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

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There are 9 ways to get from Santa Monica to Chicago by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), car, train, or bus

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 Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane LAX - MDW
    6h 33m
    $143–608

  2. Fly Burbank Bob Hope Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane BUR - MDW
    7h 40m
    $106–489

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    45h 58m
    $552–1,302

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US1210
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus FlixBus N2521 / ...
    2d 1h
    $337–547

  5. Drive  2,027.9 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Monica to Chicagocar car 2,027.9 mi
    31h 53m
    $371–535

  6. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane LAX - ORD
    6h 49m
    $123–368

  7. Fly Long Beach Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane LGB - MDW
    8h 29m
    $198–861

  8. Train to Ontario International Airport, fly to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Rancho Cucamongatrain train
    2. Fly from Ontario International Airport (ONT) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane ONT - MDW
    9h 26m
    $136–573

  9. Bus to John Wayne Airport Orange County, fly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Take the bus from Flower / 7th to Disneyland Employee's Entrancebus bus
    2. Fly from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SNA - ORD
    11h 1m
    $199–433

Santa Monica to Chicago by bus and train (Amtrak)

Calendar10Weekly Services
Duration45h 58mAverage Duration
Ticket$552Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Santa Monica to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,770.5 mi
  • Duration: 6h 33m

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

Southwest Airlines flies from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) 5 times a day. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Station once daily. Tickets cost $550–1,300 and the journey takes 43h 23m.

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Bus operators

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