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Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD)

View AU$170 flight on Sat, 19 Sept 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days for one-way flights and round trip tickets for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, 9 Sept - Sat, 12 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$339 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$339
Return
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, 9 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, 12 Sept, priced at AU$339 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, 8 Sept - Wed, 16 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$341 Return, found 18 hours ago
AU$341
Return
found 18 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, 8 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, 16 Sept, priced at AU$341 found 18 hours ago
Delta
Wed, 9 Sept - Sat, 12 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$367 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$367
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, 9 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, 12 Sept, priced at AU$367 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, 8 Sept - Wed, 16 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$369 Return, found 18 hours ago
AU$369
Return
found 18 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, 8 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, 16 Sept, priced at AU$369 found 18 hours ago
Alaska Airlines
Tue, 8 Sept - Wed, 16 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$370 Return, found 18 hours ago
AU$370
Return
found 18 hours ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, 8 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, 16 Sept, priced at AU$370 found 18 hours ago
Delta
Tue, 1 Sept - Sun, 6 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$375 Return, found 3 days ago
AU$375
Return
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, 1 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sun, 6 Sept, priced at AU$375 found 3 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, 9 Sept - Sat, 12 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$396 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$396
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, 9 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, 12 Sept, priced at AU$396 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Tue, 8 Sept - Wed, 16 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$397 Return, found 18 hours ago
AU$397
Return
found 18 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, 8 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, 16 Sept, priced at AU$397 found 18 hours ago
Delta
Wed, 9 Sept - Sat, 12 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$410 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$410
Return
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, 9 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, 12 Sept, priced at AU$410 found 2 days ago
United
Wed, 9 Sept - Sat, 12 Sept
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
AU$482 Return, found 2 days ago
AU$482
Return
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, 9 Sept from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, 12 Sept, priced at AU$482 found 2 days ago

Alternative airports near Chicago

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to O'Hare Intl. ORD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city centre is 23 minutes. Flights from AU$586
ORD
O'Hare Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city centre23 min
Flights from AU$586

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from AU$170 and cheap return flights from AU$339 SFO to ORD with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between AU$300 and AU$1,509 and return flights often range between AU$494 and AU$1,343. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SFO to ORD ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), with average return fares around AU$442. September often sees lower prices as the summer travel rush ends and before the holiday season begins, leading to reduced demand. Other cheap months to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) include May and August.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.). Here are the carriers:
  • United operates 115 direct flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) every week.
  • American Airlines operates 52 direct flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) every week.
How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from SFO to ORD, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
You'll find around 24 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are approximately 173 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), and Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW).
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) typically departs around 12:05 AM. This flight is operated by Delta. This is a seasonal service, active in May and June. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
You'll typically find the most flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a Thursday, with around 128 flights available. This gives you plenty of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include United, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. Flight schedules are fairly consistent throughout the week, with Thursday offering only slightly more options than other days.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and United, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this because it allows for an early arrival in Chicago, giving you more time to get settled or start your day.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Flying from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) covers a distance of approximately 2966 kilometres. If you're looking for the quickest way to get there, a non-stop flight typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. If you opt for a flight with one stop, your travel time will usually be longer, averaging about 10 hours. Flights with two or more stops generally take even more time, around 10 hours 48 minutes. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
You can fly business class or first class between SFO and ORD. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Delta
  • American Airlines
First class cabins are available on:
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Delta
  • United
  • American Airlines
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chicago, IL (ORD) from San Francisco, CA (SFO)?
If you're planning to travel to Chicago from San Francisco Intl. (SFO), you can fly directly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Portland Intl. (PDX), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), or Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) before reaching Chicago. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United
Return price
AU$339
Distance
2947 km
Average flight time
6 hours 23 mins

Book with confidence

Your quick guide to flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Pick up great flights from San Francisco to Chicago

With Expedia, you have your pick of flights a day with 20 airlines covering flights from San Francisco to Chicago. Whether you’re on a business trip, a family holiday or a luxury break, just enter your travel dates, hit search then check out your choice of flights. Select from return, one way or multi-city flights, and use the advance search tool if you want a direct or refundable flight. You can narrow your search to show you just your preferred cabin class and airline, too. It’s all easy. You can book direct flights from San Francisco to Chicago that take around hours.

Find cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago

From the great flight deals with prices currently ranging from AU$339 to AU$482, you can choose to see the cheapest flights first. Generally, you can book the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Chicago around 4 to 6 weeks in advance. If your travel dates are flexible, try to avoid weekends and peak seasons – when you are more likely to grab the lowest prices. Even last minute, there are some impressive deals. The cheapest time to fly to Chicago is normally in September.

Reasons to book your flight from San Francisco to Chicago with Expedia

Expedia makes it easy to find, book, and travel, with everything you need all in one place. When you enter your travel details, find fantastic deals just for you on flight tickets from San Francisco to Chicago across all the main airline carriers, so you can save time, dollars, and hassle finding the perfect flight. If you think your plans could change, choose refundable flights so any changes won’t cost you more. Book your flight to Chicago right now and, if you join Expedia Rewards, you earn points this time and every time you travel with Expedia.

Your quick guide to flights from San Francisco to Chicago

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