flight_takeoff ORD → SFO

Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco

Compare fares on the medium-haul flight from Chicago to San Francisco — a westbound route of about 1,842 miles, typically flown nonstop in around 4h 10m.

straighten

Distance

1,842 mi

2,964 km

schedule

Est. flight time

4h 10m

nonstop

flight

Nonstop service

Available

3 carriers

language

Time difference

2 hours behind

San Francisco

Flying from Chicago to San Francisco

Flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) cover roughly 1,842 miles (2,964 km) on a westbound heading, a nonstop flight of about 4h 10m. The route crosses 2 time zones — San Francisco is 2 hours behind Chicago. It's served by 3 airlines.

Lets Fly Travel compares live fares across hundreds of airlines to find the best deal on this route — and every booking is reviewed by a real travel agent before ticketing.

Airlines on this route

Carriers that have operated nonstop service between ORD and SFO include:

flightAlaska Airlines flightAmerican Airlines flightUnited Airlines

Airline availability and fares change over time — search your dates for current options.

Best time to fly Chicago to San Francisco

Fare patterns and travel conditions vary by season. Here's what to expect on the ORD–SFO route throughout the year.

Jan–Feb

Post-holiday lull means some of the lowest fares of the year on the Chicago–San Francisco route. Great for a spontaneous escape.

Mar–May

Spring break drives demand on transcontinental routes like ORD–SFO. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead for the best prices.

Jun–Aug

Summer is the busiest season for Chicago to San Francisco travel. Mid-week flights (Tue/Wed) typically undercut weekend fares by 15–25%.

Sep–Oct

Fares often drop after Labor Day. September and October are among the cheapest months to fly this medium-haul flight.

Nov–Dec

Thanksgiving week and the Christmas/New Year period see significant fare increases. Flexibility on exact dates can save considerably.

flight_land Arriving at

San Francisco International Airport

San Francisco is served by San Francisco International Airport (IATA: SFO , ICAO: KSFO). Allow time for baggage claim and ground transportation after landing.

IATA Code

SFO

Flight Time

~4h 10m

Distance

1,842 mi

tips_and_updates Arrival tips

›Check in online to save time at the airport.
›Arrive 2 hours before departure.
›Compare fares across several nearby dates for best value.

Chicago to San Francisco — FAQs

How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco? expand_more

A nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 4h 10m, covering a distance of about 1842 miles (2964 km). Actual flight time varies with aircraft, routing and winds.

Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Francisco? expand_more

Airlines that have operated nonstop service on the ORD–SFO route include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines. Use our search to compare current carriers, schedules and fares.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco? expand_more

Yes. The ORD–SFO route has nonstop service. Nonstop availability can vary by season and day of week, so check live results for your dates.

How far is San Francisco from Chicago? expand_more

The distance from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) is about 1842 miles (2964 km) as the crow flies.

What is the time difference between Chicago and San Francisco? expand_more

San Francisco is 2 hours behind Chicago. Factor the time change into your arrival and connection planning.

When is the best time to book flights from Chicago to San Francisco? expand_more

For domestic routes like Chicago to San Francisco, booking about 1–3 months ahead and choosing mid-week departures usually finds the best prices. Avoid peak Friday and Sunday travel where possible.