Compare cheap outbound and return flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (CHI)and find the best offer from numerous airlines and travel agencies.
Fastest flight
non-stop flights
262x / week
Flight distance
2,990 km
Time difference
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport, ILORD
Midway International Airport, ILMDW
Rockford, ILRFD
Most popular airlines
United Airlines
American Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Flight schedule from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (CHI)
Select a travel date in the flight schedule for the route from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (CHI) and compare affordable flight deals.
offers
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Matching outbound flights44 of 44
fromto
dep.arr.
durationstopovers
September 6 – 12, 2026
September 13 – 19, 2026
September 20 – 26, 2026
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SFOMDW
nonstop
SFOORD
nonstop
SFOORD
nonstop
SFOMDW
nonstop
SFOORD
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Tips and tricks to help you find cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago
Favorite airline: Frontier Airlines
Most travelers looking for flights on the route from San Francisco to Chicago decide to book flights with Frontier Airlines.
Frontier Airlines
47 %
United Airlines
18 %
Alaska Airlines
17 %
Cheapest weekday: Tuesday
The cheapest ticket prices are available for flights departing on Tuesday.
Direct flights are the cheapest connection
Flights with a stopover are on average $52.00 more expensive than direct flights.
non stop flight
1 stop
2 stops
04h 13min
10h 49min
09h 58min
$112
$164
$861
The favorite connection is non-stop
Direct flights are especially popular on this route. 58 % of travelers will book a direct flight.
Route
bookings
Direct flights
04h 13min, from $112
58 %
1 stopover Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, GA
10h 56min, from $174
13 %
1 stopover Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport, MN
17h 11min, from $301
12 %
Important flight information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
A nonstop flight from San Francisco to Chicago typically takes around 4 hours 26 minutes. This makes the nonstop service the fastest and most convenient way to travel between San Francisco and Chicago. It is worth checking flight times when searching, as they can vary by airline and travel date.
Are there nonstop flights from San Francisco to Chicago?
Yes, there are nonstop flights from San Francisco to Chicago, averaging around 36 to 37 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Direct flights from San Francisco to Chicago are operated by, among others, United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. These flights take you to Chicago 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Nonstop flights from San Francisco to Chicago 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
From San Francisco to Chicago, there are on average around 36 to 37 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
From San Francisco to Chicago, there are around 255 to 256 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 San Francisco to Chicago depart?
The earliest nonstop flight from San Francisco to Chicago usually departs at 12:35 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 Chicago.
When does the last flight from San Francisco to Chicago depart?
The last nonstop flight from San Francisco to Chicago usually departs at 11:56 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.
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