How to get from San Diego to Chicago

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

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Buses and Flights for the journey to Chicago from San Diego. 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!
Flight is the cheapest and fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
48h 10m
$171
$244
31
Flight
4h 13m
$84
$380
150

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

You can get to Chicago with just $84 by taking a Flight from Alaska Airlines, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Tuesday
from $207
Wednesday
from $183
Thursday
Friday
from $84
Saturday
Sunday
from $316
Monday
from $319

    Cheapest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    48h 35m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $207
  • FlixBus
    50h 5m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $209
  • FlixBus
    48h 10m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $210
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $215
  • Greyhound US
    54h 35m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:10 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $225

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • Greyhound US
    54h 35m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:10 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $183
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $217
  • Greyhound US
    58h 25m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    8:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $217
  • FlixBus
    50h 5m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $217
  • FlixBus
    48h 10m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $218

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 28m
    0
    5:31 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    11:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $84
  • Frontier Airlines
    7h 13m
    0
    1:33 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    10:46 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $169
  • United Airlines
    4h 13m
    0
    7:00 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    1:13 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $192
  • Frontier Airlines
    20h 41m
    0
    4:47 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    3:28 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $210
  • Viva Aerobus
    25h 55m
    0
    7:55 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    11:50 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $301
  • Volaris
    24h 3m
    0
    8:26 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    10:29 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $326
  • Cheapest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $171
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $173
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $187
  • FlixBus
    48h 35m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $187
  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $190

    Cheapest Flights Sunday

  • Viva Aerobus
    28h 35m
    0
    8:25 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    3:00 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $316
  • Viva Aerobus
    21h 25m
    0
    3:35 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    3:00 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $316
  • Volaris
    29h 53m
    0
    7:00 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    2:53 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $332
  • Volaris
    20h 26m
    0
    4:34 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    3:00 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $363
  • Viva Aerobus
    9h 34m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $428
  • Viva Aerobus
    18h 39m
    0
    8:55 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $453
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $318
  • FlixBus
    50h 25m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $320

    Cheapest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    50h 25m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $356

What are the fastest trips from San Diego to Chicago?

You can get to Chicago from San Diego in just 4h 13m with a Flight from United Airlines. 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.

Tuesday
from 48h 10m
Wednesday
from 48h 10m
Thursday
Friday
from 4h 13m
Saturday
Sunday
from 9h 34m
Monday
from 50h 25m

    Fastest Buses Tuesday

  • FlixBus
    48h 10m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $210
  • FlixBus
    48h 35m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $207
  • FlixBus
    50h 5m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $209
  • Greyhound US
    54h 35m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:10 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $225
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $215

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • FlixBus
    48h 10m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $218
  • FlixBus
    50h 5m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $217
  • Greyhound US
    54h 35m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:10 AM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $183
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $217
  • Greyhound US
    58h 25m
    0
    7:35 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    8:00 AM
    Chicago
    Union Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $217

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • United Airlines
    4h 13m
    0
    7:00 AM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    1:13 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from $192
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 28m
    0
    5:31 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    11:59 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $84
  • Frontier Airlines
    7h 13m
    0
    1:33 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    10:46 PM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from $169
  • Viva Aerobus
    9h 49m
    0
    1:15 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    1:04 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $379
  • Volaris
    13h 44m
    0
    1:50 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $354
  • Alaska Airlines
    16h 53m
    0
    8:27 PM
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    3:20 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from $457
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    48h 35m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $187
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $173
  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $190
  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $171
  • Greyhound US
    55h 35m
    0
    6:45 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    4:20 PM
    Chicago
    Downtown Bus Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $187

    Fastest Flights Sunday

  • Viva Aerobus
    9h 34m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $428
  • Volaris
    11h 5m
    0
    11:59 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    1:04 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $546
  • Aeroméxico
    12h 22m
    0
    2:14 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    4:36 AM
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from $585
  • Volaris
    15h 47m
    0
    11:47 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $514
  • Volaris
    18h 2m
    0
    5:02 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    1:04 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from $537
  • Viva Aerobus
    18h 39m
    0
    8:55 PM
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    5:34 PM
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from $453
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    50h 25m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $318
  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $320

    Fastest Buses Monday

  • FlixBus
    50h 25m
    0
    2:10 PM
    San Diego
    La Jolla Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • FlixBus
    50h 50m
    0
    1:45 PM
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
  • Greyhound US
    51h 55m
    0
    10:00 AM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    3:55 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    $356
  • FlixBus
    52h 20m
    0
    12:15 PM
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    6:35 PM
    Chicago
    95th Red Line Station
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    $319
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from San Diego to Chicago

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

In San Diego, you will usually depart from San Ysidro Transit Center, University Av & Bancroft St Bus Stop or Old Town Transit Center, while in Chicago you will be arriving at California & 35th Street Bus Stop, Downtown Bus Station or 95th Red Line Station, 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 Chicago from San Diego? With 8 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 San Diego and Chicago, you can pay as low as $84 with a Flight from Alaska Airlines.

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 United Airlines: you will get to Chicago in just 4h 13m.

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 San Diego and Chicago are FlixBus, Greyhound US 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 San Diego and Chicago 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 San Diego Airport or to Cicero, IL, and look at flights from Tijuana Airport, and landing at Chicago Midway 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 San Diego to Chicago?

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

Bus companies: FlixBus and Greyhound US

Airlines: Volaris, Viva Aerobus, Frontier Airlines and 3 more.

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

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

FAQs about the trip from San Diego to Chicago

How can I reach Chicago from San Diego?

Every day, there are on average 8 connections between Bus and Flight, with which you can get to Chicago from San Diego.

How far is Chicago from San Diego?

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

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

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 San Diego to Chicago?

You can get to Chicago with just $84 by taking a Flight from Alaska Airlines.

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

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 Chicago in just 4h 13m with a Flight from United Airlines.

More routes to San Diego and to Chicago

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

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