Cheap flights from San Francisco International to Chicago O'Hare from $169
Updated 2026-07-17
1842 miles great-circle distance, typically flown in 4h 06m with 7 airlines operating direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Fares on this corridor stay relatively stable across the year — booking 4–8 weeks ahead and choosing a midweek departure typically secures the best price.
Flying from San Francisco International
San Francisco International is United's main Pacific hub and Alaska Airlines' largest non-Seattle base. Four terminals form a single ring connected by the AirTrain shuttle, with BART running from the dedicated airport station directly to Powell Street downtown in around 30 minutes for $10. Heavy fog from May through August causes chronic morning delays — book mid-day departures during summer where possible. International long-haul to Asia and Europe is the deepest on the West Coast.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare sits 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, with the CTA Blue Line running 24 hours from the airport's own station to the Loop in 45 minutes for $5. Winter weather causes chronic delays from late November through February; book mid-day rather than evening departures during that window. Fares peak around major Chicago conventions and concert weekends; January and August are typically the cheapest months.
Who flies SFO to ORD?
| Airline | IATA | Flight time | Cabin |
| United Airlines | UA | 4h 06m | Economy |
| Alaska Airlines | AS | 4h 06m | Economy |
| American Airlines | AA | 4h 06m | Economy |
| Delta Air Lines | DL | 4h 06m | Economy |
| Southwest Airlines | WN | 4h 06m | Economy |
| JetBlue Airways | B6 | 4h 06m | Economy |
| Hawaiian Airlines | HA | 4h 06m | Economy |
7 carriers fly direct on this corridor. Frequencies vary by season — summer and winter holiday peaks see additional flights.
San Francisco to Chicago FAQs
Direct flights from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) take approximately 4h 06m for the 1842-mile journey, plus 30–60 minutes of taxi, climb and descent. Total airport-to-airport time depends on cruise winds and air-traffic queueing on approach.
7 carriers operate direct service from San Francisco International (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD): United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and 2 more. Frequencies vary by season and carrier — United Airlines typically operates the highest weekly count on this corridor.
No — United States is domestic travel for US citizens. A US passport is not required for the 50 states, DC or US territories (Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands), though Real ID-compliant ID is required at TSA from May 2025.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) is the primary international airport for Chicago. Allow 30–60 minutes for the ground transfer by train, express bus, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic and time of day. See the airport's official website for current train and shuttle timetables.