ORD - SFO

$129 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago O'Hare Airport to San Francisco - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$246
Typical prices: $302-$499
Frontier
Mon 10/8Wed 10/10
ORD - SFO • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$246
Typical prices: $308-$504
American Airlines
Tue 10/9Fri 10/12
ORD - SFO • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines and American Airlines. Average duration is 4h 51m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 77% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 9 weeks in advance save around 45% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 15% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $215 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 29m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to San Francisco!
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco (ORD-SFO)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 30
Frontier Logo
7:05 am - 7:03 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
13h 58m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Frontier Logo
10:05 pm - 9:20 amSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 15m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$246Frontier
Sat, Sep 5 - Tue, Sep 15
Frontier Logo
7:11 am - 7:03 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
13h 52m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
Frontier Logo
7:11 pm - 5:38 amSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
8h 27m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$246Frontier
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
American Airlines Logo
9:00 pm - 11:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
4h 59mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:10 am - 1:44 pmSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 34mnonstop
$246American Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Sat, Sep 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:18 pm - 8:46 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
20h 28m1 stop San Diego
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 9:20 amSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 15m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$246Multiple Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Thu, Nov 5
United Airlines Logo
9:00 pm - 11:56 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
4h 56mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
12:55 am - 7:13 amSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 18mnonstop
$247United Airlines
Fri, Oct 23 - Mon, Oct 26
United Airlines Logo
3:35 pm - 6:24 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
4h 49mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
5:10 pm - 11:27 pmSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 17mnonstop
$247United Airlines
Fri, Sep 18 - Tue, Sep 22
American Airlines Logo
3:20 pm - 6:09 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
4h 49mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 12:34 pmSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 34mnonstop
$247American Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Mon, Sep 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 10:28 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
7h 53m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:25 pm - 11:59 pmSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 34m1 stop San Diego
$248Multiple Airlines
Thu, Jan 14 - Mon, Jan 18
Delta Logo
7:35 am - 3:08 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
9h 33m1 stop Los Angeles Los Angeles
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 4:37 pmSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
8h 37m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
$257Delta
Tue, Oct 27 - Sat, Oct 31
Delta Logo
6:35 am - 1:08 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SFO San Francisco
8h 33m1 stop Seattle/Tacoma Intl
Delta Logo
10:35 pm - 8:41 amSFO  San Francisco-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
8h 06m1 stop Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County
$257Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

Round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco start at $246. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $302 to $499. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $246 on Frontier.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco, it is 9% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 35% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

  • September is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco at $325 round-trip.
  • June ($441) and November ($417) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 35% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco are cheapest 9 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 45% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and ORD

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on SFO

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Key details for Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$129
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 15% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 15% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco

When to book flights from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Are there nursing suites at O’Hare International Airport (ORD)?

    Yes, there are plenty of high-quality nursing suites at ORD. The nursing suites provide a private, spacious and serene environment for nursing mothers. Also, the nursing rooms are easily accessible and feature excellent equipment such as a sink and a baby changing table. They are located at Terminal 2 of the airport.

  • Are there lounges at O’Hare International Airport (ORD)?

    O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports worldwide and the major airport in Chicago. It features top-notch airline lounges offering comfort to passengers. These lounges include Admirals Club, United Polaris Lounge, United Club, Delta Sky, Air Canada Lounge, Swiss lounge, and many more. Most of these lounges provide excellent services like showers to passengers. The best part is they are easily accessible as they are situated at Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

  • Where can I find accommodation at San Francisco Airport?

    There are multiple hotels where you can spend the night if you are arriving late at San Francisco Airport, such as The Westin San Francisco Airport Hotel, found 1.2 miles from the airport. The hotel offers superior amenities, including free shuttle transfers, a hot tub, and an indoor pool. You can also opt for SFO Marriott Hotel, Grand Hyatt, and SFO El Rancho Hotel spending on your budget.

  • Does SFO offer services for people with reduced mobility?

    SFO offers exceptional services for people with reduced mobility upon request. When flying into SFO, it is recommended that a passenger contacts their airline, informing them of the special assistance they need. This way, you will have assistance, including a wheelchair arranged by your arrival at the airport.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Among airlines operating Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    2 airlines operate flights between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport and San Francisco. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:
    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    Flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco usually depart from Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and arrive at San Francisco (SFO).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $215 round-trip via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), compared to $387 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which aircraft model is used most often on flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    The Boeing 757-300 family is used most often on this route, operated mainly by United Airlines. Other aircraft seen on the route include Airbus A321-100/200 variants.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco pass through?

    One-stop flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco most commonly connect through:

    • San Diego (SAN) - 27% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 26% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 12% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) - 8% of one-stop connections

    San Diego (SAN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 33% on the Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $350 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $519, a difference of $169. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco route, 25% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 19 minutes.

  • How are flight departures from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights, with 40% of flights leaving in that window. Evening departures account for 30%, night flights for 20%, and afternoon flights for 10%.

  • What popular places can I visit in San Francisco?

    Some of the most popular sights in San Francisco are Fisherman's Wharf, Union Square and Moscone Center. These are among the most viewed places in San Francisco on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco takes 4h 51m, covering 1,841 miles.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:00 am and lands at 9:51 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:00 pm and lands at 2:51 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 51m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 56% above the route average of $384. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • How are flight prices from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco looking right now?

    One-way fares from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $138, which is 47% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while American Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights are:

    • United Airlines: 77% on time
    • American Airlines: 70% on time
    • Alaska Airlines: 57% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 75% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco?

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 29m, compared with 6h 46m via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) and 6h 48m via Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX).

  • What is the time difference between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport and San Francisco?

    San Francisco is 2 hours behind Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (Pacific Time vs Central Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available at San Francisco Airport (SFO)?

    San Francisco Airport (SFO) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates starting from around $15 for economy cars. Top options include:
    · Thrifty
    · Europcar
    · Dollar
    · Hertz
    · Fox

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flight?

    Round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco range from $302 to $499, with an average of $384 over the past 12 months. Anything below $302 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights:

    • • American Airlines
    • • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $350 - about $169 less than Monday (33% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 9 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 45% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco trip for September. Fares historically average $325 round-trip in that month - typically $116 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 77% of United Airlines flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 75%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 19 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $215 round-trip on this route - about $172 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to San Francisco Airport.
    - Grand Hyatt At Sfo
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 18 miles from the Chicago business district. The airport is the hub of Chicago serving the city and surrounding regions. You can access the airport with ease. Also, it serves most of the international airports in the city.
  • If you are traveling through ORD, you can never run out of things to do to help you spend time while waiting for your flight. ORD features a wide comprehensive range of amenities and services you can enjoy at the airport, such as banking services, shopping, charging stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • When flying into San Francisco Airport (SFO), you will find at least an interactive kid’s area where kids can play as they unwind from the long flight. The room is equipped with kids' play items such as toys, sliding areas, and many more. You can also check the airport’s website for the kids’ section information.
  • There are pet relief areas in both the departure and arrival airports for passengers traveling with their pets. This ensures that you and your four-legged companion have a great traveling experience. You can also walk your pet after the long exhausting flights to the pet relief areas. These areas are situated inside and outside of the airport’s terminals.
  • If you are arriving at San Francisco Airport and need an airport transfer, you can opt for the BART airport shuttle train. It connects the airport to the San Francisco business district. Alternatively, you can utilize public and ground transportation services to navigate the city.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago O'Hare Airport to San Francisco?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

Monday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Tuesday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Wednesday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Thursday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Friday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Saturday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Sunday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl

Monday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Tuesday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Wednesday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Thursday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Friday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Saturday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

Sunday

American Airlines,United Airlines

American Airlines,United Airlines

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from O'Hare Intl to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports