Rome2Rio

How to get fromChicago to Californiaby plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), car or train

Find Transport to California

See all options

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

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 Chicago Midway International Airport to San Diego International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)planeMDW - SAN
    6h 29m
    $194–860

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

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)planeORD - LAX
    7h 37m
    $98–369

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Los AngelestrainSouthwest Chief / ...
    43h 32m
    $220–1,600

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus StationbusFlixBus N2521 / ...
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union StationbusGreyhound US1210
    45h 55m
    $169–551

  5. Drive 2,012.7 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to Los Angelescar2,012.7 mi
    31h 21m
    $368–531

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

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)planeORD - SAN
    6h 53m
    $154–710

  7. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Sacramento International Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)planeORD - SMF
    6h 57m
    $164–709

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

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)planeMDW - LAX
    7h 15m
    $124–509

  9. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Long Beach Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Long Beach Airport (LGB)planeMDW - LGB
    7h 17m
    $144–657

  10. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Ontario International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Ontario International Airport (ONT)planeMDW - ONT
    2. Take the train from Rancho Cucamonga to L.A. Union Stationtrain
    8h 36m
    $182–768

  11. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)planeORD - SNA
    9h 16m
    $128–471

Chicago to California by train (Amtrak)

Calendar10Weekly Trains
Duration43h 32mAverage Duration
Ticket$220Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

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

Southwest Airlines flies from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) every 4 hours. Alternatively, Amtrak operates a train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angeles once daily. Tickets cost $220–1,600 and the journey takes 43h 32m.

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.

Related travel guides

Need to know: Greyhound

Read the travel guideNeed to know: Greyhound

More Questions & Answers

Trips from Chicago

Trips to California

Popular routes