What is the best way to travel from Chicago to San Diego?
Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Flights 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!
What is the cheapest way to reach San Diego from Chicago?
You can get to San Diego with just $198 by taking a Bus from Greyhound US, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.
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Greyhound US69h 10m010:00 PMChicagoUnion Station5:10 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 10:00:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $294 per person are available. Travel duration is 69h 10m
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Greyhound US58h 20m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station6:20 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 10:00:00 AM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 6:20:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $299 per person are available. Travel duration is 58h 20m
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Greyhound US52h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station2:40 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 12:01:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 2:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $309 per person are available. Travel duration is 52h 39m
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FlixBus51h 50m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station6:20 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 4:30:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 6:20:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $313 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 50m
Cheapest Buses Friday
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Greyhound US57h 45m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station5:45 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $208 per person are available. Travel duration is 57h 45m
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
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Greyhound US51h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station1:40 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 12:01:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 1:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $211 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 39m
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FlixBus55h 45m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 4:30:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $256 per person are available. Travel duration is 55h 45m
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FlixBus51h 5m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station5:35 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 4:30:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $257 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 5m
Cheapest Buses Saturday
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $286 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
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Greyhound US63h 50m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station11:50 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 11:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $286 per person are available. Travel duration is 63h 50m
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Greyhound US58h 10m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station6:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 6:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $293 per person are available. Travel duration is 58h 10m
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FlixBus55h 45m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 4:30:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $294 per person are available. Travel duration is 55h 45m
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FlixBus51h 40m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station6:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 4:30:00 PM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 6:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $295 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 40m
Cheapest Buses Monday
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Greyhound US52h 9m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station2:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 12:01:00 PM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 2:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $198 per person are available. Travel duration is 52h 9m
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Greyhound US51h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station1:40 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 12:01:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 1:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $199 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 39m
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Greyhound US74h 15m010:00 PMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/13/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $203 per person are available. Travel duration is 74h 15m
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
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Greyhound US57h 45m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station5:45 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 57h 45m
Cheapest Buses Wednesday
What are the fastest trips from Chicago to San Diego?
You can get to San Diego from Chicago in just 51h 5m with a Bus from FlixBus. 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.
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FlixBus51h 50m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station6:20 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 4:30:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 6:20:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $313 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 50m
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Greyhound US52h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station2:40 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 12:01:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 2:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $309 per person are available. Travel duration is 52h 39m
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Greyhound US58h 20m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station6:20 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 10:00:00 AM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/7/2025 6:20:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $299 per person are available. Travel duration is 58h 20m
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Greyhound US69h 10m010:00 PMChicagoUnion Station5:10 PMSan DiegoSan Ysidro Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/5/2025 10:00:00 PM to San Ysidro Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $294 per person are available. Travel duration is 69h 10m
Fastest Buses Friday
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FlixBus51h 5m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station5:35 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 4:30:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:35:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $257 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 5m
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Greyhound US51h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station1:40 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 12:01:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 1:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $211 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 39m
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FlixBus55h 45m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 4:30:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $256 per person are available. Travel duration is 55h 45m
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Greyhound US57h 45m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station5:45 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $208 per person are available. Travel duration is 57h 45m
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/6/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/8/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
Fastest Buses Saturday
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FlixBus51h 40m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station6:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 4:30:00 PM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 6:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $295 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 40m
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FlixBus55h 45m04:30 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from FlixBus goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 4:30:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $294 per person are available. Travel duration is 55h 45m
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Greyhound US58h 10m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station6:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 6:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $293 per person are available. Travel duration is 58h 10m
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $286 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
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Greyhound US63h 50m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station11:50 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/8/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/10/2025 11:50:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $286 per person are available. Travel duration is 63h 50m
Fastest Buses Monday
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Greyhound US51h 39m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station1:40 PMSan DiegoLa Jolla Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 12:01:00 PM to La Jolla Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 1:40:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $199 per person are available. Travel duration is 51h 39m
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Greyhound US52h 9m012:01 PMChicagoDowntown Bus Station2:10 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Downtown Bus Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 12:01:00 PM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 2:10:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $198 per person are available. Travel duration is 52h 9m
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Greyhound US57h 45m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station5:45 PMSan DiegoOld Town Transit Center0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 AM to Old Town Transit Center, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 5:45:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 57h 45m
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Greyhound US62h 15m010:00 AMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 AM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/12/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $209 per person are available. Travel duration is 62h 15m
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Greyhound US74h 15m010:00 PMChicagoUnion Station10:15 PMSan DiegoSeaport Village0EconomyA Bus from Greyhound US goes from Union Station, Chicago (USA) at 12/10/2025 10:00:00 PM to Seaport Village, San Diego (USA) arriving at 12/13/2025 10:15:00 PM. 50 Economy ticket for $203 per person are available. Travel duration is 74h 15m
Fastest Buses Wednesday
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 4 connections between 2 Bus and Flight 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 $198 with a Bus from Greyhound US.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 Bus from FlixBus: you will get to San Diego in just 51h 5m.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 and FlixBus, 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 and FlixBus. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.
Bus companies: Greyhound US and FlixBus
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 4 connections between Bus and Flight, 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 $198 by taking a Bus from Greyhound US.
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 51h 5m with a Bus from FlixBus.
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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