Route guide · 1,840 miles
Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chicago
SFO → ORD · Nonstop 4h 14m · Live round-trip fares
Flying from San Francisco to Chicago doesn't have to drain your wallet. This 1,840-mile hop takes about 4h 14m nonstop, and fares swing a lot depending on the week you pick. Travelers who book roughly 4–8 weeks out usually come out ahead — set a free alert and let the deals come to you.
Live fares for SFO → ORD are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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See live fares
Updated daily
Flight time
4h 14m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,840 mi
SFO → ORD
Cheapest month
October 2026
Fares from $140
Nonstop airlines
3
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines & more
Nonstop flights from San Francisco to Chicago
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 4h 14m for the 1,840-mile run from SFO to ORD. Those flights are flown by Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 4–8 weeks out.
Booking insights: San Francisco → Chicago
- Distance: 1,840 miles · nonstop flight time: 4h 14m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 29, with fares from $140.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $140.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 4–8 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- If your dates flex by a day or two, shifting to a midweek departure is the easiest saving there is.
- 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 $27 less than the nearest weeks. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · San Francisco → Chicago
October 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$140
Cheapest: Fri, Oct 30 — $140 · Priciest: Oct 16 — $229
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 San Francisco to Chicago: 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 San Francisco (SFO)
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 San Francisco airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in Chicago (ORD)
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 Chicago airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Chicago to San Francisco 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 $140. 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.
San Francisco to Chicago flight FAQs
How long is the flight from SFO to ORD?
Plan on about 4h 14m in the air for a nonstop from San Francisco to Chicago — the route runs roughly 1,840 miles. Connecting flights typically add 2–4 hours.
Are there nonstop flights from San Francisco to Chicago?
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from SFO to ORD. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 4–8 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Chicago?
Right now, October 2026 is shaping up cheapest for San Francisco to Chicago — we've seen fares from $140 in that month. Prices move fast, so lock in when you see a number you like.
How much are last minute flights from SFO to ORD?
Walking up to this route at the last minute is the expensive way to do it — prices inside 7 days of departure climb fast. The 4–8 weeks booking window is where the value sits.
What is a good round-trip deal from San Francisco to Chicago?
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 San Francisco to Chicago?
You'll mainly see Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines on San Francisco to Chicago. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco
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