How to get from Chicago to San Diego

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What is the best way to travel from Chicago to San Diego?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Flights and Buses for the journey to San Diego from Chicago. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 2 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Bus is the cheapest, while Flight is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
51h 5m
$152
$248
20
Flight
10h 40m
$181
$232
37

What is the cheapest way to reach San Diego from Chicago?

You can get to San Diego with just $152 by taking a Bus from FlixBus, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Saturday
from $193
Sunday
from $152
Monday
from $203
Tuesday
from $185
Wednesday
Thursday
from $181
Friday

    Cheapest Flights Saturday

  • Viva Aerobus
    23h 38m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    10:58 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $193
  • Volaris
    14h 51m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $206
  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 7m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:12 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $210
  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 1m
    0
    7:11 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:12 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $234
  • Aeroméxico
    14h 46m
    0
    1:04 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $313
  • Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Greyhound US
    52h 39m
    0
    12:01 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    2:40 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    55h 9m
    0
    12:01 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    5:10 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $244
  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $255

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $152
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $153
  • Greyhound US
    63h 10m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    12:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $153

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:40 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $203
  • Volaris
    26h 52m
    0
    6:23 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $209
  • Viva Aerobus
    26h 55m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $232
  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 29m
    0
    7:11 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:40 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $322
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 59m
    0
    3:16 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $330

    Cheapest Flights Tuesday

  • Viva Aerobus
    11h 37m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    10:57 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Viva Aerobus
    19h 45m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Volaris
    32h 21m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:20 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $212
  • Volaris
    13h 49m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    12:48 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $215
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 59m
    0
    3:16 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $347
  • Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    55h 45m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    10:15 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $309
  • Greyhound US
    65h 0m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $310
  • Greyhound US
    57h 35m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $310
  • Greyhound US
    62h 35m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    11:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $311
  • FlixBus
    51h 5m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $313

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • Volaris
    21h 21m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:20 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $181
  • Viva Aerobus
    10h 40m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    9:35 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Volaris
    19h 2m
    0
    6:23 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:25 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $188
  • Viva Aerobus
    15h 55m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    2:50 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $217
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 46m
    0
    2:54 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    6:40 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $279
  • Cheapest Buses Thursday

  • Greyhound US
    62h 35m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    11:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    57h 35m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    60h 30m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    9:40 AM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • FlixBus
    59h 50m
    0
    12:15 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    10:05 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $251

What are the fastest trips from Chicago to San Diego?

You can get to San Diego from Chicago in just 10h 40m with a Flight from Viva Aerobus. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Saturday
from 12h 1m
Sunday
from 51h 50m
Monday
from 12h 29m
Tuesday
from 11h 37m
Wednesday
Thursday
from 10h 40m
Friday

    Fastest Flights Saturday

  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 1m
    0
    7:11 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:12 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $234
  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 7m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:12 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $210
  • Aeroméxico
    14h 46m
    0
    1:04 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $313
  • Volaris
    14h 51m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $206
  • Viva Aerobus
    23h 38m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    10:58 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $193
  • Fastest Buses Saturday

  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $255
  • Greyhound US
    52h 39m
    0
    12:01 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    2:40 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    55h 9m
    0
    12:01 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    5:10 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $244

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $152
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    6:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $153
  • Greyhound US
    63h 10m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    12:20 PM
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $153

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • Frontier Airlines
    12h 29m
    0
    7:11 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:40 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $322
  • Spirit Airlines
    13h 35m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    5:40 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from $203
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 59m
    0
    3:16 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $330
  • Volaris
    26h 52m
    0
    6:23 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $209
  • Viva Aerobus
    26h 55m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $232

    Fastest Flights Tuesday

  • Viva Aerobus
    11h 37m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    10:57 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Volaris
    13h 49m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    12:48 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $215
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 59m
    0
    3:16 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $347
  • Viva Aerobus
    19h 45m
    0
    1:20 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:05 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Volaris
    32h 21m
    0
    12:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:20 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $212
  • Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    51h 5m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $313
  • FlixBus
    55h 45m
    0
    4:30 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    10:15 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $309
  • Greyhound US
    57h 35m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $310
  • Greyhound US
    62h 35m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    11:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $311
  • Greyhound US
    65h 0m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $310

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • Viva Aerobus
    10h 40m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    9:35 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $185
  • Viva Aerobus
    15h 55m
    0
    12:55 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    2:50 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $217
  • Aeroméxico
    17h 46m
    0
    2:54 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    6:40 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $279
  • Volaris
    19h 2m
    0
    6:23 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:25 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $188
  • Volaris
    21h 21m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    7:20 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $181
  • Fastest Buses Thursday

  • Greyhound US
    57h 35m
    0
    10:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    5:35 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • FlixBus
    59h 50m
    0
    12:15 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    10:05 AM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $251
  • Greyhound US
    60h 30m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    9:40 AM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
  • Greyhound US
    62h 35m
    0
    11:10 PM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    11:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $243
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Chicago to San Diego

What are the most popular stations in Chicago and San Diego?

In Chicago, you will usually depart from California & 35th Street Bus Stop, Downtown Bus Station or 95th Red Line Station, while in San Diego you will be arriving at San Ysidro Transit Center, University Av & Bancroft St Bus Stop or Old Town Transit Center, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to San Diego from Chicago? With 7 connections between 2 Flight and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Chicago and San Diego, you can pay as low as $152 with a Bus from FlixBus.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from Viva Aerobus: you will get to San Diego in just 10h 40m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Chicago and San Diego are Greyhound US, Viva Aerobus and Volaris, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Chicago and San Diego is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Cicero, IL or to San Diego Airport, and look at flights from Chicago Midway Airport, and landing at Tijuana Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Chicago to San Diego?

The most popular companies between Chicago and San Diego, are Greyhound US, Viva Aerobus and Volaris. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Greyhound US and FlixBus

Airlines: Viva Aerobus, Volaris, Aeroméxico and 2 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Chicago to San Diego

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Chicago to San Diego. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Chicago to San Diego

How can I reach San Diego from Chicago?

Every day, there are on average 7 connections between Flight and Bus, with which you can get to San Diego from Chicago.

How far is San Diego from Chicago?

The distance between Chicago and San Diego is 1,730.9 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Chicago and San Diego?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 75 kgs of CO2, a train 97 kgs, a car 474 kgs, and a flight 685 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Chicago to San Diego?

You can get to San Diego with just $152 by taking a Bus from FlixBus.

What is the fastest way to get from Chicago to San Diego?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to San Diego in just 10h 40m with a Flight from Viva Aerobus.

More routes to Chicago and to San Diego

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Chicago and to San Diego. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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