h 41m
    $166–465

  8. Train to Burbank Bob Hope Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Simi Valley Amtraktrain train
    2. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane BUR - MDW
    9h 4m
    $156–563

Santa Barbara to Chicago by train (Amtrak)

Calendar10Weekly Trains
Duration47h 16mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,257Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,825.9 mi
  • Duration: 6h 52m

What companies run services between Santa Barbara, CA, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

United Airlines, American Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) every 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train from Santa Barbara to Chicago Union Station via Los Angeles in around 47h 16m.

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