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? Check and compare all the available Buses and Flights to San Diego from Chicago. Look at different modes of transportation, search 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
51h 15m
£110
£120
15
Flight
4h 34m
£76
£196
119

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

You can reach San Diego with just £76 by taking a Flight from American Airlines, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Saturday
Sunday
from £110
Monday
from £76
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
from £107
Friday
from £100

    Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    59h 50m
    0
    00:15
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    10:05
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £110
  • Greyhound US
    55h 49m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:50
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £115
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £117
  • Greyhound US
    57h 45m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    17:45
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £117
  • FlixBus
    51h 15m
    0
    16:30
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:45
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £119
  • Cheapest Flights Sunday

  • Viva Aerobus
    34h 23m
    0
    01:15
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:38
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from £169
  • Volaris
    22h 39m
    0
    12:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:38
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £175
  • Frontier Airlines
    22h 37m
    0
    05:11
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    01:48
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £207
  • Aeroméxico
    16h 51m
    0
    15:38
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    06:29
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £227
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    13h 20m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:40
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £336

    Cheapest Flights Monday

  • American Airlines
    4h 34m
    0
    20:06
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:40
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    American Airlines
    Economy
    from £76
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £79
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £80
  • Frontier Airlines
    7h 48m
    0
    18:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    00:08
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £105
  • Viva Aerobus
    27h 35m
    0
    01:15
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    02:50
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from £116
  • United Airlines
    4h 40m
    0
    16:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:00
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £116

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • Frontier Airlines
    21h 31m
    0
    12:34
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    08:05
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £107
  • United Airlines
    4h 40m
    0
    16:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:00
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £156
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £158
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £161
  • Spirit Airlines
    29h 18m
    0
    20:58
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    00:16
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from £174
  • Viva Aerobus
    15h 25m
    0
    02:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    15:45
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from £210

    Cheapest Flights Friday

  • Frontier Airlines
    17h 29m
    0
    22:36
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    14:05
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £100
  • United Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    07:05
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:47
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £216
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:02
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £230
  • Aeroméxico
    27h 41m
    0
    17:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:40
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £231
  • Volaris
    12h 35m
    0
    19:54
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    06:29
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £236
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:02
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £241
  • Cheapest Buses Friday

  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £125
  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    16:30
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £125
  • Greyhound US
    52h 39m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    14:40
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £126
  • Greyhound US
    55h 49m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:50
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £127

What are the fastest trips from Chicago to San Diego?

You can get to San Diego from Chicago in just 4h 34m with a Flight from American Airlines. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Saturday
Sunday
from 13h 20m
Monday
from 4h 34m
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
from 4h 40m
Friday
from 4h 42m

    Fastest Flights Sunday

  • Hawaiian Airlines
    13h 20m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:40
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £336
  • Aeroméxico
    16h 51m
    0
    15:38
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    06:29
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Aeroméxico
    Economy
    from £227
  • Frontier Airlines
    22h 37m
    0
    05:11
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    01:48
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £207
  • Volaris
    22h 39m
    0
    12:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:38
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £175
  • Viva Aerobus
    34h 23m
    0
    01:15
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:38
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from £169
  • Fastest Buses Sunday

  • FlixBus
    51h 15m
    0
    16:30
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:45
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £119
  • Greyhound US
    55h 49m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:50
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £115
  • Greyhound US
    57h 45m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    17:45
    San Diego
    Old Town Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £117
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £117
  • FlixBus
    59h 50m
    0
    00:15
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    10:05
    San Diego
    Seaport Village
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £110

    Fastest Flights Monday

  • American Airlines
    4h 34m
    0
    20:06
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:40
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    American Airlines
    Economy
    from £76
  • United Airlines
    4h 40m
    0
    16:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:00
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £116
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £79
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £80
  • Frontier Airlines
    7h 48m
    0
    18:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    00:08
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £105
  • Volaris
    12h 35m
    0
    19:54
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    06:29
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £134

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • United Airlines
    4h 40m
    0
    16:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:00
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £156
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £158
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    19:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    22:41
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £161
  • Volaris
    14h 49m
    0
    12:59
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    01:48
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £229
  • Spirit Airlines
    15h 5m
    0
    06:05
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    19:10
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from £270
  • Viva Aerobus
    15h 25m
    0
    02:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    15:45
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Viva Aerobus
    Economy
    from £210

    Fastest Flights Friday

  • United Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    07:05
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    09:47
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    United Airlines
    Economy
    from £216
  • Alaska Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:02
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Alaska Airlines
    Economy
    from £230
  • Hawaiian Airlines
    4h 42m
    0
    08:20
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    11:02
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Hawaiian Airlines
    Economy
    from £241
  • Volaris
    12h 35m
    0
    19:54
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    06:29
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Volaris
    Economy
    from £236
  • Frontier Airlines
    17h 29m
    0
    22:36
    Chicago Midway Airport
    Chicago Midway Airport
    14:05
    San Diego Airport
    San Diego Airport
    0
    Frontier Airlines
    Economy
    from £100
  • Spirit Airlines
    18h 54m
    0
    15:21
    Chicago O'Hare Airport
    Chicago O'Hare Airport - Bus/Shuttle Center
    08:15
    Tijuana Airport
    Tijuana Airport
    0
    Spirit Airlines
    Economy
    from £386
  • Fastest Buses Friday

  • FlixBus
    51h 50m
    0
    16:30
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    FlixBus
    Economy
    £125
  • Greyhound US
    52h 39m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    14:40
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £126
  • Greyhound US
    55h 49m
    0
    12:01
    Chicago
    Downtown Coach Station
    17:50
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £127
  • Greyhound US
    58h 20m
    0
    10:00
    Chicago
    Union Station
    18:20
    San Diego
    San Ysidro Transit Center
    0
    Greyhound US
    Economy
    £125
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 Coach Stop, Downtown Coach Station or 95th Red Line Station, while in San Diego you will be arriving at San Ysidro Transit Center, Old Town Transit Center or University Av & Bancroft St Coach Stop, 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 11 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 £76 with a Flight from American 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 American Airlines: you will get to San Diego in just 4h 34m.

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 Frontier Airlines, Greyhound US and Spirit Airlines, 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 Frontier Airlines, Greyhound US and Spirit Airlines. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Greyhound US and FlixBus

Airlines: Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Viva Aerobus and 6 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 11 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 2,784.7 km.

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 473 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 £76 by taking a Flight from American Airlines.

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 4h 34m with a Flight from American Airlines.

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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