Cheap Flights from Chicago (CHI) to San Francisco International (SFO)

Top tips for finding a cheap flight from Chicago to San Francisco

Finding cheap tickets from Chicago to San Francisco is easy with a little flexibility. Use our Whole Month search feature to scan through the calendar for the cheapest dates. You can also set up a Price Alert for your route and let us monitor the fares for you, sending notifications when prices change. If you’d rather skip layovers, select the Direct Flights search to view non-stop options that’ll save you time.

Booking your tickets early often leads to savings, but we can also find you some last-minute deals. In general, December is the best time to schedule your trip from Chicago to San Francisco, with the lowest average fares across the board. Keep these strategies in mind to find the best itinerary.

Handy information about Chicago airport

Chicago caters to a broad range of air travel needs through its diverse array of airports. Chicago O'Hare International Airport, one of the world's largest airports, boasts four terminals, providing numerous ground transport options including the CTA "L" train, connecting passengers to virtually anywhere in the city. It serves a wide range of domestic and international destinations, with a dedicated terminal for international travelers.

Complementing O'Hare, Chicago Midway International Airport operates from one terminal with three concourses and ensures connectivity with various ground transportation modes, focusing primarily on domestic flights and a few international routes. For more personalized travel, both Chicago Executive and DuPage Airports offer a terminal each for private and corporate aircraft, alongside convenient transport services. Lastly, Chicago Rockford, despite its single terminal structure, supports domestic travel, particularly catering to budget-conscious passengers. Each airport, strategically located, makes accessible the vast metropolitan landscape and aligns with different travel preferences, maintaining Chicago's reputation as a significant transportation hub.

San Francisco airport: good to know

Arriving at San Francisco International Airport places you at the heart of air travel for the Bay Area, with four terminals managing both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1 is unique, having Concourse B for domestic destinations and Concourse C for international flights. Terminal 2 tends to focus more on domestic travel, streamlining the experience with a centralized security checkpoint. Terminal 3 offers flexibility with both international (Concourse E) and domestic services (Concourse F), including a customs facility for those arriving from abroad. The International Terminal is dedicated to global travel, divided into Boarding Area A and Boarding Area G, each with comprehensive U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities. For the most current airline and terminal operations, a quick check with the airport or your airline is always prudent before travel. Arrange your airport transfers ahead of time when traveling from Chicago to San Francisco for a stress-free arrival.

Best time to fly from Chicago to San Francisco

The best time to fly from Chicago to San Francisco is around September and October when the destination enjoys its warmest weather, boasting pleasant average temperatures between 59°F and 75°F. These months offer a perfect balance for travelers seeking mild conditions without the typical summer fog. While winters are wetter, the overall climate remains moderate, making San Francisco a great year-round destination. However, for the most agreeable weather, aim for a fall getaway to experience this coastal city at its finest.

Reasons to visit San Francisco

When planning your trip to San Francisco, check out these activities and attractions San Francisco has to offer. Experience the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering and a signature landmark of the city. Explore Alcatraz Island, once home to a notorious prison and now a captivating historic site. Wander around Fisherman's Wharf, a hub of entertainment, shopping, and seafood dining, capturing the essence of life by the bay. During June, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration, an annual event championing diversity and community spirit.

Add hotel bookings and car hire to your Chicago to San Francisco flight

Planning your trip to San Francisco is easy and convenient with Skyscanner. With choices like Thrifty, Dollar, and Alamo, finding a suitable car rental upon arrival is easy. Accommodation is just as simple to arrange, with well-regarded hotels such as the San Francisco Marriott Marquis Union Square, Argonaut Hotel, and Hyatt Regency San Francisco at your fingertips. Choose from these, and other fine hotel options, to secure your comfort while exploring the city.