- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Flights from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL depart on average 73 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $103 (€83) 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 8m. July is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 1853 miles (2983 km) |
Average flight duration 4h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€83) |
Flights per day 73 |
Direct flights 12 |
Fastest flight 4h 8m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Cheapest price
$173
Average price
$470
Fastest journey
4 h 23 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Flights per day
118
Distance
2983 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL will cost around $470 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $173.
Of the 118 flights that leave San Francisco, CA for Chicago, IL onTue, Jun 16, 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct flights cover the 2983 km distance in an average of 4 h 24 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 4 h 23 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the longest flights will take 4 h 26 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.
F94158 · F92146
F94402 · F92146
F91094 · F93174
F91230 · F93174
AS3482 · AS1493
UA2278
UA368
UA2000
UA1763
UA279Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $103. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 49m. 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 $103, and a train costs an average of $133.
Distance: 1853 miles (2983 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$261 Average price Cheapest | $454 Average price | $371 Average price | $452 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 49m Average total duration Fastest 4h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 54h 30m Average total duration 54h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54h 14m Average total duration 53h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30h 53m 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 San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL:
A flight is $109 (€89) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $371 (€300).
A flight is $193 (€156) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL costing on average $454 (€368).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 53h 44m.
Train takes on average 54h 0m.
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL flights for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AA3281 · AA1106 | 12:26 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h24 | 9:50 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
F94000 · F91342 | 12:32 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h21 | 3:53 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA604 · UA2182 | 12:45 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h35 | 10:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA604 · UA1617 | 12:45 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h16 | 11:01 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA279 | 12:50 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h26 | 7:16 AM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1479 · UA2329 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h15 | 1:15 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2168 · UA2417 | 5:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h51 | 2:51 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2000 | 5:05 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h24 | 11:29 AM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AA319+ AA6404 | 5:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h33 | 2:13 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
F91230 · F93174 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h43 | 8:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3455 · AS1493 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 15h36 | 11:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2127 · UA1946 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h29 | 2:29 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2614 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h35 | 12:35 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS3455 · AS1478 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h57 | 6:57 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1050+ AA6294 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h43 | 5:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1628+ AA6294 | 6:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h41 | 4:41 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS620 · AS346 | 6:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h35 | 5:38 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS620 · AS538 | 6:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 15h56 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS620 · AS429 | 6:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h41 | 4:44 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS620 · AS410 | 6:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h03 | 7:06 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2091 | 6:05 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h36 | 12:41 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1708 · UA2835 | 7:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h05 | 5:05 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS68 · AS429 | 7:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h41 | 4:44 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS68 · AS410 | 7:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 10h03 | 7:06 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS68 · AS538 | 7:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 14h56 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS68 · AS346 | 7:03 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h35 | 5:38 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5236 · UA2426 | 7:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h38 | 4:53 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1410 · AS376 | 7:20 AM San Francisco International Airport | 19h40 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1557 · AS1493 | 7:55 AM San Francisco International Airport | 13h41 | 11:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1557 · AS1478 | 7:55 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h02 | 6:57 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA359 | 8:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h35 | 2:35 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2374 · UA1748 | 8:04 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h46 | 4:50 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA6014 · UA5623 | 8:10 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h50 | 5:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1568 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h35 | 2:50 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA444 · UA1710 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h39 | 4:54 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2414 · AA338 | 8:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h39 | 5:54 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4654 · UA1531 | 8:33 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h26 | 4:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA4654 · UA658 | 8:33 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h27 | 7:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5405 · UA1178 | 8:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h20 | 5:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1327 · AS410 | 9:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h06 | 7:06 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1327 · AS538 | 9:00 AM San Francisco International Airport | 12h59 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1050+ AA6336 | 9:04 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h39 | 5:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
SY392 · SY259 | 9:13 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h16 | 5:29 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA499 · UA1884 | 9:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h46 | 7:01 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1954 | 10:05 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h33 | 4:38 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA2177 · UA1779 | 10:05 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h23 | 8:28 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3134+ AA6428 | 10:07 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h48 | 7:55 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA5840 · UA1686 | 10:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h08 | 8:23 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2192 · UA768 | 10:15 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h02 | 8:17 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS656 · AS538 | 10:18 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h41 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS656 · AS328 | 10:18 AM San Francisco International Airport | 18h02 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA643 · UA1352 | 10:23 AM San Francisco International Airport | 8h03 | 8:26 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA790 · UA2144 | 10:25 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h23 | 6:48 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1578 · UA1009 | 10:29 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h54 | 8:23 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3426 · AS1493 | 10:32 AM San Francisco International Airport | 11h04 | 11:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2543 | 10:33 AM San Francisco International Airport | 4h29 | 5:02 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1604 · UA1023 | 10:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 6h11 | 6:51 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA717 · UA396 | 10:40 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h41 | 8:21 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA611 · UA706 | 10:42 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h41 | 8:23 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA488 · UA3443 | 11:29 AM San Francisco International Airport | 7h06 | 8:35 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3479 · AS1493 | 11:52 AM San Francisco International Airport | 9h44 | 11:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA571 · UA1352 | 12:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h26 | 8:26 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2449 · UA706 | 12:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h23 | 8:23 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2449 · UA2320 | 12:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h03 | 10:03 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2317 | 12:05 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h35 | 6:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS235 · AS376 | 12:08 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h52 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2090 · UA4411 | 12:12 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h23 | 8:35 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1506 · UA2487 | 12:15 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h35 | 8:50 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2548 · AA2786 | 12:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h58 | 9:19 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2548 · AA435 | 12:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h39 | 11:00 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS630 · AS328 | 12:27 PM San Francisco International Airport | 15h53 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS630 · AS538 | 12:27 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h32 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA3258 · AA1193 | 12:36 PM San Francisco International Airport | 10h03 | 12:39 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
F91094 · F93174 | 12:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h05 | 8:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3482 · AS1493 | 1:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h15 | 11:36 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2610 · UA212 | 1:55 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h21 | 11:16 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1265 · UA1503 | 2:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h22 | 11:22 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2387 · AA1193 | 2:03 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h36 | 12:39 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2387 · AA2346 | 2:03 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h29 | 11:32 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA737 | 2:06 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h34 | 8:40 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS790 · AS538 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h39 | 11:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS790 · AS328 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 14h00 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2855 · UA2486 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h39 | 10:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1596 · UA2258 | 2:20 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h29 | 10:49 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1777 | 3:00 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h28 | 9:28 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS1302 · AS376 | 3:02 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h58 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2325 · AA1193 | 3:37 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h02 | 12:39 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3494 · AS589 · AS376 | 3:48 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h12 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS776 · AS779 · AS376 | 3:49 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h11 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS1340 · AS578 | 3:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 18h13 | 12:03 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS1340 · AS2372 · AS376 | 3:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h10 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS1340 · AS498 · AS376 | 3:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h10 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS1340 · AS328 | 3:50 PM San Francisco International Airport | 12h30 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS3227 · AS2218 · AS376 | 3:54 PM San Francisco International Airport | 11h06 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AA1321 · AA3137 | 3:54 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h34 | 12:28 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2077 | 4:21 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h38 | 10:59 PM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS3337 · AS1446 | 4:31 PM San Francisco International Airport | 18h50 | 1:21 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS758 · AS328 | 5:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 10h42 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS758 · AS498 · AS376 | 5:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h22 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 2 transfers | |
AS758 · AS578 | 5:38 PM San Francisco International Airport | 16h25 | 12:03 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA1009+ AA6221 | 6:08 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h52 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA1763 | 6:34 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h25 | 12:59 AM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
AS2058 · AS1446 | 6:42 PM San Francisco International Airport | 16h39 | 1:21 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS525 · AS376 | 6:46 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h14 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS525 · AS324 | 6:46 PM San Francisco International Airport | 16h27 | 1:13 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2544 · AA1148 | 6:56 PM San Francisco International Airport | 9h48 | 6:44 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2567 · AA2919 | 8:24 PM San Francisco International Airport | 8h51 | 7:15 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2567 · AA1009 | 8:24 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h36 | 5:00 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS591 · AS578 | 8:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 13h35 | 12:03 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS591 · AS328 | 8:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h52 | 6:20 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS591 · AS265 | 8:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 16h18 | 2:46 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS591 · AS429 | 8:28 PM San Francisco International Airport | 18h16 | 4:44 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
F94402 · F92146 | 8:45 PM San Francisco International Airport | 6h22 | 5:07 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
F93440 · F93174 | 9:43 PM San Francisco International Airport | 21h00 | 8:43 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AS2023 · AS324 | 10:08 PM San Francisco International Airport | 13h05 | 1:13 PM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
UA2278 | 10:35 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h23 | 4:58 AM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
F94156 · F92146 | 10:58 PM San Francisco International Airport | 28h09 | 5:07 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
AA2554 | 11:10 PM San Francisco International Airport | 4h29 | 5:39 AM O'Hare International Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
UA1572 · UA3538 | 11:14 PM San Francisco International Airport | 7h08 | 8:22 AM O'Hare International Airport | 1 transfer | |
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 Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, CA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need