flight_takeoff SFO → ORD

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Compare fares on the medium-haul flight from San Francisco to Chicago — a eastbound 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 ahead

Chicago

Flying from San Francisco to Chicago

Flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) cover roughly 1,842 miles (2,964 km) on a eastbound heading, a nonstop flight of about 4h 10m. The route crosses 2 time zones — Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco. 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 SFO and ORD include:

flightAlaska Airlines flightAmerican Airlines flightUnited Airlines

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

Best time to fly San Francisco to Chicago

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

Jan–Feb

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

Mar–May

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

Jun–Aug

Summer is the busiest season for San Francisco to Chicago 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

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago is served by Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD , ICAO: KORD). Allow time for baggage claim and ground transportation after landing.

IATA Code

ORD

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.

San Francisco to Chicago — FAQs

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

A nonstop flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD) 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 San Francisco to Chicago? expand_more

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

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

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

How far is Chicago from San Francisco? expand_more

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

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

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

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

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