San Francisco (SFO) → Chicago (ORD)
About San Francisco to Chicago Flights
Discover the best flights from San Francisco to Chicago, covering 2,964 km in approximately 4h 12m. San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD) 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 San Francisco to Chicago.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from San Francisco to Chicago vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $463, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $772. 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
77 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on San Francisco to Chicago flights, we recommend booking 58 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
SkyWest Airlines OO | $630 | $2440 | $4540 |
Kalitta Air K4 | $660 | $2780 | $3740 |
United Airlines UA | $670 | $2700 | $3490 |
American Airlines AA | $710 | $2670 | $4140 |
Alaska Airlines AS | $720 | $2230 | $4560 |
SkyWest Airlines
OO
Economy
$630
Business
$2440
First
$4540
Kalitta Air
K4
Economy
$660
Business
$2780
First
$3740
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$670
Business
$2700
First
$3490
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$710
Business
$2670
First
$4140
Alaska Airlines
AS
Economy
$720
Business
$2230
First
$4560
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
San Jose → Chicago
San Jose International (SJC) to O'Hare International (ORD)
Distance: 2,937 km
Average price: $541
Oakland → Chicago
Oakland International (OAK) to O'Hare International (ORD)
Distance: 2,947 km
Average price: $542
Sacramento → Chicago
Sacramento International (SMF) to O'Hare International (ORD)
Distance: 2,860 km
Average price: $529
San Jose → Chicago
San Jose International (SJC) to O'Hare International (ORD)
Distance: 2,937 km
Average price: $541
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
The flight time from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD) 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 San Francisco and Chicago?
The aerial distance between San Francisco and Chicago is 2,964 kilometers (1,842 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Chicago?
Several airlines operate flights between San Francisco and Chicago, 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from San Francisco to Chicago. 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 Chicago?
For the best prices on San Francisco to Chicago flights, we recommend booking 82 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
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 San Francisco and Chicago?
San Francisco operates on America/Los_Angeles time zone, while Chicago is in the America/Chicago time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.