Chicago to San Francisco is one of the busiest transcontinental routes in the United States, connecting the Midwest with Northern California's leading business and technology hub. The route is popular with business travellers, technology professionals, students, tourists, and families travelling throughout the year. San Francisco offers world-famous landmarks, a thriving food scene, access to Silicon Valley, and easy connections to California's wine country and national parks. With multiple nonstop flights operating every day, Travobooker helps you compare fares across leading airlines so you can find the flight that best matches your travel plans.

Flight Duration

Direct flights from Chicago to San Francisco typically take between 4 hours 20 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the departure airport, airline, aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic. Connecting flights generally take between 6 and 9 hours, depending on the stopover airport and layover duration.

Chicago Departure Airports

Flights to San Francisco depart from both major airports serving Chicago.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers the largest number of nonstop flights to San Francisco and serves as one of the busiest airline hubs in North America. The airport is connected to Downtown Chicago through the CTA Blue Line, taxis, ride-hailing services, airport shuttles, and rental cars.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) also offers connecting services to San Francisco and is conveniently connected to the city through the CTA Orange Line, buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services.

San Francisco Arrival Airport

Flights arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), one of the busiest airports on the West Coast and the primary gateway to Northern California.

San Francisco International Airport provides convenient access to Downtown San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Palo Alto, Mountain View, San Jose, Oakland, Berkeley, and Napa Valley through BART trains, Caltrain connections, rental cars, airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services.

The airport also serves as a major international gateway with nonstop flights across North America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Airlines Flying Chicago to San Francisco

Several airlines operate nonstop and connecting flights between Chicago and San Francisco throughout the year.

Nonstop Airlines

United Airlines
American Airlines
Alaska Airlines

Connecting Airlines

Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Spirit Airlines
Sun Country Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines

United Airlines operates one of the largest schedules on this route through its hub at San Francisco International Airport, while American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also offer regular nonstop services.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is a year-round destination with a mild coastal climate.

The most popular months to visit are September through November, when temperatures are generally warmer and skies are clearer than during the summer. April through June is also an excellent time for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and exploring the Bay Area.

Travellers looking for lower hotel prices and airfare often find better value during January and February, outside major holiday periods.

Tips for Booking Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco

Chicago to San Francisco is a popular business and leisure route served by several airlines throughout the year.

Booking your flight one to three months before departure generally provides the best combination of fare availability and pricing. If you're travelling during major conferences, holidays, or summer vacation periods, booking earlier is recommended.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures often provide lower fares than Monday mornings and Friday evenings, when business travel demand is highest.

If your destination is Silicon Valley, compare your ground transportation options before booking, as cities such as Palo Alto, Mountain View, and San Jose are easily accessible from San Francisco International Airport.

Travellers with flexible dates should compare fares across multiple days, as prices can vary considerably throughout the week.

Before selecting the lowest fare, compare baggage allowances, seat selection policies, and ticket flexibility, especially when booking a basic economy fare.

Travobooker also offers eligible travellers a flexible payment option. Pay 50% of your fare when booking and pay the remaining balance up to 72 hours before departure, helping you secure today's fare while spreading the cost.

Why Book Chicago to San Francisco Flights on Travobooker

Travobooker makes it easy to compare Chicago to San Francisco flights from leading airlines in one place. Compare departure times, fare types, baggage allowances, airline services, and cabin options before selecting the itinerary that best suits your travel plans.

Displayed fares include applicable taxes and fees, providing transparent pricing throughout the booking process. Eligible bookings also qualify for Travobooker's flexible payment option, allowing you to spread the cost of your booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

A nonstop flight usually takes between 4 hours 20 minutes and 5 hours, depending on the airline, weather conditions, and air traffic.

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to San Francisco?

United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines operate nonstop flights between Chicago and San Francisco.

Which airport serves San Francisco?

Most flights arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the primary airport serving the Bay Area and one of the busiest airports on the West Coast.

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The most popular months are September through November, while April through June also offers excellent weather for sightseeing and exploring the city.

Is San Francisco International Airport close to Silicon Valley?

Yes. San Francisco International Airport offers convenient access to Silicon Valley through highways, Caltrain, BART connections, rental cars, airport shuttles, and ride-hailing services.

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

Travellers often find lower fares during January, February, and early September, while prices generally increase during summer holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and major technology conferences.

Can I book a one-way flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Yes. Travobooker allows you to compare and book both one-way and round-trip flights between Chicago and San Francisco.

Can I pay later for my Chicago to San Francisco flight?

Yes. Eligible Travobooker bookings allow you to pay 50% at the time of booking and pay the remaining balance up to 72 hours before departure.