Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO) from $39

This is the cheapest one-way flight price, found on 12/3. Prices may vary by date and flight preferences.
CHI — SFO
dic. 9 — dic. 161

The best prices from Chicago to San Francisco are usually found in September or February, booked 56 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Saturday and return on a Tuesday

Flights from San Francisco to Chicago

How to find the cheapest flight from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO)

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco (SFO). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.

Popular in

March

Cheapest in

September

Round-trip from

$258

One-way from

$71
High demand for flights, 18% potential price rise
Best time to find cheap flights, 24% potential price drop
From Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco
One-way flight from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco

CHI - SFO

Price

$258 - $428

SFO

Temperature

51.8 - 62.6 °F

SFO

Rainfall

0 - 4.4 inches

What is the cheapest day to fly round-trip from Chicago to San Francisco?

Flying to your destination on a Saturday can be more expensive, but this shouldn’t discourage you from finding affordable options to get to San Francisco. Check prices with Cheapflights to find a great deal for your trip.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Travelers have found it’s best to book a flight 57 days in advance to save up to 40% compared to booking the same week of travel. As your travel date approaches, the cost of this flight route may potentially increase. While opting to book 57 days out may not be an option for all, there are still additional ways to secure a deal in the near future. You might find a flight from Chicago to San Francisco 1-2 weeks in advance for as low as $354, or $517 for flights within the next 24 hours.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?

Flights from Chicago to San Francisco lean towards being more expensive in March. Prices are generally better when you fly from Chicago to San Francisco in September, with the cheapest ticket starting at $119.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to San Francisco (CHI - SFO)?

It’s optimal to fly from Chicago to San Francisco in the afternoon. By choosing this option you can save up to 16% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight at noon.

Cheap Frontier flights from Chicago to San Francisco

Explore cheap flight options specifically provided by Frontier for the route between Chicago and San Francisco. Find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
Check out some of the cheapest Frontier flights we've come across from Chicago to San Francisco. Be sure to come back soon if the deals available don't appeal to you at this time.
  • One of the most popular airlines traveling from Chicago to San Francisco is Frontier. Flights from Frontier traveling this route typically cost $327.80 RT. This price is typically 30% cheaper than other airlines that offer Chicago to San Francisco flights. When booking this route, the cheapest RT price found was $129. Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is the most common Chicago airport to take off from when flying to San Francisco. San Francisco Airport is the most popular arrival airport in San Francisco. When flying from Chicago to San Francisco, Frontier flights are 13% more popular than any other airline flying that same route.

Cheap Alaska Airlines flights from Chicago to San Francisco

Explore cheap flight options specifically provided by Alaska Airlines for the route between Chicago and San Francisco. Find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
To aid your search, here are some of the cheapest Alaska Airlines flights we've found from Chicago to San Francisco. Deals are refreshing constantly so come back soon for more options.
  • Alaska Airlines is one of the most popular airlines used for those traveling from Chicago to San Francisco. Flights on this route from Alaska Airlines typically cost $384.38 RT, a price that is 41% cheaper than the average Chicago to San Francisco flight. The cheapest flight found was $198 RT. Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is the most common Chicago airport to take off from when flying to San Francisco. San Francisco Airport is the most popular arrival airport in San Francisco. When flying from Chicago to San Francisco, Alaska Airlines flights are 4% more popular than any other airline flying that same route.

Cheap Chicago to San Francisco flights in December & January 2023

Find cheap flight options from Chicago to San Francisco specifically for the months of December and January 2023. Explore affordable fares based on user searches. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Prices were last updated on diciembre 4, 2023.
The lowest fares we've come across on flights traveling from Chicago to San Francisco in December and January 2023. Check back in a little while for more flight options.

Chicago to San Francisco 2023 flight deals

Discover exclusive flight deals for travel between Chicago and San Francisco in 2023. Find excellent offers based on user searches. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
The lowest fares we've come across on flights traveling from Chicago to San Francisco in December and January 2023. Check back in a little while for more flight options.

Non-stop flights to San Francisco from Chicago

Discover non-stop flight options from Chicago to San Francisco. Find direct flights with no layovers, providing a convenient travel experience. Explore non-stop flight options based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
Take a look at some of the direct flights traveling from Chicago to San Francisco in the near future. If you're looking for other options for flights from Chicago to San Francisco, make sure to update the search form at the top of page.

Chicago to San Francisco flights leaving soon

Find last-minute flight options from Chicago to San Francisco for spontaneous travel. Discover available flights and compare prices based on user searches. Secure great deals and offers for spontaneous trips with quick booking options. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
Users seeking a last-minute flight from Chicago to San Francisco should consider booking one of these fares. Users should be sure to double check the price, date, and time of their last-minute flight.

One-way flights to San Francisco from Chicago

Search for one-way flight options from Chicago to San Francisco. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Compare prices and availability to plan your one-way journey according to your preferred dates and budget. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
Users traveling one-way from Chicago to San Francisco can select one of these great deals. Users can also find round-trip Chicago to San Francisco flights by using the search form above.

Find flights from Chicago to San Francisco within your budget

Customize your flight search to find flights from Chicago to San Francisco that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.

Fly from

Any airport

Fly to

Any airport

Budget

$98 - $237

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Chicago MidwaySan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

lun. 12/11

Nonstop4h 58m

San Francisco

jue. 12/14

Nonstop4h 09m

$98

Chicago MidwaySan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

dom. 1/14

1 stop6h 54m

San Francisco

mar. 1/16

1 stop12h 12m

$111

Chicago MidwaySan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

dom. 1/14

1 stop6h 54m

San Francisco

mié. 1/17

1 stop12h 44m

$114

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

mar. 1/23

Nonstop4h 52m

San Francisco

mié. 1/24

Nonstop4h 17m

$118

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

sáb. 1/13

Nonstop4h 52m

San Francisco

jue. 1/18

Nonstop4h 17m

$128

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

vie. 3/1

1 stop9h 37m

San Francisco

mar. 3/5

1 stop15h 44m

$142

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

vie. 2/2

Nonstop4h 50m

San Francisco

jue. 2/8

Nonstop4h 25m

$157

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

dom. 2/4

1 stop8h 54m

San Francisco

mar. 3/12

Nonstop4h 15m

$206

Chicago MidwaySan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

sáb. 12/9

1 stop9h 05m

San Francisco

mar. 12/12

1 stop9h 30m

$237

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 12/3

Reviews of airlines servicing San Francisco

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to San Francisco. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to San Francisco. Reviews last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
To help decide which airline to fly from Chicago to San Francisco, see what other customers have to say about Frontier, Alaska Airlines and Delta. You can also see how each airline compares in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

7.9
Good
3,035 reviews
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

Southwest
7.6
Good
1,522 reviews
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

7.4
Good
94 reviews
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

7.4
Good
1,901 reviews
8.1
Very good
1,400 reviews

Overall

8.1

Entertainment

7.2

Boarding

8.3

Food

7.2

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

Reviews

1 / 10

They lost my luggage on my way to NY and then again on my way to SF, horrible

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Chicago to San Francisco. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

Dozens of flights are waiting to carry you from the freeways and skyscrapers of Chicago to the fishing piers and historic neighborhoods of San Francisco. A major metropolis along the California coastline, the Bay Area is famous for its maritime atmosphere and architectural marvels such as the Ferry Building Marketplace and the Legion of Honor. Browse direct flights between these two major travel hubs to find a cheap flight to match your travel schedule.

How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Flights times from Chicago to San Francisco usually range from four hours and 15 minutes to four and a half hours. If you have a connection in another city, total travel time may be upwards of six hours.

Which airlines operate flights from Chicago to San Francisco?

American Airlines, United, Virgin America and Alaska Airlines all offer non-stop service from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and you can find direct flights from Midway International Airport through Southwest Airlines.

How frequent are flights between Chicago and San Francisco?

Upwards of 20 direct flights to San Francisco leave from Chicago O'Hare per day, with planes departing every hour or so. From Midway, You can choose from around 3 flights leaving each day.

Which airports serve Chicago and San Francisco?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the Chicago metro area as well as a major U.S. travel hub, offering daily flights to San Francisco through multiple airlines. Chicago Midway International Airport is a smaller airport that also offers a few flights to the Bay Area, though you have a smaller selection of flight times and prices. When your plane lands in San Francisco, you find yourself in San Francisco International Airport, the area's major airport located a few miles south of the central city area.

Which direct flight route between Chicago and San Francisco is cheapest?

Find the lowest prices on direct flights running from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Francisco International Airport. You can also occasionally snag a great deal taking off from Midway International Airport, so be sure to keep your options open while searching. The moment you leave the Windy City behind and step onto the hilly streets San Francisco, the historic Bay Area instantly transports you to a world of cable cars and charming wharfs. Trade the trains of Chicago for the ferries and whale-watching bay cruises of this California city, and enjoy milder winter months with temperatures hovering in the 60's F. Before saying goodbye to the Golden Gate Bridge, don't forget to tour Alcatraz Island and enjoy the catch of the day at one of the bay-side seafood shacks. The Golden Gate Bridge is just a short flight away, so what's stopping you? Try out our smart search engine to find great flight deals and start planning your San Francisco adventure.

What airport do you fly into for flights to San Francisco from Chicago?

Located just 11.8 mi from the city center, San Francisco is the airport most travelers will use when flying to San Francisco from Chicago. Booking flights from Chicago to San Francisco (SFO) should be relatively easy as there are 58 daily inbound flights from Chicago from 7 different airlines.

Can I find flights from Chicago to San Francisco for under $100 on Cheapflights?

Yes, there are multiple flights from Chicago to San Francisco for under $100. The cheapest flight booked recently is on Frontier for just $98, but on average you can expect to pay $127.

Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco for under $200 on Cheapflights?

Cheapflights has at least 20 direct flights from Chicago to San Francisco under $200. A good price for a nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco is less than $171.

Are there last-minute flights available from Chicago to San Francisco for under $100?

There are currently 20+ open flights from Chicago to San Francisco within the next 7 days for less than $100.

What days are nonstop flights available from Chicago to San Francisco?

Nonstop flights can be found on the following days: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday.

How many flights depart from Chicago to San Francisco on average per day?

On average, you can expect to see 13 flights from Chicago to San Francisco a day.
Morning (6am - Noon) - 8% of flight departures
Afternoon (Noon - 6pm) - 85% of flight departures
Evening (6pm - Midnight) - 8% of flight departures

How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Departing from Chicago to San Francisco will take you 4h 52m. Chicago and San Francisco are separated by a distance of 1851 mi. All flights are typically nonstop.

What are the cheapest airlines flying from Chicago to San Francisco round-trip?

Flying on Frontier is currently your cheapest option to San Francisco, with prices starting at $98. Another option worth looking into is United Airlines, starting at $118 round trip. Users have found that Frontier is 71% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

What are the most popular airlines that fly from Chicago to San Francisco?

What are the most reliable airlines from Chicago to San Francisco?

Before booking your flight to San Francisco from Chicago, check out the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: United Airlines (90%), Fiji Airways (90%), ANA( 90%).

What are the cheapest flights from Chicago to San Francisco?

While on average a flight from Chicago to San Francisco is generally $917, our data shows the cheapest flight currently is $109. When looking at the most popular route, (Chicago O'Hare Intl - San Francisco), you can expect to pay $145 for that flight.

What does ORD to SFO mean?

ORD and SFO are unique codes to identify airports used in the aviation industry. They are defined by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and are commonly called IATA codes. ORD to SFO refers to a flight route from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Airport. Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) are some additional IATA codes for airports related to your trip.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Fly from Chicago to San Francisco on these airlines
Choose from the following airlines for your flight from Chicago to San Francisco. Flights are based on user searches made on Cheapflights and were last updated on diciembre 4, 2023.

Top 6 airlines flying from Chicago to San Francisco

Discover the top 6 airlines that operate flights from Chicago to San Francisco. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 2,888,571 searches. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$80Average$230FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Search Frontier flights
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$96Average$204FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
Search Spirit Airlines flights
DeltaCheapest$118Average$378FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
Search Delta flights
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$129Average$328FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
Search Alaska Airlines flights
American AirlinesCheapest$179Average$367FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
Search American Airlines flights
United AirlinesCheapest$198Average$384FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
Search United Airlines flights

Search flights to San Francisco by cabin class

Hourly flight availability from Chicago to San Francisco

Find hourly flight availability from Chicago to San Francisco. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
1%of flight departuresEarly morningMidnight to 6 am
48%of flight departuresMorning6 am to noon
44%of flight departuresAfternoonNoon to 6 pm
7%of flight departuresEvening6 pm to midnight
Midnight
6 AM
Noon
6 PM

Weekly flight availability from Chicago to San Francisco

Explore weekly flight availability from Chicago to San Francisco. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated diciembre 4, 2023.
Sunday56daily flights
Monday67daily flights
Tuesday59daily flights
Wednesday58daily flights
Thursday58daily flights
Friday61daily flights
Saturday48daily flights

Fly with Cheapflights

Find the best flight deals on Cheapflights, where travelers can enjoy low prices and a wide availability of flights to their desired destinations.

How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Chicago to San Francisco?

When you search for this flight from Chicago to San Francisco, Cheapflights searches on 900+ travel sites to save you time finding great flight deals online. Additionally, we offer filter features so you can choose a preferred cabin class or airline, see different price ranges, and much more so you can book the flight for you.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Chicago to San Francisco?

Millions of users choose and trust Cheapflights to book the best flight deals from Chicago to San Francisco for free. We help you search and compare prices from hundreds of airlines for the right flight just for you.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Chicago to San Francisco with no change fees?

Certainly. Search results for flights to San Francisco from Chicago shown to you on Cheapflights can be narrowed down with different useful search filters, which includes flexible booking options.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Chicago to San Francisco become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights has a feature called Price Alert, which notifies users when flight prices change. Track prices for your flight to San Francisco from Chicago today and book when prices fit your budget.

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