Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to San Francisco

2 airlines fly nonstop from Chicago O Hare International (ORD) to San Francisco International (SFO). It's 1,847 miles (2,972 km), about 4h 53m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, United Airlines.

ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
SFO
San Francisco International
🇺🇸 San Francisco, USA
Flight Time
4h 53m
Distance
1,847 mi
2,972 km
CO₂/pax
312 kg
−32 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
American Airlines +1
Time Diff
-2h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
ORD → SFO
Flight Time
4h 53m
Distance
1,847 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
ORD → SFO
Flight Time
4h 53m
Distance
1,847 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Chicago to San Francisco with one stop · direct emits 312 kg CO₂ per passenger

ORD OMA (Omaha) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 41m (416 mi) Leg 2: 3h 50m (1,433 mi) Total: ~5h 31m 🍃 344 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → OMA
1h 41m · 416 mi
View ORD to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → SFO
3h 50m · 1,433 mi
View OMA to SFO flights →
ORD DEN (Denver) SFO
Leg 1: 2h 51m (888 mi) Leg 2: 2h 46m (967 mi) Total: ~5h 37m 🍃 352 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → DEN
2h 51m · 888 mi
View ORD to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → SFO
2h 46m · 967 mi
View DEN to SFO flights →
ORD FAT (Fresno) SFO
Leg 1: 4h 36m (1,730 mi) Leg 2: 1h 9m (158 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 346 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → FAT
4h 36m · 1,730 mi
View ORD to FAT flights →
Leg 2
FAT → SFO
1h 9m · 158 mi
View FAT to SFO flights →
ORD MCI (Kansas City) SFO
Leg 1: 1h 46m (403 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,499 mi) Total: ~5h 51m 🍃 353 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → MCI
1h 46m · 403 mi
View ORD to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → SFO
4h 5m · 1,499 mi
View MCI to SFO flights →
ORD SMF (Sacramento) SFO
Leg 1: 4h 44m (1,781 mi) Leg 2: 1h 7m (86 mi) Total: ~5h 51m 🍃 342 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → SMF
4h 44m · 1,781 mi
View ORD to SMF flights →
Leg 2
SMF → SFO
1h 7m · 86 mi
View SMF to SFO flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

A nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO) takes approximately 4 hours and 53 minutes. The distance is 1,847 miles (2,972 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to San Francisco?

2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Chicago from San Francisco?

The flight distance from Chicago to San Francisco is 1,847 miles (2,972 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from Chicago to San Francisco?

At 4h 53m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

Roughly 312 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,560 km.

Is the return flight from San Francisco to Chicago also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to San Francisco?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Chicago O Hare International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.