How to travel from Chicago to San Diego

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2 ways to go from Chicago to San Diego

Bus
Average Price$153 - $693Average Duration2d 13h
70kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Most 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 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
TodayDec 22
from $2,565
TomorrowDec 23
TueDec 24
from $229
WedDec 25
ThuDec 26
FriDec 27
SatDec 28
SunDec 29

Trains leaving Tuesday

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 27 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 27 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:

From Chicago to San Diego: Trip Overview

Travel the 1725 miles (2782 km) from Chicago to San Diego by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to San Diego is $252. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$252
Average trip duration2d 7h
Number of daily departures3
Number of daily train departures2
Earliest departure10:00am
Distance1725 miles (2782 km)
Latest departure10:30pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $153
Fastest mode of travelBus - 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 $324 and a travel time of 11 hours 27 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus offer tickets starting at $153.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to San Diego. The trip typically takes 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 1728 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 $153 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 $153, and the average price is $324. 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 13h, although the fastest bus will take about 2d . This is the time it takes to travel the 1725 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 3 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 San Ysidro McDonald's, 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 1725 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 San Ysidro McDonald's, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

Why choose Busbud?

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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