Chicago to Joshua Tree, California (National Park): Road Trip Guide & Distance

1629.1 miles 2621.8 km · straight line
1952.3 miles actual route 3141.9 km · driving distance
35h 6min estimated drive time
$188 - $231 estimated fuel cost
~3h 47min flight time
259° W bearing direction

How far is Chicago from Joshua Tree, California (National Park)?

The distance from Chicago to Joshua Tree, California (National Park) is 1629.1 miles (2621.8 km) as the crow flies. Joshua Tree, California (National Park) is located W of Chicago. By car, the driving distance is approximately 1952.3 miles, taking about 35h 6min. A direct flight would take roughly 3h 47min. Both are located in United States — Chicago in Illinois and Joshua Tree, California (National Park) in California.

This is a serious multi-day road trip! We strongly recommend breaking this journey up with an overnight stay to ensure you arrive safely and refreshed. Since you'll be heading mostly West, pack a good pair of sunglasses if you plan to drive during the late afternoon to avoid the harsh sun glare. For a trip of this distance, flying is significantly faster. However, driving offers the flexibility to explore stops along the way.

Coordinates come from public place data for Chicago and Joshua Tree, California (National Park). The driving distance uses an OSRM road-route result when route data is available. Fuel, flight, bus, and train values are planning estimates and can change by date, provider, road closures, and border rules.

How to Get from Chicago to Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Method Time Est. Cost Best For
Drive 35h 6min $188 - $231 Flexible stops
Fly ~3h 47min $80–200* Speed
Bus ~42h 7min $156–$293* Budget
Train ~45h 38min $234–$683* Comfort

Suggested Stops Between Chicago & Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Quick Facts

Chicago
41.88°N, 87.63°W
America/Chicago
181m elevation
Joshua Tree, California (National Park)
33.87°N, 115.90°W
America/Los_Angeles
792m elevation
Explore more routes from Joshua Tree, California (National Park)

Did You Know?

  • At walking speed (3 mph), it would take about 543 hours of non-stop walking
  • By bicycle at 12 mph, the journey would take roughly 136 hours
  • You could travel this distance about 15.3 times to circle the Earth's equator
Data Sources & Estimate Notes GeoNames · OpenStreetMap · OSRM