Rome2Rio

How to get fromChicago to El Centroby plane, bus, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, or car

Find Transport to El Centro

See all options

There are 11 ways to get from Chicago to El Centro by plane, bus, bus (Flixbus, Greyhound), train, 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 Chicago Midway International Airport to San Diego International Airport, bus

    best
    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    2. Take the bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    9h 39m
    $180–734

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

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane ORD - SAN
    2. Take the bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    10h
    $130–584

  3. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Indio Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    46h 20m
    $329–532

  4. Train, bus via Fontana

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to San Bernardinotrain train
    2. Take the bus from Fontana Metrolink Transit Center to Indio Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Indio Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    47h 27m
    $624–1,324

  5. Drive  1,936.8 mi

    1. Drive from Chicago to El Centrocar car 1,936.8 mi
    33h 55m
    $354–511

  6. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Imperial County Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Imperial County Airport (IPL)plane plane MDW - IPL
    8h 33m
    $220–966

  7. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Imperial County Airport

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Imperial County Airport (IPL)plane plane ORD - IPL
    8h 51m
    $160–716

  8. Fly Chicago Midway International Airport to Phoenix, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix (PHX)plane plane MDW - PHX
    2. Take the bus from Phoenix Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    11h 27m
    $158–300

  9. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Phoenix, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix (PHX)plane plane ORD - PHX
    2. Take the bus from Phoenix Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    11h 48m
    $228–440

  10. Fly Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Palm Springs International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)plane plane ORD - PSP
    2. Take the bus from Indio Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stopbus bus
    12h 24m
    $186–398

  11. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Yuma Amtraktrain train Texas Eagle
    2. Take the bus from 3rd Street @ Gila Street to State Street @ 8th Streetbus bus 10
    2d 14h
    $642–1,411

Chicago to El Centro by bus

Calendar7Weekly Buses
Duration46h 20mAverage Duration
Ticket$329Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Chicago to El Centro.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,858.5 mi
  • Duration: 9h 39m

What companies run services between Chicago, IL, USA and El Centro, CA, USA?

You can take a bus from Chicago Bus Station to El Centro Bus Stop via St Louis Bus Station and Indio Bus Station in around 46h 20m. Alternatively, Southwest Airlines and Southern Airways Express fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Imperial County Airport (IPL) twice daily.

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

Booking & Getting There