Direct (nonstop) flights from Sacramento to Chicago

2 airlines fly nonstop from Sacramento International (SMF) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 1,781 miles (2,867 km), about 4h 9m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, United Airlines.

SMF
Sacramento International
🇺🇸 Sacramento, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
4h 9m
Distance
1,781 mi
2,867 km
CO₂/pax
301 kg
−43 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
SMF → ORD
Flight Time
4h 9m
Distance
1,781 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
SMF → ORD
Flight Time
4h 9m
Distance
1,781 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Sacramento to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 301 kg CO₂ per passenger

SMF MCI (Kansas City) ORD
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,442 mi) Leg 2: 1h 44m (403 mi) Total: ~4h 54m 🍃 344 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → MCI
3h 10m · 1,442 mi
View SMF to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → ORD
1h 44m · 403 mi
View MCI to ORD flights →
SMF DEN (Denver) ORD
Leg 1: 2h 20m (909 mi) Leg 2: 2h 39m (888 mi) Total: ~4h 59m 🍃 357 kg CO₂ (+19% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → DEN
2h 20m · 909 mi
View SMF to DEN flights →
Leg 2
DEN → ORD
2h 39m · 888 mi
View DEN to ORD flights →
SMF SLC (Salt Lake City) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 44m (531 mi) Leg 2: 3h 16m (1,250 mi) Total: ~5h 🍃 334 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → SLC
1h 44m · 531 mi
View SMF to SLC flights →
Leg 2
SLC → ORD
3h 16m · 1,250 mi
View SLC to ORD flights →
SMF BOI (Boise) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 25m (437 mi) Leg 2: 3h 43m (1,437 mi) Total: ~5h 8m 🍃 349 kg CO₂ (+16% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → BOI
1h 25m · 437 mi
View SMF to BOI flights →
Leg 2
BOI → ORD
3h 43m · 1,437 mi
View BOI to ORD flights →
SMF STL (Saint Louis) ORD
Leg 1: 3h 40m (1,678 mi) Leg 2: 1h 29m (258 mi) Total: ~5h 9m 🍃 357 kg CO₂ (+19% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SMF → STL
3h 40m · 1,678 mi
View SMF 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 Sacramento to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Sacramento (SMF) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 4 hours and 9 minutes. The distance is 1,781 miles (2,867 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Sacramento to Chicago?

2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Sacramento to Chicago?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Sacramento from Chicago?

The flight distance from Sacramento to Chicago is 1,781 miles (2,867 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from Sacramento to Chicago?

At 4h 9m, 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 Sacramento to Chicago?

Roughly 301 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,505 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento International for this flight?

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