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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $127. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.8 - 2.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $127, and a train costs an average of $199.
Distance: 1729 miles (2784 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$351 Average price | $208 Average price Cheapest | $211 Average price | $443 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
49h 48m Average total duration 49h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 25m Average total duration Fastest 4h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 49h 18m Average total duration 48h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 8.4 - 16.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.8 - 7.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $26 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $351.
A flight is $31 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $356.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 48h 48m.
Train takes on average 49h 18m.
Travel optionsfrom San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
How to get from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
- 4:50 PM52h40San Diego, CA9:30 PMChicago, IL$1801One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
- 4:50 PM52h40San Diego, CA9:30 PMChicago, IL$1801One-way0 transfers
Fastest
- 7:40 PM49h45San Diego, CA9:25 PMChicago, IL$3461One-way0 transfers
Other options
- 2:35 AM54h35San Diego, CA9:10 AMChicago, IL$1921One-way0 transfers
- 1:45 PM55h40San Diego, CA9:25 PMChicago, IL$2531One-way0 transfers
- 9:10 PM64h50San Diego, CA2:00 PMChicago, IL$3741One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
Compare train, bus, 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.
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FAQs: Travel from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL
Travel to Chicago, IL easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $2 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $211.
A flight is $143 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $351.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 48h 48m.
Train takes on average 49h 18m.
- Around 48 flights per day.
- Around 12 buses per day.
- Around 4 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between San Diego, CA and Chicago, IL as scheduled services by train, bus, and flight can vary by season or day of the week.
- Flights mostly depart from San Diego International Airport and arrive in O'Hare International Airport.
- Buses mostly depart from San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA and arrive in Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
- Trains mostly depart from Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA and arrive in Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL.
- Travel with Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, United to go to Chicago, IL by flight.
- Travel with Greyhound to go to Chicago, IL by bus.
- Travel with Amtrak to go to Chicago, IL by train.
- 10 direct flights per day with American Airlines, United.
Travelling from San Diego, CA to Chicago, IL: related information
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