Chicago (ORD) → San Francisco (SFO)
About Chicago to San Francisco Flights
Discover the best flights from Chicago to San Francisco, covering 2,964 km in approximately 4h 12m. Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within United States. With 5 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Chicago to San Francisco.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Chicago to San Francisco vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $456, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $765. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
70 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Chicago to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 47 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
Kalitta Air K4 | $640 | $2890 | $3600 |
United Airlines UA | $660 | $2670 | $3340 |
Alaska Airlines AS | $700 | $2630 | $4430 |
American Airlines AA | $720 | $2580 | $3910 |
SkyWest Airlines OO | $760 | $2880 | $4580 |
Kalitta Air
K4
Economy
$640
Business
$2890
First
$3600
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$660
Business
$2670
First
$3340
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$700
Business
$2630
First
$4430
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$720
Business
$2580
First
$3910
SkyWest Airlines
OO
Economy
$760
Business
$2880
First
$4580
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Milwaukee → San Francisco
Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 2,963 km
Average price: $544
Chicago → San Francisco
Chicago Midway International (MDW) to San Francisco International (SFO)
Distance: 2,978 km
Average price: $547
Chicago → San Jose
O'Hare International (ORD) to San Jose International (SJC)
Distance: 2,937 km
Average price: $541
Chicago → Oakland
O'Hare International (ORD) to Oakland International (OAK)
Distance: 2,947 km
Average price: $542
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?
The flight time from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) is approximately 4 hours and 12 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Chicago and San Francisco?
The aerial distance between Chicago and San Francisco is 2,964 kilometers (1,842 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
Several airlines operate flights between Chicago and San Francisco, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and 2 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Chicago to San Francisco. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to San Francisco?
For the best prices on Chicago to San Francisco flights, we recommend booking 35 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.
Do I need a visa to travel from Chicago to San Francisco?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.
What is the time difference between Chicago and San Francisco?
Chicago operates on America/Chicago time zone, while San Francisco is in the America/Los_Angeles time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.