Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco International

This information is correct as of August 2016

Airlines that fly from Chicago to San Francisco

American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin America all offer direct flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to San Francisco. Southwest Airlines also fly to San Francisco from Chicago Midway Airport.

Terminal Information – Departing

This is only a guideline. Always check your boarding pass for up-to-date terminal information.

From Chicago O'Hare International Airport: this airport has four terminals. Frontier Airlines, Virgin America and American Airlines all depart from terminal 3. United Airlines usually depart from terminal 1. The airport has a Boingo hotspot, offering 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi to passengers. Terminals 1 and 3 both have spas, and terminal 3 also has a yoga room.

From Chicago Midway Airport: this airport has three concourses. Southwest Airlines usually leave from concourses A and B.

Terminal Information – Arriving

San Francisco International Airport is about ten miles south of the city. It's one of the world's largest airports.

· There's a free AirTrain shuttle between the airport and the nearest Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station. The journey to downtown San Francisco costs $8.65* and takes about 20 minutes.

· SamTrans busses 292, 397 and KX also run from the airport to the city. Tickets on the numbered routes are $2* while tickets on the KX cost $5*.

· Taxis are available: expect to pay upwards of $40*.

· The airport has its own dedicated car rental centre, which you can reach using the AirTrain shuttle. Some of the agencies offering car hire at San Francisco International Airport include Alamo, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Thrifty, Hertz, Budget, Avis and Fox.

Practical Information

Although this is a domestic route, British citizens will need to show their passport before boarding. American citizens can use their driving licenses instead. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 90 minutes before scheduled departure.

What to expect in San Francisco

San Francisco is two hours behind Chicago. The city by the bay has a milder climate than Chicago, with cooler summers and warmer winters. The average temperature is fairly standard all year round, with an average temperature of 10°C in winter and 14°C during summer. Autumn is probably the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists around. San Francisco is a notoriously expensive city, and your money won't go as far there as it does in Chicago. Expect to pay about $10* more on average for dinner for two, and about $1* more for a draught beer.

Although San Francisco can't offer the year-round sunshine of Los Angeles, it still has plenty to offer visitors. Make sure you check out our top 10 things to do in San Francisco while you're there.

*Prices subject to change