Flight Routes from Chicago to San Francisco

Compare cheap outbound and return flights from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO) and find the best offer from numerous airlines and travel agencies.

Trip type
Fastest outbound flight
Fastest inbound flight
non-stop flights
249x / week
Flight distance
2,990 km
Time difference
Airports in Chicago
  1. O'Hare International Airport, IL
  2. Midway International Airport, IL
  3. Rockford, IL
Most popular airlines
  1. United AirlinesUnited Airlines
  2. American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
  3. Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines

Flight schedule from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO)

Select a travel date in the flight schedule for the route from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO) and compare affordable flight deals.

offers
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Matching outbound flightsCHI–SFO · 59 of 59
fromto
dep.arr.
durationstopovers
  1. September 13 – 19, 2026
  2. September 20 – 26, 2026
  3. Sep 27 – Oct 3, 2026
    1. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    2. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    3. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    4. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. American Airlines
    5. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    6. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    7. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    8. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    9. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    10. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    11. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    12. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    13. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. American Airlines
    14. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines
    15. ORDSFO
      nonstop
      1. United Airlines

      Tips and tricks to help you find cheap flights from Chicago to San Francisco

      Favorite airline: Alaska Airlines
      Most travelers looking for flights on the route from Chicago to San Francisco decide to book flights with Alaska Airlines.
      Alaska Airlines
      43 %
      United Airlines
      23 %
      Sun Country Airlines
      16 %
      Cheapest weekday: Monday
      On this route flights are cheapest on Monday when a ticket costs $146.00 on average.
      Direct flights are more expensive
      Compared to flights with a stopover, direct flights are $45.00 more expensive on this route.
      non stop flight
      1 stop
      04h 44min
      09h 18min
      210 $
      165 $
      The favorite connection is non-stop
      Direct flights are especially popular on this route. 61 % of travelers will book a direct flight.
      Route
      bookings
      Direct flights
      04h 44min, from 210 $
      61 %
      1 stopover Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport, MN
      17h 02min, from 308 $
      23 %
      1 stopover Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, WA
      09h 18min, from 165 $
      6 %

      Useful information about the flight from Chicago to San Francisco

      Flights from Chicago to San Francisco

      The flight route from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO) is popular among all sorts of travelers- both business passengers and those simply seeking the refuge of Californian weather- with between 17 and 26 flights daily. It will take you just under 5 hours to travel the 1850 miles across the country. Airlines offering a direct flight are: American, Virgin America, Southwest and United.

      Cheap flights

      There are several airlines offering a low-cost air ticket option so that you can have more to spend on your trip. For the lowest price, book flight tickets as far in advance as possible, while trying to avoid weekends and popular vacation times. Comparing prices on a flight price comparison will also help you find the lowest price.

      Destination San Francisco

      Once you have landed, getting around town is easy and, given that it's San Francisco, often stylish. A rail service is operated by BART  in the form of express trains that go to the north, to downtown as well as East Bay. The railway station can be found near the International Terminal and can be reached by riding the AirTrain. Caltrain provides rail service between San Francisco and San Jose, with weekday commute-hour service to Gilroy. Buses, taxis and shuttles will also take passengers from the airport to various destinations in the region. 

      Important flight information

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?
      A nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco typically takes around 4 hours 50 minutes. This makes the nonstop service the fastest and most convenient way to travel between Chicago and San Francisco. It is worth checking flight times when searching, as they can vary by airline and travel date.
      Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco?
      Yes, there are nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco, averaging around 35 to 36 flights per day, operated by, among others, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. If you want to fly without a layover, it is worth filtering specifically for nonstop flights when searching.
      Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
      Direct flights from Chicago to San Francisco are operated by, among others, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. These flights take you to San Francisco nonstop, making them especially practical for short trips or weekend getaways. It is still worth comparing departure times and airline policies, as baggage rules and fees can vary.
      On which days are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco?
      Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco operate daily. The schedule may vary by season, so it is worth comparing several travel dates. If your preferred day does not have a nonstop flight, nearby departure days or short connecting flights may be a good alternative.
      How many flights are there per day from Chicago to San Francisco?
      From Chicago to San Francisco, there are on average around 35 to 36 flights per day. This usually means you have a good choice of departure times. If you are flexible, you can easily compare times, prices, and airlines.
      How many flights per week are there from Chicago to San Francisco?
      From Chicago to San Francisco, there are around 249 to 250 flights per week. This means you usually have connections available on several days and at various times. Beyond the price, it is worth comparing flight duration, airline, and any potential additional fees.
      When does the first flight from Chicago to San Francisco depart?
      The earliest nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco usually departs at 6:00 AM. The exact departure time may vary by day of the week and airline. Early flights are especially useful if you want to make the most of your arrival day in San Francisco.
      When does the last flight from Chicago to San Francisco depart?
      The last nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco usually departs at 11:00 PM. Late flights can be convenient if you want to travel after work or in the evening. Do check whether it is a nonstop flight, as a connecting itinerary could push the arrival time significantly later.

      Discover more flights around Chicago and San Francisco

      Departure airport Airport Chicago-IL, all airports (CHI)
      Arrival airport Airport San Francisco International Airport, CA (SFO)
      Destination country Flights to United States
      Departure airport - Destination country Chicago-IL, all airports - United States