San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD) is about 1,840 miles and typically takes 4 h 15 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
SFO to ORD at a glance
| Route | San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,840 miles / 2,960 km |
| Typical flight time | 4 h 15 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 2 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the San Francisco to Chicago route
Travelers between San Francisco and Chicago typically choose between a nonstop flight and a one-stop routing through a hub, depending on price and schedule. The distance is about 1,840 miles.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 4 h 15 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 3 h 55 min to 4 h 40 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,840 miles (2,960 km), not a published schedule.
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SFO to ORD is longer than about 64% of them.
For comparison, San Francisco to Houston (SFO to IAH) is about 1,630 miles, so Chicago is a bit farther out from SFO.
The airports
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
SFO is United's main West Coast hub and a key link to Asia and the Pacific. Full SFO guide.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is a dual hub for United and American and one of the busiest airports in the world by flight volume, with nonstops to most major U.S. cities and a long list of international destinations. Full ORD guide.
Do not stop at SFO and ORD. Also compare around San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose; and around Chicago, Midway (MDW), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
United Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
American Airlines and Alaska Airlines also have a major presence at one of the two airports.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like Alaska Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 240 miles (13% beyond the direct distance) or American Airlines via Los Angeles (LAX), which adds about 240 miles (13% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
For this trip, keep in mind that at ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer. At SFO, fog is most common from June through August; fall is often the clearest time to fly.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SFO
BART trains run directly into the International Terminal and reach downtown San Francisco in about 30 minutes.
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Booking tips
Many travelers on San Francisco to Chicago fly midweek for work, which can make Tuesday and Wednesday busier than you might expect. Compare departures across the day on our cheap-flights checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
A typical SFO to ORD flight takes about 4 h 15 min, with a likely range of 3 h 55 min to 4 h 40 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Chicago from San Francisco by air?
The great-circle distance between SFO and ORD is about 1,840 miles (2,960 km).
Which airlines fly from San Francisco to Chicago?
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SFO or ORD, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between San Francisco and Chicago?
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near San Francisco?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Oakland and San Jose. Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SFO to ORD?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving San Francisco (SFO)
- Boston to San FranciscoBOS to SFO
- Delhi to San FranciscoDEL to SFO
- Houston to San FranciscoIAH to SFO
- Los Angeles to San FranciscoLAX to SFO
- Mumbai to San FranciscoBOM to SFO
- New York to San FranciscoJFK to SFO
More flights involving Chicago (ORD)
- Anchorage to ChicagoANC to ORD
- Austin to ChicagoAUS to ORD
- Chicago to AtlantaORD to ATL
- Chicago to BostonORD to BOS
- Chicago to ClevelandORD to CLE
- Chicago to DallasORD to DFW
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.