Flying from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD): What you need to know
San Diego's main airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN). Explore your departure options from this base when searching for your flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Expect to be travelling for 4 hours 10 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport flight.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is two hours ahead of San Diego. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. You can select from 77 direct weekly services between SAN and ORD.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from San Diego to ORD. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to avoid sprinting to your gate.
Popular months like July or holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas will mean longer waits at check-in and security. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of international flights is a smart idea.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Fly without interruptions from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Direct flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are available from here.
Choose from a variety of airlines that operate direct flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport departing from SAN. Book your seat with one of these:
The top choice among passengers flying between SAN and ORD is United.
Among carriers operating on this route, United has the best record for on-time arrivals.
SAN is about 5 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 25 minutes.
Booked an early flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these hotels near San Diego International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of San Diego International Airport, 74% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
CLD is around 48 kilometres from the centre of San Diego. Plan ahead to find the fastest way to get to your terminal.
Flying off with the first light? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near McClellan-Palomar Airport the day before your San Diego to ORD flight:
McClellan-Palomar Airport has a solid reputation for punctual service. 88% of flights taking off from here arrive right when they're supposed to.
About Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Have a late flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport? Don't let your travel day stretch into tomorrow. Stay at one of these hotels near ORD and hit the lights earlier:
To secure the lowest price, book your ride around four weeks in advance of your San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport flight.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Getting from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport, central Chicago is around 27 kilometres away. It takes about 30 minutes to get to the city centre by car.
Travelling on public transport takes around 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
R 1,646 is the best price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. A return flight starts from R 3,287. These prices may change depending on demand.
Booking early is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from San Diego to ORD. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
Cheap San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport tickets are easier to find when your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to compare fares throughout the month and then pick the cheapest day.
Save time searching for cheap plane tickets from San Diego to ORD by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Nail down a great price on a flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
The best time to fly from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
It's time to decide your travel dates for your flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). July is the peak month for travel to Chicago. If you like things a bit more low-key, head there in January.
Book a San Diego to ORD plane ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare International Airport, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to explore more of the United States. Travel about 290 kilometres southeast to Indianapolis to tick off its must-visit sights. From Lucas Oil Stadium to Eiteljorg Museum and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Milwaukee is another must-experience destination in the United States and is around 121 kilometres north of Chicago. No journey is complete without experiencing Richards Duplex Apartments by Frank Lloyd Wright, Miller Park and Milwaukee County Zoo.