Direct (nonstop) flights from San Diego to Chicago

3 airlines fly nonstop from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 1,723 miles (2,773 km), about 4h 17m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
4h 17m
Distance
1,723 mi
2,773 km
CO₂/pax
291 kg
−34 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
American Airlines +2
Time Diff
+2h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
SAN → ORD
Flight Time
4h 17m
Distance
1,723 mi
Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
SAN → ORD
Flight Time
4h 17m
Distance
1,723 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SAN → ORD
Flight Time
4h 17m
Distance
1,723 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from San Diego to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 291 kg CO₂ per passenger

SAN MCI (Kansas City) ORD
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,333 mi) Leg 2: 1h 44m (403 mi) Total: ~4h 54m 🍃 325 kg CO₂ (+12% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → MCI
3h 10m · 1,333 mi
View SAN to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → ORD
1h 44m · 403 mi
View MCI to ORD flights →
SAN OMA (Omaha) ORD
Leg 1: 3h 5m (1,312 mi) Leg 2: 1h 50m (416 mi) Total: ~4h 55m 🍃 324 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → OMA
3h 5m · 1,312 mi
View SAN to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → ORD
1h 50m · 416 mi
View OMA to ORD flights →
SAN PHX (Phoenix) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 25m (305 mi) Leg 2: 3h 33m (1,439 mi) Total: ~4h 58m 🍃 324 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → PHX
1h 25m · 305 mi
View SAN to PHX flights →
Leg 2
PHX → ORD
3h 33m · 1,439 mi
View PHX to ORD flights →
SAN ABQ (Albuquerque) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 55m (628 mi) Leg 2: 3h 4m (1,117 mi) Total: ~4h 59m 🍃 330 kg CO₂ (+13% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → ABQ
1h 55m · 628 mi
View SAN to ABQ flights →
Leg 2
ABQ → ORD
3h 4m · 1,117 mi
View ABQ to ORD flights →
SAN STL (Saint Louis) ORD
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,557 mi) Leg 2: 1h 29m (258 mi) Total: ~5h 4m 🍃 336 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → STL
3h 35m · 1,557 mi
View SAN to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → ORD
1h 29m · 258 mi
View STL to ORD flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Diego (SAN) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 4 hours and 17 minutes. The distance is 1,723 miles (2,773 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Diego to Chicago?

3 airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Diego to Chicago?

Yes. 3 airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is San Diego from Chicago?

The flight distance from San Diego to Chicago is 1,723 miles (2,773 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from San Diego to Chicago?

At 4h 17m, 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 San Diego to Chicago?

Roughly 291 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,455 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to San Diego 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 San Diego to Chicago?

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 San Diego International Airport for this flight?

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