flights.net ORD → SFO
- Distance
- 1,842 mi
- Carriers
- 3
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a US domestic route of about 1,842 miles. United treats Chicago to San Francisco as a core hub-to-hub artery, while American counters from its O'Hare base. The route is dominated by technology and consulting business demand on tight weekday banks.
Connecting Chicago, United States with San Francisco, United States, this is one of the more travelled US domestic city pairs. Carriers fly the roughly 1,842-mile sector nonstop in about 4h 11m. Departures use O'Hare International Airport, a 4 terminals airport that is a base for United Airlines, American Airlines; arrivals land at San Francisco International Airport, which has 4 terminals and anchors United Airlines, Alaska Airlines. With hub operations at both ends, frequencies and schedules on the ORD–SFO sector stay competitive year-round.
Route facts
| Route | O'Hare International Airport (ORD) → San Francisco International Airport (SFO) |
|---|---|
| Distance | 1,842 miles |
| Nonstop flight time | approximately 4h 11m |
| Nonstop carriers | 3 |
| Aircraft types | Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Boeing 757 |
| Market | US domestic |
Carriers on this route
American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines operate nonstop service from Chicago to San Francisco. On-time performance and cancellation rates appear here once this route's BTS data is baked.
- American Airlines (AA)
- United Airlines (UA)
- Alaska Airlines (AS)
Aircraft on this route
Carriers typically operate the Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Boeing 757 between Chicago and San Francisco. The exact type varies by airline, frequency and season.
Best time to fly
September and October are prime, with clear Bay Area weather and Chicago still mild before winter. Spring offers value without the summer crowds.
Connecting your trip
Planning departure or arrival logistics? See our airport guides for O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) for terminals, hub airlines and the other routes each airport serves.
Fares & booking
Fares on the Chicago to San Francisco route move with season and demand; booking roughly two to eight weeks ahead usually beats walk-up prices, and midweek departures tend to be cheaper than weekends. We show indicative cached fares for ORD–SFO where available and link out to live Skyscanner search for current, bookable prices.
Related routes
Frequently asked questions
- How far is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?
- O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 1,842 miles (2,964 km) by great-circle distance. A nonstop flight takes approximately 4h 11m.
- Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to San Francisco?
- American Airlines, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate nonstop service from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
- What aircraft are used on the ORD to SFO route?
- Carriers typically operate the Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and Boeing 757 on the Chicago–San Francisco route.
- When is the best time to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?
- September and October are prime, with clear Bay Area weather and Chicago still mild before winter. Spring offers value without the summer crowds.
- Is ORD to SFO a nonstop flight?
- Yes. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a directional nonstop route flown by 3 carriers; connecting itineraries via other hubs are also widely available.
- What countries does the ORD to SFO route connect?
- This route links Chicago, United States with San Francisco, United States.
- Which airports does the Chicago to San Francisco route use?
- Flights depart O'Hare International Airport (ORD/KORD) in Chicago and arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO/KSFO) in San Francisco.
Data sources
- Airport identity and geography courtesy of OurAirports (ourairports.com); carriers and aircraft curated editorially.