Route guide · 1,840 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco
ORD → SFO · Nonstop 4h 14m · Live round-trip fares
Plenty of travelers price out Chicago to San Francisco every day — here's how to beat the average fare. Nonstops run about 4h 14m, and the calendar matters more than the airline. Aim to book 4–8 weeks ahead, stay flexible on the day of the week, and set a free alert so a price drop never slips past you.
Live fares for ORD → SFO are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Updated daily
Flight time
4h 14m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,840 mi
ORD → SFO
Cheapest month
October 2026
Fares from $107
Nonstop airlines
3
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines & more
Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco
Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco are flown by Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. The 1,840-mile trip takes about 4h 14m gate to gate, and nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 4–8 weeks ahead.
Booking insights: Chicago → San Francisco
- Distance: 1,840 miles · nonstop flight time: 4h 14m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 29, with fares from $107.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $107.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 4–8 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually undercut Friday and Sunday fares on routes like this one.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Departing around Oct 29 is currently the cheapest window — about $78 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
$107
Cheapest: Thu, Oct 29 — $107 · Priciest: Oct 19 — $185
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
At 1,840 miles, this is a long domestic flight — about 4h 14m gate to gate on a nonstop. It deserves a bit of planning: eat before you board or buy early (popular items sell out), and pick your seat with the flight length in mind.
Airlines on this route
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines fly 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 (ORD)
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 $107. 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 14m — 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 ORD to SFO?
Plan on about 4h 14m in the air for a nonstop from Chicago to San Francisco — the route runs roughly 1,840 miles. Connecting flights typically add 2–4 hours.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Francisco?
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from ORD to SFO. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 4–8 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
Right now, October 2026 is shaping up cheapest for Chicago to San Francisco — we've seen fares from $107 in that month. Prices move fast, so lock in when you see a number you like.
How much are last minute flights from ORD to SFO?
Book inside the final week and you'll usually pay a premium on ORD to SFO. Fares booked 4–8 weeks ahead are almost always kinder.
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?
You'll mainly see Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines on Chicago to San Francisco. Checking each against the live fares below is the surest way to find the lowest price 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.
More cheap flights from Chicago
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