SFO - CHI

$168 Find cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Chicago departing on 18/2. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from San Francisco to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
In the last 7 days, travellers have searched 47,107,125 times on KAYAK, and here's why:

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Cheap flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago (SFO-CHI)

 
These are the cheapest deals for flights from San Francisco to Chicago currently on KAYAK along with options from the most popular airlines KAYAK users selected for this route. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.

Recent return flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago

Recommended round-trip deals departing in the coming months from the most popular airlines that fly from San Francisco to Chicago.

Recent one-way flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago

Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best one-way flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago found on KAYAK recently.

Recent last-minute flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago

Leaving soon but still want a bargain? Check out these latest deals for last minute flights from San Francisco to Chicago.

Recent direct flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago

The latest deals for direct flights from San Francisco to Chicago so you can sit back and relax without the need for a layover.

Cheap bus & train deals from San Francisco to Chicago

Find recent round-trip train or bus tickets from San Francisco to Chicago.

All round-trip flight deals to Chicago

The cheapest plane tickets to Chicago found on KAYAK recently.
Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
16:55 - 23:12SFO-ORD
4h 17mdirect
06:50 - 09:38ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
$335United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, 14 Dec - Tue, 17 Dec
08:25 - 14:35SFO-ORD
4h 10mdirect
10:35 - 15:14ORD-SFO
6h 39m1 stop
$352United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, 14 Dec - Tue, 17 Dec
11:00 - 13:07SFO-ORD
24h 07m1 stop
18:55 - 21:54ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$384Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, 22 Jan - Mon, 27 Jan
10:00 - 16:27SFO-ORD
4h 27mdirect
18:55 - 21:54ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$392Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 24 Jan - Fri, 24 Jan
12:45 - 21:58SFO-ORD
7h 13m1 stop
06:15 - 11:35ORD-SFO
7h 20m1 stop
$435Delta
Find Deal
Fri, 24 Jan - Wed, 29 Jan
06:00 - 16:13SFO-ORD
8h 13m1 stop
16:18 - 21:00ORD-SFO
6h 42m1 stop
$436Delta
Find Deal
Tue, 21 Jan - Sat, 1 Feb
18:05 - 18:39SFO-ORD
22h 34m1 stop
18:50 - 17:07ORD-SFO
24h 17m1 stop
$467Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Thu, 24 Apr - Sun, 27 Apr
18:00 - 18:06SFO-ORD
22h 06m1 stop
21:13 - 17:07ORD-SFO
21h 54m1 stop
$518Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Wed, 9 Apr - Sun, 13 Apr
11:20 - 22:35SFO-ORD
9h 15m2 stops
06:30 - 14:55ORD-SFO
10h 25m1 stop
$537Southwest
Find Deal
Wed, 11 Dec - Sat, 14 Dec
19:45 - 10:45SFO-ORD
13h 00m1 stop
17:45 - 00:35ORD-SFO
8h 50m2 stops
$554Southwest
Find Deal
Sun, 15 Dec - Sun, 22 Dec
10:46 - 16:58SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
$168Alaska Airlines
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Tue, 18 Feb
13:15 - 19:30SFO-ORD
4h 15mdirect
$170United Airlines
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Thu, 28 Nov
11:59 - 23:58SFO-ORD
9h 59m1 stop
$217Delta
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Wed, 11 Dec
00:40 - 11:30SFO-ORD
8h 50m1 stop
$251Delta
Find Deal
Mon, 3 Mar
23:59 - 09:03SFO-ORD
7h 04m1 stop
$260Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Tue, 24 Dec
05:35 - 16:45SFO-ORD
9h 10m2 stops
$302Southwest
Find Deal
Sat, 1 Feb
23:59 - 08:21SFO-ORD
6h 22m1 stop
$311Sun Country Air
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Wed, 27 Nov
06:40 - 16:45SFO-ORD
8h 05m2 stops
$336Southwest
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Thu, 12 Dec
23:20 - 12:15SFO-ORD
10h 55m1 stop
$426JetBlue
Find Deal
Sun, 16 Mar
20:35 - 08:05SFO-ORD
9h 30m1 stop
$494JetBlue
Find Deal
Tue, 3 Dec
00:40 - 08:51SFO-ORD
6h 11m1 stop
08:25 - 14:54ORD-SFO
8h 29m1 stop
$727Delta
Find Deal
Mon, 25 Nov - Thu, 5 Dec
11:33 - 17:55SFO-ORD
4h 22mdirect
17:59 - 20:58ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$863Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, 25 Nov - Sat, 7 Dec
19:55 - 05:28SFO-ORD
7h 33m1 stop
17:59 - 20:58ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$878Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 22 Nov - Mon, 9 Dec
13:40 - 21:58SFO-ORD
6h 18m1 stop
07:30 - 12:44ORD-SFO
7h 14m1 stop
$895Delta
Find Deal
Mon, 25 Nov - Sat, 7 Dec
05:40 - 16:45SFO-ORD
9h 05m2 stops
06:45 - 12:15ORD-SFO
7h 30m1 stop
$905Southwest
Find Deal
Sun, 24 Nov - Thu, 28 Nov
05:00 - 14:25SFO-ORD
7h 25m1 stop
07:00 - 15:20ORD-SFO
10h 20m2 stops
$926Southwest
Find Deal
Tue, 26 Nov - Thu, 5 Dec
23:59 - 18:15SFO-ORD
16h 16m1 stop
09:20 - 17:18ORD-SFO
9h 58m1 stop
$1,044Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Sun, 24 Nov - Thu, 28 Nov
23:59 - 18:15SFO-ORD
16h 16m1 stop
09:20 - 15:31ORD-SFO
8h 11m1 stop
$1,129Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Sun, 24 Nov - Mon, 2 Dec
00:25 - 11:12SFO-ORD
8h 47m1 stop
06:15 - 09:03ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
$1,160United Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, 24 Nov - Thu, 28 Nov
00:25 - 11:12SFO-ORD
8h 47m1 stop
14:30 - 17:19ORD-SFO
4h 49mdirect
$1,177United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, 23 Nov - Thu, 28 Nov
16:55 - 23:12SFO-ORD
4h 17mdirect
06:50 - 09:38ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
$335United Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, 14 Dec - Tue, 17 Dec
10:46 - 16:58SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
19:00 - 22:10ORD-SFO
5h 10mdirect
$352Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 4 Mar - Tue, 11 Mar
06:15 - 12:37SFO-ORD
4h 22mdirect
06:50 - 09:38ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
$369United Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 12 Dec - Wed, 18 Dec
10:46 - 16:58SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
19:00 - 22:10ORD-SFO
5h 10mdirect
$386Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 13 Feb - Sat, 1 Mar
06:15 - 12:37SFO-ORD
4h 22mdirect
06:50 - 09:38ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
$387United Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 17 Dec - Wed, 18 Dec
10:00 - 16:27SFO-ORD
4h 27mdirect
18:55 - 21:54ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$392Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 24 Jan - Fri, 24 Jan
10:00 - 16:27SFO-ORD
4h 27mdirect
18:55 - 21:54ORD-SFO
4h 59mdirect
$403Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 23 Jan - Thu, 30 Jan
10:46 - 16:58SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
19:00 - 22:10ORD-SFO
5h 10mdirect
$419Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 13 Feb - Fri, 28 Feb
23:45 - 05:57SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
10:35 - 13:28ORD-SFO
4h 53mdirect
$421United Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 12 Dec - Tue, 17 Dec
10:46 - 16:58SFO-ORD
4h 12mdirect
19:00 - 22:10ORD-SFO
5h 10mdirect
$430Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 7 Mar - Sat, 8 Mar
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$603Amtrak
Find Deal
Wed, 25 Dec - Tue, 7 Jan
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$662Amtrak
Find Deal
Thu, 12 Dec - Mon, 16 Dec
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$662Amtrak
Find Deal
Wed, 11 Dec - Wed, 18 Dec
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$662Amtrak
Find Deal
Thu, 5 Dec - Tue, 10 Dec
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$662Amtrak
Find Deal
Sun, 22 Dec - Wed, 25 Dec
08:25 - 14:39Emeryville-
Chicago Union
52h 14mdirect
14:00 - 16:57Chicago Union-
Emeryville
52h 57mdirect
$662Amtrak
Find Deal
Tue, 24 Dec - Sun, 5 Jan

Flights from San Francisco to Chicago - Travel Insights & Trends

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Francisco to Chicago to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Chicago flight route?

The cheapest price for flight routes found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks for one-way flights from San Francisco to Chicago.
Our data shows that the cheapest route for a one-way flight from San Francisco to Chicago cost $220 and was between San Francisco and Chicago Midway Airport. On average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. The average price for a return flight for this route is $392.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Chicago?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from San Francisco to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.
The cheapest month for flights from San Francisco to Chicago is April, where tickets cost $501 on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and July, where the average cost of tickets is $628 and $606 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from San Francisco to Chicago?

The average price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
No, with an average price for the route of $393, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to Chicago?

To calculate daily average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each day before departure over the last year for flights from San Francisco to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each month.
To get a below average price on the flight from San Francisco to Chicago, you should book around 2 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 106 days before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

July

Cheapest flight

$168
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (6% more expensive on average)
Flight from San Francisco to Chicago

When to book flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Francisco to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from San Francisco to Chicago

  • Should I fly into Chicago O’Hare or Chicago Midway Airport?

    O’Hare Airport is located within Chicago, Illinois, 17 miles northwest of the Chicago Loop. The smaller Midway International Airport is located 10 miles southwest of the center. Both airports offer easy public transport connections, so you can’t go wrong with either one.

  • What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to downtown Chicago?

    The “L” train is an inexpensive way to get downtown from the airport. The O’Hare train station is situated on the lower level concourse of Chicago O’Hare Airport, with direct connections from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The CTA Blue Line trains from Chicago O’Hare run 24/7, with a travel time of 40-45 minutes. If you arrive at Midway Airport, the Midway train station is a short walk east of the airport. Orange Line train services run from early in the morning until 1 am. It takes 20-25 minutes to travel by train to the downtown loop.

  • How do I get around Chicago O’Hare Airport?

    Getting around Chicago O’Hare Airport is easy using the Airport Transit System (ATS), which operates 24 hours a day along a 2.5-mile-long track. This service connects all four terminals, various parking facilities, the Kiss ‘N’ Fly drop off point, and the PACE bus stop. The ATS service is free and takes nine minutes to complete a round trip.

  • What is the closest hotel to Chicago O’Hare?

    The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel is only a short walk from the airport’s domestic terminals. Amenities include a fitness center, restaurants, conference rooms, and a barber shop. If you need to freshen up after your flight, travelers can use the showers at the hotel’s health club for a small cost.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Francisco to Chicago?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Francisco to Chicago was $99 for a one-way ticket and $197 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San Francisco to Chicago?

    When flying out of San Francisco you will be using San Francisco. You will be landing at Chicago, also known as Chicago O'Hare Intl.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from San Francisco to Chicago?

    American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the San Francisco to Chicago flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Francisco to Chicago?

    The Airbus A321neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the San Francisco to Chicago flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between San Francisco and Chicago, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from San Francisco to Chicago?

    There are direct flights from San Francisco to Chicago on a daily basis.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from San Francisco to Chicago.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Francisco to Chicago?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago from San Francisco is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to Chicago with an airline and back to San Francisco with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Francisco to Chicago?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Chicago from San Francisco up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from San Francisco to Chicago

  • Flights from San Francisco to Chicago usually depart from San Francisco International Airport. If you’re traveling with children, San Francisco International Airport has a number of interactive play areas to keep kids busy. Additionally, the video arts room showcases contemporary works from local filmmakers and many restaurants have special menus for children.
  • American Airlines and United Airlines offer regular, direct flights from San Francisco to Chicago O’Hare. Non-stop flights take less than four hours to arrive and the return trip takes around five hours.
  • The San Francisco International Airport incorporates a wide selection of art and exhibitions to provide a rich cultural and educational experience for travelers. While you’re waiting for your flight, you can visit more than twenty-five galleries throughout the terminals that reflect the history and cultural life of San Francisco. Travelers can also visit the Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, which house a permanent collection with a focus on local aviation history.
  • Want to relax before your flight from San Francisco to Chicago? Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, or massage at one of four XpresSpa outlets at San Francisco International Airport. There are also two dedicated spaces to practice yoga if you want to stretch out before getting on the plane.
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi is available at San Francisco International Airport, O’Hare International Airport, and Midway International Airport. Charging stations and power outlets can be found throughout the terminals and baggage claim areas.
See more tips

Flights from San Francisco to Chicago: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travellers who flew the route from San Francisco to Chicago 
GeraldFlew with Alaska AirlinesSFO-ORDOct 2024
Book a flight as early in the day as possible to avoid incoming flight delays.
DonFlew with American AirlinesSFO-ORDJun 2024
United offers the best service from SFO to ORD. Great capacity and several redundant flights in the event of a cancellation or delay.

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Chicago?

Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Chicago

Monday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Tuesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Wednesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Thursday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +19 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +20 more

Friday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +19 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +20 more

Saturday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +23 more

Sunday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +19 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +20 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to San Francisco

Monday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Tuesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Wednesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Thursday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Friday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +23 more

Saturday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +23 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +24 more

Sunday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Book cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Recent one-way flight deals

 
Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best one-way flight deals from San Francisco to Chicago found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
18/2Tue
directAlaska Airlines
4h 12mSFO-ORD
$168
28/11Thu
directUnited Airlines
4h 15mSFO-ORD
$170
11/12Wed
1 stopDelta
9h 59mSFO-ORD
$217
3/3Mon
1 stopDelta
8h 50mSFO-ORD
$251
24/12Tue
1 stopSun Country Air
7h 04mSFO-ORD
$260
1/2Sat
2 stopsSouthwest
9h 10mSFO-ORD
$302
27/11Wed
1 stopSun Country Air
6h 22mSFO-ORD
$311
12/12Thu
2 stopsSouthwest
8h 05mSFO-ORD
$336
16/3Sun
1 stopJetBlue
10h 55mSFO-ORD
$426
3/12Tue
1 stopJetBlue
9h 30mSFO-ORD
$494

Search by stops

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Search by price

Last minute flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

 
These last-minute flight deals are the cheapest flights found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours for flights from San Francisco to Chicago that are departing in the next 10 days.
25/11Mon
multi-stopDelta
6h 11mSFO-ORD
5/12Thu
multi-stopDelta
8h 29mORD-SFO
$727
25/11Mon
directAlaska Airlines
4h 22mSFO-ORD
7/12Sat
directAlaska Airlines
4h 59mORD-SFO
$863
22/11Fri
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
7h 33mSFO-ORD
9/12Mon
directAlaska Airlines
4h 59mORD-SFO
$878
25/11Mon
multi-stopDelta
6h 18mSFO-ORD
7/12Sat
multi-stopDelta
7h 14mORD-SFO
$895
24/11Sun
multi-stopSouthwest
9h 05mSFO-ORD
28/11Thu
multi-stopSouthwest
7h 30mORD-SFO
$905
26/11Tue
multi-stopSouthwest
7h 25mSFO-ORD
5/12Thu
multi-stopSouthwest
10h 20mORD-SFO
$926
24/11Sun
multi-stopSun Country Air
16h 16mSFO-ORD
28/11Thu
multi-stopSun Country Air
9h 58mORD-SFO
$1,044
24/11Sun
multi-stopSun Country Air
16h 16mSFO-ORD
2/12Mon
multi-stopSun Country Air
8h 11mORD-SFO
$1,129
24/11Sun
multi-stopUnited Airlines
8h 47mSFO-ORD
28/11Thu
directUnited Airlines
4h 48mORD-SFO
$1,160
23/11Sat
multi-stopUnited Airlines
8h 47mSFO-ORD
28/11Thu
directUnited Airlines
4h 49mORD-SFO
$1,177

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Francisco to Chicago

Information on your arrival and departure airports

Not what you’re looking for? Find thousands of other hotels, flights, car hires and package deals with KAYAK.