Chicago, IL, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $244: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Chicago to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.
$244 by busBest price
3361 kmDistance
6h 19m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to San Diego with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
6h 19mEstimated price
$78-610Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
4h 23mEstimated price
$785-786Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
4h 38mEstimated price
$788-784Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
4h 27mEstimated price
$788-789Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to San Diego
Average Duration
48h 3mEstimated price
$244-523Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles
Average Duration
48h 17mEstimated price
$783-7800Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$6109-4800Chicago to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and San Diego offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip spanning 2089 miles from bustling Chicago to the sun-kissed shores of San Diego. The journey promises 32 hours of adventure through changing landscapes and vibrant cities.
🏖️ Indulge in the ultimate California dream as you arrive in San Diego, with prices for the car trip ranging from $370 to $550. Whether you seek sandy beaches, cultural experiences, or culinary delights, your Chicago to San Diego road trip is bound to be an unforgettable escapade.
Average price
$370 - $550
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Chicago to San Diego, with a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time is approximately 2 days and 21 hours, offering a unique way to experience the diverse American landscape.
🛤️ The route covers a distance of 3,015 miles, with 3 transfers along the way. From Chicago Union Station, board the Metra Metropolitan Rail to Naperville, then transfer to the Amtrak California Zephyr towards Emeryville. Finally, hop on the Amtrak Coast Starlight to Union Station in Los Angeles before reaching San Diego on the Pacific Surfliner.
💸 Ticket prices for the Chicago to San Diego train journey range from $119 to $792, providing different accommodation options to suit your preferences. Enjoy the leisurely pace of train travel and take in the changing scenery as you make your way from the Midwest to the sunny shores of Southern California.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Chicago to San Diego, consider Amtrak as your primary operator. They offer onboard catering services with the 'Amtrak Café,' where you can purchase snacks, light meals, and beverages. In addition, if you're traveling in the sleeping car, you may enjoy complimentary meals in the dining car, prepared fresh for you.
• Amtrak provides several seating options for this journey: Coach (Economy) seating with comfortable reclining seats, Business Class which offers more spacious seating and quieter atmosphere, and First Class which includes a private room with a bed and bathroom facilities. Depending on your preference for comfort and privacy, you can choose the most suitable option for your trip.
• There are multiple operators for the Chicago to San Diego route, but the primary one is Amtrak (amtrak.com). Other options include Greyhound (greyhound.com) for bus travel, which is a different mode but worth considering for scheduling. Always check routes and times that suit your travel needs.
🛫 Embark on a convenient and efficient journey from Chicago to San Diego with a direct flight operated by Southwest Airlines, taking just 4 hours and 20 minutes to reach your destination.
🌴 Enjoy a smooth and comfortable flight experience as you travel across the country, covering a distance of 6 hours and 19 minutes from the vibrant city of Chicago to the sunny shores of San Diego.
💸 Explore the diverse range of ticket prices, ranging from $78 to $610, for flights connecting Chicago and San Diego, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your budget and travel preferences.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Chicago to San Diego by bus, with multiple transfers along the way. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 2 days and 3 hours.
💰 Ticket prices for this bus trip can range from $244 to $523, providing an affordable and leisurely way to travel from the vibrant city of Chicago to the coastal beauty of San Diego.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to San Diego.
Or choose the category:
The distance between Chicago and San Diego is approximately 2803.5 km or 3361.4 km by road. The typical travel time by train is not provided. However, it takes 45 hours and 40 minutes to reach San Diego from Chicago by taking a train and then a bus. The quickest mode of transportation is by plane, with a travel time of 6 hours and 8 minutes. Lastly, driving from San Diego to Chicago takes approximately 32 hours and 19 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient option for traveling from Chicago to San Diego is to fly. Flights from Chicago to San Diego can be relatively affordable, with prices ranging from $70 to $460. Additionally, flying is the fastest mode of transportation, taking only 6 hours and 8 minutes.
The prices for trains between Chicago and San Diego vary depending on the type of service and class. The prices range from $119 for economy seats to $792 for first-class seats. It is recommended to book in advance to secure lower fares. Additionally, prices for flights from Chicago to San Diego can vary depending on the airline, time of travel, and booking date, with average prices ranging from $150 to $400.
To travel from Chicago to San Diego without using public transportation, you can drive the distance, which is approximately 3361.9 km. The journey takes about 32 hours and 19 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions. The cost of the trip by car can vary between $370 to $550, taking into account fuel and other expenses.
To travel from Chicago to San Diego without a car, the best option is to take a train and then transfer to a bus. This journey typically takes around 45 hours and 40 minutes. The cost for this mode of transportation ranges from $150 to $650, depending on the specific train and bus options chosen.
No, there is no direct train link between Chicago and San Diego. However, there are train services available with transfers in Los Angeles. The journey typically takes around 2 days and 21 hours. The train services are operated by Amtrak, departing from Chicago Union Station and arriving at San Diego station.
The flight between Chicago and San Diego typically takes around 4 hours and 10 minutes. The duration may vary depending on the specific flight and any layovers. As for the cost, flights can range from $74 to $460, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options near San Diego. With over 1163 hotels to choose from, you can find a place that suits your budget and preferences. Prices for hotels start at $53, offering a range of affordable and luxury options. You can explore various neighborhoods in San Diego like Downtown, Mission Bay, or La Jolla, which offer a wide selection of hotels to choose from.