Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Starting at $86

The route Chicago — San Francisco is served by many carriers — 7 in total, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Sun Country Airlines. This gives passengers wide opportunities: from finding the lowest fare (from $86) to selecting flights by schedule or service class. Our service aggregates data from multiple booking systems so you can compare offers in one place. This saves time and money: no need to check dozens of sites — just pick the right option and book online.

Chicago is served by three main airports with distinct roles. O'Hare International (ORD) is the city's primary international and connecting hub, typically handling most long-haul and legacy-carrier flights (American, United, and Delta presence) and can be pricier on average than regional airports. It's about 17–20 miles northwest of downtown; travel times range from roughly 30–60 minutes by CTA Blue Line train (fare under $5) or 30–60+ minutes by taxi/rideshare (fares vary). Pros: extensive nonstop options and frequent international connections; cons: larger terminals and potential for longer security or connection times. Midway (MDW) functions as a strong domestic and low-cost carrier base, commonly favored by budget-conscious travelers flying Southwest and other discount airlines. Located about 10 miles southwest of the Loop, Midway is accessible via CTA Orange Line in roughly 20–30 minutes (affordable transit fare) or 25–45 minutes by road depending on traffic. Pros: compact layout and generally quicker check-in for domestic flights; cons: fewer international routes and more limited premium services. A smaller number of private and general aviation airports (such as Chicago Executive and smaller fields) can serve business or private flights closer to suburban areas, usually with faster curb-to-aircraft transit but limited commercial options.

San Francisco International (SFO) is the region’s primary international hub, handling a wide mix of full-service carriers and international long-haul flights alongside several domestic connections; low-cost carriers also operate here but tend to concentrate at nearby Oakland or San Jose. The airport sits about 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco, with BART trains taking roughly 30–40 minutes to central stations and fares typically in the low double digits; rideshares or taxis can take 20–45 minutes depending on traffic and cost more. Pros: extensive international connectivity and on-site amenities; cons: can be busy and subject to peak-hour congestion. For budget-conscious travelers, Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) can be viable alternatives with generally lower fares and shorter security lines, though they are farther from central SF and offer fewer global routes.