$105 Cheap Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD)

View $105 flight on Tue, Sep 1, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from San Francisco Intl. Airport (SFO) to Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD)

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Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chicago (SFO-ORD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $105 for one-way flights and $224 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$224 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$224
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $224 found 1 hour ago
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Jun 3 - Wed, Jun 10
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$230 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$230
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jun 3 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Jun 10, priced at $230 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Aug 4 - Wed, Aug 12
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$239 Roundtrip, just found
$239
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Aug 4 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $239 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, May 30 - Tue, Jun 2
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$240 Roundtrip, just found
$240
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, May 30 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Tue, Jun 2, priced at $240 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Sep 2 - Wed, Sep 9
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$244 Roundtrip, just found
$244
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $244 just found
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Jul 13 - Tue, Jul 21
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$244 Roundtrip, just found
$244
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Jul 13 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Tue, Jul 21, priced at $244 just found
Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Mon, Sep 14
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$247 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$247
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $247 found 1 day ago
Delta
Tue, Aug 4 - Wed, Aug 12
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$249 Roundtrip, just found
$249
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Aug 4 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $249 just found
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Aug 4 - Wed, Aug 12
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$250 Roundtrip, just found
$250
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 4 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $250 just found
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Jun 2 - Wed, Jun 3
SFO
San Francisco
ORD
Chicago
$277 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$277
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Jun 2 from San Francisco to Chicago, returning Wed, Jun 3, priced at $277 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Chicago

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Midway Intl. MDW. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $310
MDW
Midway Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $310

Find the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD)

April is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $160 - $330 per traveler.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $105 and cheap return flights from $224 San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $155 and $1147, and return flights often range between $328 and $2357. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (ORD), with average return fares around $296. This price is about 15% lower than the average for the year, as September often sees a drop in travel demand after the summer peak. Other budget-friendly months to consider are May and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from SFO to ORD:

  • United operates around 118 direct flights from SFO to ORD every week
  • American Airlines operates around 45 direct flights from SFO to ORD every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $304. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Alaska Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United also offers the most daily flights from San Francisco to Chicago, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
For flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD), the best times to travel are in May and September. You can find return flights at around $296 during these months, which offer a great balance of affordability and availability, allowing you to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
On average, there are around 23 nonstop flights per day from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) generally departs at around 12:05 AM, operated by Frontier Airlines. This seasonal service is available in April, allowing you to arrive in Chicago early and make the most of your day. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United, American Airlines, and Delta, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Chicago with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from SFO to ORD typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 1,843 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 5 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the SFO to ORD route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines

How much is a business class flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO) to Chicago, IL (ORD) typically costs between $1,781 - $2,718. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $708 - $1,323. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chicago from San Francisco Intl. (SFO)?
When traveling from San Francisco Intl. (SFO) to Chicago, you can fly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD) and Midway Intl. (MDW). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Portland Intl. (PDX), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) before reaching Chicago. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) Chicago Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your San Francisco, CA (SFO-San Francisco Intl.) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
San Francisco Intl.
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$224
Distance
1842 mi
Average flight time
6 hours 25 mins

Book with confidence

San Francisco to Chicago Flights

The cheapest times to fly from San Francisco to Chicago

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from San Francisco to Chicago are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from San Francisco to Chicago

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from San Francisco to Chicago

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from San Francisco to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $105 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap San Francisco to Chicago flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your San Francisco to Chicago airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

San Francisco to Chicago Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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