Travelling from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD): What you need to know
Start planning your trip by looking up where you'll catch your flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Explore the options for taking off from San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), the city's main airports.
4 hours 10 minutes is the average journey time for a direct San Diego to O'Hare International Airport flight.
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago. The city runs on the UTC-5 timezone and is two hours ahead of San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. There are 58 direct weekly departures to choose from. If you have plans before you fly, hop on the last flight with American Airlines at 10:50pm. Go for the first SAN to ORD departure with American Airlines at 6:15am if you'd rather not wait around.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for stress-free travel. Make sure you're at the airport on time to board your flight from San Diego to ORD.
If you're heading away during a bank holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. Get there two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
San Diego International Airport (SAN) will have you travelling directly to your destination. Nonstop flights from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can be booked from this terminal.
When departing from SAN, you can catch a direct flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport with United Airlines.
United Airlines is the most frequently booked airline offering flights from SAN to ORD.
American Airlines leads the way as the most punctual carrier on this route, with 80.89% of services reaching their destination on schedule.
Located around 5 kilometres from central San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 20 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to San Diego International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping conveniently close to check-in:
Of all flights departing from San Diego International Airport, 71.38% land on time at their destination.
You'll find SAN at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
You can reach CLD from the centre of San Diego in approximately 40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport will take roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to cover the 56 kilometres or so.
Taking off bright and early? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near McClellan-Palomar Airport the day before your San Diego to ORD flight:
About O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport, nothing tops the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these options near ORD:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers to choose from here.
For the best deal, reserve your ride around four weeks in advance of your San Diego to O'Hare International Airport flight.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Getting from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago
O'Hare International Airport is around 26 kilometres from central Chicago. The time it takes to get to the centre by car hire or cab depends on the time of day. Do some research before you go.
It takes roughly 55 minutes when travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Right now, 33 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is 78 €. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from San Diego to ORD, book early. Airlines generally offer lower fares when flights are first released.
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your San Diego to O'Hare International Airport ticket.
Save time searching for cheap plane tickets from San Diego to ORD by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Filters make it easier to track down a bargain for your flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport. Choose the airlines, flight times and stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to zero in on the cheapest fare fast.
The best time to fly from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
It's time to figure out when to book your flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). August is the busiest month to visit Chicago. If crowds aren't your thing, head there in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your San Diego to ORD plane ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Search for cheap tickets from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from San Diego to O'Hare International Airport, find a hotel that's got location and comfort covered. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
There are plenty of things to do in Chicago when you're ready to go sightseeing. Start exploring at Millennium Park followed by Lollapalooza and Art Institute of Chicago.
Explore more of the United States
Chicago is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of the United States just waiting to be discovered. Around 290 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Indianapolis will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like 9-11 Memorial, Lucas Oil Stadium and Eiteljorg Museum.
If you're interested in discovering another major stop in the United States, consider Milwaukee, roughly 121 kilometres north of Chicago. Richards Duplex Apartments by Frank Lloyd Wright, Miller Park and Milwaukee County Zoo are highlights.
