How to travel from Chicago to San Diego

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2 ways to go from Chicago to San Diego

Bus
Average Price$109 - $496Average Duration2d 12h
70kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average Price$175 - $2,196Average Duration2d
254kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the train from Chicago to San Diego

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 2 days, 42 minutes and with fares starting at just $175, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day
2d Average Duration
$175Cheapest ticket
254kgCO₂ emissions
TodayFeb 22
TomorrowFeb 23
from $318
MonFeb 24
from $187
TueFeb 25
from $230
WedFeb 26
ThuFeb 27
FriFeb 28
SatMar 1

Trains leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
    Departure time: February 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: February 25 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
    Departure time: February 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: February 25 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: February 23 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: February 25 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:

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From Chicago to San Diego: Trip Overview

Travel the 1726 miles (2784 km) from Chicago to San Diego by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to San Diego is $228. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$228
Average trip duration2d 6h
Number of daily departures26
Number of daily train departures2
Earliest departure5:45am
Distance1726 miles (2784 km)
Latest departure10:30pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $109
Fastest mode of travelTrain - 2d
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to San Diego

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to San Diego is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Chicago to San Diego for an average of $256 and a travel time of 2 days, 12 hours 13 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at $109.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to San Diego. The trip typically takes 2 days, 7 hours 40 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $175. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to San Diego is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to San Diego and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from Chicago to San Diego

San Diego is located approximately 1730 miles from Chicago. The most popular departure point for buses is the Downtown Greyhound Station station, while most trains depart mostly from Union Station.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just $109 when booking with Greyhound and FlixBus.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to San Diego?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs $109, and the average price is $256. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and San Diego?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to San Diego in roughly 2d .

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to San Diego without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to San Diego?

    The average travel time between Chicago and San Diego is around 2d 12h, although the fastest bus will take about 2d 2h. This is the time it takes to travel the 1727 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to San Diego?

    When taking the bus from Chicago to San Diego, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and San Diego?

    The number of buses from Chicago to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 26 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to San Diego by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to San Diego?

    Buses traveling between Chicago and San Diego leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Mission Valley Sheraton, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

  8. How long is the train trip from Chicago to San Diego?

    A train trip between Chicago and San Diego is around 2d , although the fastest train will take about 2d . This is the time it takes to travel the 1727 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Chicago and San Diego?

    The number of trains from Chicago to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to San Diego by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to San Diego?

    Trains traveling between Chicago and San Diego leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Mission Valley Sheraton, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

Popular places around Chicago

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud prides itself on its worldwide partnerships. We make it possible for you to buy tickets with its large network of trustworthy bus partners like Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to San Diego

Buses from San Diego to Chicago

Go by train

Trains from Chicago to San Diego

Trains from San Diego to Chicago

Popular routes