O'Hare International Airport
17 miles (27 km) from the city centre. 84.9 million passengers in 2025
| How | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | CTA Blue Line to the Loop, runs 24 hours | about 42m | $5 |
Flights from San Francisco to Chicago
3 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Chicago.
- Distance
- 1,855 mi
- Nonstop flight
- Varies
- Time difference
- +2h
- Nonstop airlines
- 3
Fares from San Francisco to Chicago
Checking today’s fares with the airlines.
Nonstop flights
| Airline | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | SFO San Francisco International Airport | ORD O'Hare International Airport |
| Southwest Airlines | SFO San Francisco International Airport | MDW Midway International Airport |
| United Airlines | SFO San Francisco International Airport | ORD O'Hare International Airport |
Nonstop service as of October 2026. Airlines change schedules seasonally.
Getting from the airport into Chicago
Midway International Airport
12 miles (19 km) from the city centre. 19.4 million passengers in 2025
| How | Route | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | CTA Orange Line to the Loop (all day, not overnight) | about 22m | $2.50 |
Before you go
Domestic travel within the United States: no passport or visa is needed, but adults must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID at airport security.
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco. Chicago uses the US dollar (USD).
Read the Chicago guide: when to go, weather, airports and tips
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
Nonstop flight times vary by airline and season; flights with a connection take longer.
Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Chicago?
As of October 2026, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines fly this route nonstop.
Which airports do nonstop flights use?
Nonstop flights leave from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and arrive at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
How far is Chicago from San Francisco?
About 1,855 miles (2,985 km), measured between the city centres.
What is the time difference?
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco.
What ID do I need to fly to Chicago?
Domestic travel within the United States: no passport or visa is needed, but adults must show a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID at airport security.
How do I get from O'Hare International Airport into Chicago?
CTA Blue Line to the Loop, runs 24 hours, about 42 minutes, $5.
Related pages
Sources
Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.