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

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There are 9 ways to get from Michigan to California by plane, train (Amtrak), bus (Amtrak, 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 Detroit to San Diego International Airport

    best
    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane DTW - SAN
    7h 10m
    $214–1,507

  2. Fly Gerald R. Ford International Airport to San Diego International Airport

    cheapest
    1. Fly from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane GRR - SAN
    9h 50m
    $136–409

  3. Train (Amtrak)

    1. Take the train from Detroit to Chicago Union Stationtrain train Wolverine
    2. Take the train from Chicago Union Station to Los Angelestrain train Southwest Chief / ...
    2d 2h
    $1,354–2,137

  4. Bus

    1. Take the bus from Detroit to Chicago Union Stationbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Chicago Bus Station to St Louis Bus Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from St Louis Bus Station to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus
    2d 7h

  5. Drive  2,278.5 mi

    1. Drive from Detroit to Los Angelescar car 2,278.5 mi
    35h 54m
    $377–544

  6. Fly Detroit to Los Angeles International Airport

    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane DTW - LAX
    7h 31m
    $199–255

  7. Fly Detroit to San Francisco International Airport

    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO)plane plane DTW - SFO
    7h 38m
    $173–476

  8. Fly Detroit to John Wayne Airport Orange County

    1. Fly from Detroit (DTW) to John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA)plane plane DTW - SNA
    9h 2m
    $226–1,006

  9. Train to Chicago Midway International Airport, fly to San Diego International Airport

    1. Take the train from Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station to Chicago Union Stationtrain train
    2. Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane MDW - SAN
    11h 10m
    $261–909

Michigan to California by tram and train (Amtrak)

Calendar7Weekly Services
Duration2d 2hAverage Duration
Ticket$1,354Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

Map of how to get from Michigan to California.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 1,973.3 mi
  • Duration: 7h 10m

What companies run services between Michigan, USA and California, USA?

Delta, Southwest Airlines, and three other airlines fly from Detroit (DTW) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) every 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Campus Martius - Northbound to Los Angeles via Baltimore St - Northbound, Detroit, and Chicago Union Station in around 2d 2h.

Airlines
Train operators
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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