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How to get fromCalifornia to Chicagoby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

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There are 11 ways to get from California to Chicago by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Greyhound, Flixbus), or car

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Fly Long Beach Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane LGB - MDW
    6h 6m
    $203–906

  2. Fly San Diego International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane SAN - ORD
    6h 12m
    $74–330

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    43h 23m
    $1,200–1,900

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Los Angeles Union Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus Greyhound US1210
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Chicago Bus Stationbus bus FlixBus N2521 / ...
    47h 15m
    $395–587

  5. Drive  2,012.3 mi

    1. Drive from Los Angeles to Chicagocar car 2,012.3 mi
    31h 35m
    $344–497

  6. Fly San Diego International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SAN - MDW
    5h 47m
    $104–470

  7. Fly Sacramento International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SMF - MDW
    5h 49m
    $134–608

  8. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago O'Hare International Airport

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)plane plane LAX - ORD
    6h 17m
    $105–278

  9. Fly Los Angeles International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane LAX - MDW
    6h 11m
    $150–498

  10. Fly Oakland International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane OAK - MDW
    6h 4m
    $137–611

  11. Fly Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport to Chicago Midway International Airport

    1. Fly from Norman Y. Mineta San José International Airport (SJC) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)plane plane SJC - MDW
    6h 12m
    $148–660

California to Chicago by train (Amtrak)

Calendar10Weekly Trains
Duration43h 23mAverage Duration
Ticket$1,200Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from California to Chicago.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,757.7 mi
  • Duration: 6h 6m

What companies run services between California, USA and Chicago, IL, USA?

Southwest Airlines flies from Long Beach Airport (LGB) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) every 4 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Los Angeles to Chicago Union Station once daily. Tickets cost $1,200–1,900 and the journey takes 43h 23m.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

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Need to know: Greyhound

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Booking & Getting There