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Find cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago from £72

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 15/5. 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
0 bags
Sun 19/5
Sun 26/5

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 44,471,296 times on KAYAK, and here's why:

Save 28% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

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

Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Francisco to Chicago that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices and deals for you by selecting your travel dates.
Choose your dates
23:57 - 06:20SFO-ORD
4h 23mdirect
07:00 - 09:37ORD-SFO
4h 37mdirect
£144Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 28 May - Tue, 4 Jun
19:55 - 04:45SFO-ORD
6h 50m1 stop
07:00 - 09:37ORD-SFO
4h 37mdirect
£151Alaska Airlines
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Tue, 14 May - Wed, 29 May
19:55 - 04:45SFO-ORD
6h 50m1 stop
06:00 - 11:29ORD-SFO
7h 29m1 stop
£159Alaska Airlines
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Wed, 15 May - Wed, 22 May
12:27 - 00:05SFO-ORD
9h 38m1 stop
19:30 - 00:10ORD-SFO
6h 40m1 stop
£173Delta
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Tue, 14 May - Thu, 30 May
13:20 - 23:58SFO-ORD
8h 38m1 stop
14:05 - 18:23ORD-SFO
6h 18m1 stop
£191Delta
Find Deal
Tue, 8 Oct - Sat, 12 Oct
00:59 - 01:13SFO-ORD
22h 14m1 stop
06:00 - 23:58ORD-SFO
19h 58m1 stop
£194Frontier
Find Deal
Sun, 2 Jun - Thu, 6 Jun
23:59 - 19:06SFO-ORD
17h 07m1 stop
22:15 - 08:07ORD-SFO
11h 52m1 stop
£221Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Thu, 6 Jun - Sun, 30 Jun
23:59 - 19:06SFO-ORD
17h 07m1 stop
22:15 - 08:07ORD-SFO
11h 52m1 stop
£237Sun Country Air
Find Deal
Thu, 6 Jun - Sun, 30 Jun
23:30 - 05:47SFO-ORD
4h 17mdirect
07:10 - 10:04ORD-SFO
4h 54mdirect
£253United Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, 7 May - Sat, 11 May
00:12 - 06:30SFO-ORD
4h 18mdirect
05:16 - 09:39ORD-SFO
6h 23m1 stop
£255United Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, 22 Jul - Tue, 6 Aug

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 month to fly from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, 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 O'Hare Intl Airport is February, where tickets cost £254 on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and November, where the average cost of tickets is £400 and £374 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

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 O'Hare Intl Airport, 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 O'Hare Intl Airport, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 85 days before departure.

Which airlines provide the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

The cheapest price for the route for each airline clicked by KAYAK users in the last 72 hours.
In the past 3 days, the cheapest one-way tickets to Chicago from San Francisco were found on Alaska Airlines (£72) and Frontier (£80), and the lowest return tickets were found on Alaska Airlines (£144) and Delta (£173).

How many flights are there between San Francisco and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport per day?

Each day, there are between 19 and 29 nonstop flights that take off from San Francisco and land in Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, with an average flight time of 4h 22m. The most common departure time is 23:00 and most flights take off at night. Each week, there are 156 flights. The most frequent day of departure is Saturday, when 19% of all weekly flights depart. The fewest flights depart on a Friday.

Which cabin class options are there for flights between San Francisco and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

The average price of flights for each cabin class for the route found by users searching on KAYAK over the last 2 weeks.
There are 3 cabin class options for the route. These are First, Business and Economy. Perform a search on KAYAK to find the latest prices and availability for all cabin fares, which differ across airlines.

How long does a flight from San Francisco to Chicago take?

The duration of a direct flight to Chicago from San Francisco is typically 4h 12m. The journey crosses a distance of 1,841 miles.

What’s the earliest departure time from San Francisco to Chicago?

Early birds can take the earliest flight from San Francisco at 00:09 and will be landing in Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport at 06:30.

What’s the latest departure time from San Francisco to Chicago?

If you prefer to fly at night, the latest flight from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport jets off at 23:59 and lands at 06:23.

Good to know - Cheap tickets from San Francisco to Chicago

Low season

January

High season

July

Cheapest flight

£72
Best time to beat the crowds (21% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (8% 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 San Francisco to Chicago flights

  • Where can I get emergency housing or transportation assistance at ORD?

    If you need transportation assistance or emergency housing, you should head to one of the airport’s Traveler’s Aid offices. Traveler’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists passengers to organize last-minute housing and transportation. This organization has offices in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, with the main office being in Terminal 2, next to the children’s museum.

  • Does SFO have a children’s play area?

    In case you’re traveling with older children to Chicago, you can let them have fun in one of the play areas found at SFO. These play areas, available near Gate 22 in Terminal 1, Gate 54A in Terminal 2, and close to Gates 87A and 62 in Terminal 3, feature various toys and soft playgrounds.

  • Is there any other Chicago airport I can fly into apart from ORD?

    Apart from ORD, the other Chicago airport you can fly into from SFO is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). When booking your flight to Chicago, it’s in your best interest to book one that lands at MDW, as MDW has shorter queues and lesser passenger crowds than ORD.

  • Is it possible to shower at ORD?

    If you want to shower before leaving ORD, you can do so at the airport’s Hilton Athletic Club. To enter this club, between Terminal 2 and the parking garage, you’ll have to purchase a day pass.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport was £90 for a one-way ticket and £179 for a return.

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

    San Francisco and Chicago are both served by 1 main airport. You will leave San Francisco from San Francisco and will be arriving at 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 Boeing 777 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 travellers 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

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from San Francisco to Chicago

  • Looking for a cheap flight from Chicago to San Francisco? 25% of our users found flights on this route for £122 or less one-way.
  • When set to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you should get to SFO at least 2h before your flight. If you get to this airport as early as advised, you’ll be able to go through its tedious security checkpoints in time for your flight. You’ll also get the opportunity to check out the airport’s point of interest.
  • SFO has several TSA Care officials mandated with caring for disabled passengers as well as those with medical conditions. If you’re disabled or have limited mobility, you can receive assisted services at SFO from these officials; provided you contact and inform the airport’s TSA Care office of the services you will need at least 72h ahead of your flight.
  • If you’re traveling to Chicago with an infant, you can easily breastfeed him/her while waiting for your flight at SFO, as this airport features numerous nursing rooms. These nursing rooms, located on the Airside of every terminal as well as the Landside of Terminal 2, feature comfortable seats, deep sinks, and power outlets.
  • In case your phone is nearly running out of charge, you can charge it for free before leaving ORD, as this outstanding airport features several power stations. These stations are near Gates B4, B14, C15, C21, and C28 in Terminal 1, Gate F2 in Terminal 2, Gates K12, and L10 in Terminal 3, and Gates M5 and M7 Terminal 5.
  • If you have an inquiry at ORD, you can get the answer you need at any of the airport’s information desks. These desks are Gate F1D in Terminal 2, a short distance to Gate B7 and C18 in Terminal 1, and Gate K2 in Terminal 3. Terminal 5, they are situated on the upper and lower levels.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from San Francisco to Chicago?

Find which airlines fly direct from San Francisco to O'Hare Intl, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl

Monday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Tuesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +23 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, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Saturday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +23 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +24 more

Sunday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

Monday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Tuesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +23 more

Wednesday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +22 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +23 more

Thursday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +21 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +22 more

Friday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

Saturday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +23 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +24 more

Sunday

ANA, Aer Lingus, Air Canada, +20 more

ANA, Aer Lingus, +21 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Book cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Cheapest flights to Chicago from San Francisco found in 2024

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.
15/5Wed
directAlaska Airlines
4h 24mSFO-ORD
£72
15/5Wed
1 stopAlaska Airlines
6h 50mSFO-ORD
£79
20/7Sat
1 stopFrontier
12h 16mSFO-ORD
£80
21/5Tue
1 stopDelta
6h 45mSFO-ORD
£87
27/9Fri
1 stopDelta
6h 16mSFO-ORD
£96
16/5Thu
1 stopSun Country Air
23h 18mSFO-ORD
£103
3/5Fri
directUnited Airlines
4h 21mSFO-ORD
£129
1/10Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
8h 50mSFO-ORD
£132
25/7Thu
1 stopFrontier
9h 49mSFO-ORD
£141
4/7Thu
1 stopSun Country Air
25h 19mSFO-ORD
£143

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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.
23/4Tue
multi-stopDelta
8h 40mSFO-ORD
29/4Mon
multi-stopDelta
7h 20mORD-SFO
£265
23/4Tue
directUnited Airlines
4h 21mSFO-ORD
27/4Sat
directUnited Airlines
4h 44mORD-SFO
£282
23/4Tue
directUnited Airlines
4h 21mSFO-ORD
27/4Sat
multi-stopUnited Airlines
6h 14mORD-SFO
£289
20/4Sat
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
8h 47mSFO-ORD
24/4Wed
directAlaska Airlines
4h 52mORD-SFO
£293
20/4Sat
multi-stopDelta
8h 47mSFO-ORD
24/4Wed
multi-stopDelta
6h 38mORD-SFO
£301
23/4Tue
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
6h 50mSFO-ORD
30/4Tue
directAlaska Airlines
4h 52mORD-SFO
£329
20/4Sat
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
8h 47mSFO-ORD
25/4Thu
directAlaska Airlines
4h 46mORD-SFO
£333
23/4Tue
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
6h 50mSFO-ORD
30/4Tue
multi-stopAlaska Airlines
7h 29mORD-SFO
£337
21/4Sun
multi-stopSouthwest
12h 35mSFO-ORD
25/4Thu
multi-stopSouthwest
9h 20mORD-SFO
£507
21/4Sun
multi-stopSouthwest
22h 05mSFO-ORD
25/4Thu
multi-stopSouthwest
9h 20mORD-SFO
£511

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San Francisco - Chicago Flights

Departure:

San Francisco (SFO)United States

Destination:

Chicago (ORD)United States

Return flight deals:

Chicago - San Francisco

Cabin classes:

£1,318
£1,370
£497

Browse origins:

  • Flights » 
  • San Francisco

Browse destinations:

  • Flights » 
  • Worldwide » 
  • Chicago O'Hare Airport