Route guide · 1,850 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco
MDW → SFO · Nonstop 4h 16m · Live round-trip fares
The run from Chicago (MDW) to San Francisco (SFO) is 1,850 miles of sky, and ticket prices on it are anything but steady. One week can cost double the next. Booking about 4–8 weeks in advance — and watching fares with a free Airfare Deal alert — is how regulars on this route keep costs down.
Live fares for MDW → SFO are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Updated daily
Flight time
4h 16m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,850 mi
MDW → SFO
Cheapest month
October 2026
Fares from $120
Nonstop airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco
Want to skip the layover? Nonstops from Chicago to San Francisco are flown by Southwest Airlines, getting you there in about 4h 16m. For the lowest fares, book around 4–8 weeks before departure — last-minute nonstops on this route rarely come cheap.
Booking insights: Chicago → San Francisco
- Distance: 1,850 miles · nonstop flight time: 4h 16m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 29, with fares from $120.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $120.
- Rule of thumb for this route: the sweet spot is usually 4–8 weeks before departure.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- Set a free Airfare Deal alert instead of checking daily — the best fares can sell out in hours.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Departing around Oct 29 is currently the cheapest window — about $101 less than the nearest weeks. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Chicago → San Francisco
October 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$120
Cheapest: Thu, Oct 29 — $120 · Priciest: Oct 25 — $318
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in October 2026. Blank days had no recent fare in our data — ask our team and we'll check them for you.
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Flying from Chicago to San Francisco: what you need to know
The flight
Chicago to San Francisco is a proper cross-country leg — 1,850 miles and around 4h 16m in the air nonstop. Download entertainment before you board, bring a full water bottle, and think about the time change: even a two-hour shift can leave you groggy if you land late and start early.
Airlines on this route
Southwest Airlines flies this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Chicago (MDW)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Chicago airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in San Francisco (SFO)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The San Francisco airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check San Francisco to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
Of the months we're currently tracking, October 2026 is coming in cheapest for this route, with fares from $120. As a rule, booking 4–8 weeks ahead lands you in the sweet spot — leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb. If you see a fare that works, don't wait around: set a fare alert on this page and we'll watch the price for you.
Good to know before you go
- Nonstop time on this route is about 4h 16m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically the cheapest days on domestic routes.
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
- October 2026 is currently the cheapest tracked month on this route — check those dates first if you're flexible.
- Morning flights are delayed less often than evening ones — earlier departures have the best on-time record.
Chicago to San Francisco flight FAQs
How long is the flight from MDW to SFO?
A nonstop from MDW to SFO clocks in at around 4h 16m for the 1,850-mile trip. If you're connecting, budget an extra 2–4 hours depending on where you stop.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco?
Yes — look for Southwest Airlines on this route. Nonstop seats are usually priced best 4–8 weeks before departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares from Chicago to San Francisco, starting at $120. Fares update as new data comes in, so it's worth setting a free alert for your dates.
How much are last minute flights from MDW to SFO?
Last-minute flights from MDW to SFO (booked within 7 days of departure) typically cost noticeably more than fares booked 4–8 weeks out. Booking early is the smarter move.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to San Francisco?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
The main carriers on this route are Southwest Airlines. Comparing all of them on the live search below usually surfaces the lowest fare for your dates.
How early should I get to Chicago airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
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