Cheap flights from Chicago to San Francisco (CHI - SFO)

Flight FAQs

From Chicago to San Francisco

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 popular is this flight route?

This flight path from Chicago to San Francisco was viewed by 245 users in the past month. Keep an eye out for changes in search interest prior to high and low season.

What percent of flights are delayed?

Airlines departing from Chicago to San Francisco can be delayed by up to 29min. or more hours.

How many passenger seats are available on a flight on this route?

Expect 91,958,336 seats to be available on average per day for flights from Chicago to San Francisco.

What is the cheapest airline for this route?

While looking for the best option consider United Parcel Service, Inc., our data currently shows that they have the cheapest flight available for the flight path. When traveling from Chicago to San Francisco, generally 15 flights depart for this route daily.

How long does the flight from Chicago to San Francisco take?

Your journey will take you approximately 5 hours. Your flight will cover a distance of about 1,150 miles.

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

On average, you can expect to see 175 flights from Chicago to San Francisco a day.
Early Morning (Midnight to 6am) - 8% of flight departures
Morning (6am - Noon) - 33% of flight departures
Afternoon (Noon - 6pm) - 35% of flight departures
Evening (6pm - Midnight) - 23% of flight departures

Is Chicago weather warmer or cooler than San Francisco?

We forecast the temperature to be around the 84 °F's in July, on average. The temperature in San Francisco is generally colder than in Chicago. Book flights in a timely manner in correlation to your departure date.

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

You can find nonstop flights on the following days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

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.