OAK - CHI

$79 Find Cheap Flights from Oakland to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$158
Typical prices: $349-$570
Frontier
Sun 9/16Fri 9/21
OAK - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$237
Typical prices: $373-$627
Southwest
Wed 10/31Wed 11/7
OAK - MDW • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Southwest. Average duration is 4h 02m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 4% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 20 weeks in advance save around 47% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 24% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $297 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 24m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Oakland to Chicago (OAK-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Oakland to Chicago

Wed, Sep 16 - Mon, Sep 21
Frontier Logo
12:47 pm - 5:38 amOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
14h 51m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
8:55 pm - 11:51 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
16h 56m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$158Frontier
Thu, Sep 17 - Mon, Sep 21
Frontier Logo
10:17 am - 5:38 amOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 21m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
8:55 pm - 11:51 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
16h 56m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$158Frontier
Mon, Sep 28 - Thu, Oct 1
Frontier Logo
10:17 am - 5:38 amOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 21m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
8:55 pm - 9:22 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
14h 27m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$158Frontier
Sat, Sep 26 - Tue, Sep 29
Southwest Logo
11:55 pm - 5:55 amOAK  Oakland-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 00mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:35 pm - 11:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-OAK Oakland
4h 35mnonstop
$237Southwest
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 23
Southwest Logo
11:55 pm - 5:55 amOAK  Oakland-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 00mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:35 pm - 11:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-OAK Oakland
4h 35mnonstop
$237Southwest
Mon, Sep 14 - Wed, Sep 23
Southwest Logo
11:55 pm - 5:55 amOAK  Oakland-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 00mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:35 pm - 11:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-OAK Oakland
4h 35mnonstop
$237Southwest
Sat, Sep 5 - Wed, Sep 9
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:13 pm - 1:22 pmOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
20h 09m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 2:33 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
9h 13m1 stop San Diego
$277Alaska Airlines
Mon, Sep 14 - Thu, Sep 17
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:13 pm - 11:59 pmOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 46m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 2:33 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
9h 13m1 stop San Diego
$277Alaska Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Mon, Oct 5
Delta Logo
12:39 pm - 9:55 pmOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 16m1 stop Salt Lake City
Delta Logo
7:40 pm - 11:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
6h 19m1 stop Salt Lake City
$345Delta
Tue, Sep 29 - Mon, Oct 5
Delta Logo
12:39 pm - 9:55 pmOAK  Oakland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 16m1 stop Salt Lake City
Delta Logo
7:40 pm - 11:59 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-OAK Oakland
6h 19m1 stop Salt Lake City
$345Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Oakland to Chicago flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Oakland to Chicago with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Oakland to Chicago?

Round-trip flights from Oakland to Chicago start at $158. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $349 to $570. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $158 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Oakland to Chicago flight route?

There's little price difference between Oakland to Chicago routes. They average around $434 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Oakland to Chicago?

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Oakland to Chicago, it is 14% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 6% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Oakland to Chicago?

  • February is the cheapest month to fly from Oakland to Chicago at $339 round-trip.
  • November ($620) and December ($552) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 82% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Oakland to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Oakland to Chicago are cheapest 20 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 47% 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 Oakland to Chicago

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

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on MDW

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.

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on OAK

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Key details for Oakland to Chicago flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$79
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 3% lower on average.
Flight from Oakland to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from Oakland to Chicago

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

Your Oakland to Chicago flight questions, answered

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

  • Are there nursing rooms at MDW?

    MDW has a nursing room in Concourse C, next to the yoga room. This room, well-furnished with comfy seats, features a hand washing station and clean utensils. If you're a breastfeeding mother, you can use this nursing room to breastfeed and change your infant privately before continuing your journey.

  • Does OAK have any fun places I can visit?

    While waiting for your flight to Chicago at OAK, you should check out the airport's public art displays in Terminal 2, near the baggage claim area, and in Terminal 1, on the Airside. Additionally, there are a variety of retail shops throughout both terminals you can check out.

  • Which Chicago Airport has an on-site hotel?

    If you'd like to land at a Chicago airport with an on-site hotel, you should book a flight that lands at ORD, as this public transit hub is home to two on-site hotels, Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel and Aloft Chicago O'Hare. Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located opposite Terminal 2. It is connected to all the airport terminals via an underground Walkway. Aloft Chicago O'Hare is located between Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Since both hotels feature great amenities, staying at either would be a move you'll not regret.

  • Does OAK have any lounges?

    Oakland International Airport has a lounge in Terminal 1, on the Airside, near Gates 8 and 8A. This relaxing space, referred to as the Escape lounge, is open to all economy travelers at the airport. If you're one, you can access it if you're open to purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or pay at the door.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Oakland to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating Oakland to Chicago flights:

    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

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

  • What airlines are available from Oakland to Chicago?

    Only Southwest operates flights between Oakland and Chicago.

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Oakland to Chicago?

    Flights from Oakland to Chicago usually depart from Oakland (OAK) and may arrive at several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Oakland to Chicago flights?

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

    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Alaska Airlines: 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 Oakland to Chicago?

    Only Economy Class is available on flights from Oakland to Chicago.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Oakland to Chicago?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $297 round-trip via Orlando (MCO), compared to $483 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Oakland to Chicago?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $45–$90 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Oakland to Chicago pass through?

    One-stop flights from Oakland to Chicago most commonly connect through:

    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 31% of one-stop connections
    • San Diego (SAN) - 19% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) - 17% of one-stop connections
    • Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) - 12% of one-stop connections

    Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Oakland to Chicago?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 19% on the Oakland to Chicago route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $386 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $474, a difference of $88. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How are flight departures from Oakland to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Oakland to Chicago flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Night departures account for 50%, afternoon flights for 0%, and evening flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and River North. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

  • How long is a flight from Oakland to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Oakland to Chicago takes 4h 02m, covering 1,845 miles.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Oakland to Chicago?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Oakland to Chicago:

    • Earliest: departs at 5:10 am and lands at 9:12 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:55 pm and lands at 3:57 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 02m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Oakland to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 35% above the route average of $444. Book 20 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Oakland to Chicago?

    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 Oakland to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from Oakland to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $122, which is 52% below the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Oakland to Chicago?

    Flying via Los Angeles Los Angeles (LAX) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 24m, compared with 6h 33m via Denver Intl (DEN) and 6h 40m via Salt Lake City (SLC).

  • What is the time difference between Oakland and Chicago?

    Chicago is 2 hours ahead of Oakland (Central Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Europcar
    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Ace

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Budget
    · Alamo
    · Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $30:

    · Alamo
    · Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    · Budget
    · Avis
    · National

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Oakland to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from Oakland to Chicago range from $349 to $570, with an average of $444 over the past 12 months. Anything below $349 counts as a good deal.

Your guide to booking Oakland to Chicago 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 Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $386 - about $88 less than Sunday (19% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 20 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 47% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Oakland to Chicago trip for February. Fares historically average $339 round-trip in that month - typically $281 less than the most expensive month, which is November (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Orlando Airport (MCO) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $297 round-trip on this route - about $186 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 Chicago Midway Airport.
    - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    - Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
  • In Oakland, you can board your plane to Chicago at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), Oakland International Airport (OAK), or San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Among the three airports, OAK has the smallest crowds. It is also the nearest to Oakland. Given its proximity to Oakland and its small passenger crowds, OAK is the most convenient Oakland airport to fly out to Chicago.
  • You can travel to OAK from downtown Oakland through three public means of transit. They include the subway, bus, and taxi. The means you choose will be determined by how fast you'd like to travel and how much you are willing to spend as fare. If you'd like to travel cheaply, you should travel by subway or bus. However, if you'd like to travel quickly, you should travel by taxi.
  • If you drive to OAK, you can count on easily finding a spot you can leave your car in for the entire duration of your trip, as OAK is home to four on-airport parking options that offer long-term parking services. Premium, Hourly, Daily, and Economy are located in different parts of the airport. Premium is the closest of the four, as it is situated adjacent to the terminals.
  • In Chicago, you can land at either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). ORD usually has more passenger traffic than MDW. Hence, it normally has long queues. This being the case, to avoid long queues once you land, you should book a flight from Chicago that lands at MDW.
  • Once you land at ORD or MDW, there are several towns you can get to easily, other than Chicago. They include Elmhurst, Aurora, Gurnee, Dundee, New Buffalo, and Lake Geneva.

Prefer to fly direct from Oakland to Chicago?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Oakland Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Oakland to Chicago

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Tuesday

Southwest

Southwest

Wednesday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Oakland

Monday

Southwest

Southwest

Tuesday

Southwest

Southwest

Wednesday

Southwest

Southwest

Thursday

Southwest

Southwest

Friday

Southwest

Southwest

Saturday

Southwest

Southwest

Sunday

Southwest

Southwest

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Oakland to Chicago

Information on your arrival and departure airports