4 airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to San Diego.
Checking today’s fares with the airlines.
| Airline | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | ORD O'Hare International Airport | SAN San Diego International Airport |
| United Airlines | ORD O'Hare International Airport | SAN San Diego International Airport |
| Alaska Airlines | ORD O'Hare International Airport | SAN San Diego International Airport |
| Southwest Airlines | MDW Midway International Airport | SAN San Diego International Airport |
Nonstop service as of October 2026. Airlines change schedules seasonally.
3 miles (4.8 km) from the city centre. 25.3 million passengers in 2025
| How | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | MTS Route 992 to the Santa Fe Depot downtown, every 15 minutes | about 15m | $3.00 one way (adult) |
| Shuttle | Free San Diego Flyer shuttle to Old Town Transit Center for trolley and train connections | – | free |
Domestic travel: a REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable ID, such as a US passport, is required to board flights within the US.
San Diego is 2 hours behind Chicago. San Diego uses the US dollar (USD).
Read the San Diego guide: when to go, weather, airports and tips
Nonstop flight times vary by airline and season; flights with a connection take longer.
As of October 2026, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines fly this route nonstop.
Nonstop flights leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) and arrive at San Diego International Airport (SAN).
About 1,732 miles (2,787 km), measured between the city centres.
San Diego is 2 hours behind Chicago.
Domestic travel: a REAL ID-compliant license or other acceptable ID, such as a US passport, is required to board flights within the US.
MTS Route 992 to the Santa Fe Depot downtown, every 15 minutes, about 15 minutes, $3.00 one way (adult).
Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.