- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an outstanding collection, rotating exhibitions, and a central SoMa location.
Flights from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA depart on average 70 times per day, taking around 14h 53m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $109 (€88) if you book in advance.
There are 12 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:57. The fastest flight covers the 1853 miles (2983 km) distance in 4h 53m. May is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average flight duration 14h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 (€88) |
Flights per day 70 |
Direct flights 12 |
Fastest flight 4h 53m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Cheapest price
$136
Average price
$366
Fastest journey
4 h 37 m
Average duration
4 h 41 m
Flights per day
114
Distance
2983 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA will cost around $366 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $136.
Of the 114 flights that leave Chicago, IL for San Francisco, CA onWed, Jun 03, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 03 the direct flights cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 4 h 41 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 37 m .
On Wed, Jun 03 the longest flights will take 4 h 43 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
AA2543
AA3054
AS1447 · AS1406
AS1447 · AS2290
F91483 · F93439
UA246
AA2543
AA1586
AA3054
UA1902Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $109. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 14h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $109, and a train costs an average of $242.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$285 Average price Cheapest | $527 Average price | $451 Average price | $453 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 53m Average total duration Fastest 14h 53m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 27m Average total duration 53h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54h 11m Average total duration 53h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 31h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
8.9 - 17.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.0 - 7.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA:
A flight is $166 (€134) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA costing on average $451 (€364).
A flight is $242 (€196) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA costing on average $527 (€426).
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 53h 41m.
Train takes on average 53h 57m.
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA flights for today, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:00 PM Chicago, IL | 13h03 | 2:03 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:28 PM Chicago, IL | 11h46 | 2:14 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:51 PM Chicago, IL | 11h48 | 5:39 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:56 PM Chicago, IL | 11h43 | 5:39 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:07 PM Chicago, IL | 7h40 | 2:47 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:54 PM Chicago, IL | 8h01 | 4:55 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:10 PM Chicago, IL | 8h42 | 5:52 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 PM Chicago, IL | 4h59 | 3:19 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
Major modern and contemporary art museum with an outstanding collection, rotating exhibitions, and a central SoMa location.
Hands-on science and perception museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for interactive exhibits and bay views.
Fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park known for American art, textiles, global collections, and its observation tower.
Vast urban park with gardens, museums, lakes, trails, and open space, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing.
Famous crooked block with sharp turns, flower beds, and classic city views, especially popular with first-time visitors.
Iconic row of Victorian houses facing a hilltop park with one of the city's most photographed skyline backdrops.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in San Francisco, usually filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
San Francisco’s most famous loaf, known for its tangy flavor from local wild yeast culture and a long baking tradition.
A large foil-wrapped burrito popularized in the Mission District, typically packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras.
Classic San Francisco institution serving carved prime rib with old-school service and a bustling supper-club atmosphere.
Legendary Mission District taqueria famous for mission-style burritos and tacos, with a casual fast-moving atmosphere.
Iconic no-frills seafood counter celebrated for ultra-fresh oysters, crab, and shellfish with a classic local feel.
One of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, parking, and taxes are high, though casual food options exist.
Restaurants: 18-20% standard, 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping, USD 1-2 per bag for porters.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to San Francisco, CA by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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