- Recommended
California Museum of Photography
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
Flights from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA depart on average 149 times per day, taking around 6h 48m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $236 if you book in advance.
There are 21 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:58. The fastest flight covers the 1700 miles (2737 km) distance in 4h 19m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1700 miles (2737 km) |
Average flight duration 6h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $236 |
Flights per day 149 |
Direct flights 21 |
Fastest flight 4h 19m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 3 days |
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $384 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 8h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $384, while a flight costs an average of $697.
Distance: 1700 miles (2737 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$697 Average price | $407 Average price | $384 Average price Cheapest | $407 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 48m Average total duration Fastest 6h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 43h 11m Average total duration 42h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50h 10m Average total duration 49h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA:
A bus is $23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA costing on average $407.
A bus is $313 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA costing on average $697.
Other travel options to Riverside, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 42h 41m.
Bus takes on average 49h 40m.
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Riverside, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Riverside, CA trip today.
Museum on the UC Riverside campus with rotating exhibitions, California photography, and thought-provoking contemporary and historical art.
Art museum in downtown Riverside featuring regional, contemporary, and international works in a walkable civic district near the Mission Inn.
Local history museum sharing Riverside stories through exhibits on citrus, community life, and changing regional identity in a historic setting.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown district with historic architecture, shops, public art, and easy access to major Riverside sights and evening events.
Historic citrus estate and grounds with groves, gardens, and walking paths that reflect Riverside's agricultural past and landscape design.
Large urban park with lakes, gardens, trails, and picnic areas. Popular for walking, birdwatching, and relaxed outdoor time near downtown.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Riverside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Riverside, CA flights use the O'Hare International Airport to John Wayne Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Riverside, CA airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
O'Hare International Airport is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
O'Hare International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in all terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and intertiol. Top options include Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at O'Hare International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as Hilton Chicago O'Hare are located on airport grounds, with others like the Hyatt Regency nearby..
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need