Search Flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Approximate Travel Distance
Approximate Flight Duration
Popular Airlines
Popular Airport
1854 Miles
3 hour 40 min
O'Hare Intl. Airport

Cheapest San Francisco Chicago Flight Tickets

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19 Nov 2024
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Transportation to San Francisco Airport from the City Center

Located 21 km from the city center, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is a major transit center for passengers, particularly those traveling from Asia. San Francisco International is the second busiest airport in California, following Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Every year SFO handles a significant number of both domestic and international flights. There are a variety of transportation alternatives passengers can utilize to get to and from the airport.  

San Francisco International Airport stands out for the comfortable and exceptional services it offers. The airport features services aimed at meeting your every need, from comfortable passenger lounges, to restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines and a vibrant array of stores where you can go shopping.

San Francisco International Airport is accessible by taxi, bus, train, rental car, and personal car as the airport contains parking lots that offer short-term and long-term parking options.

Train

There are two rail systems that you can use to get to San Francisco International Airport from the city center. The first is the rapid-rail system, the BART. The BART starts running in the early hours of the morning, providing easy and fast transportation between SFO and the northern and southern parts of the city.

The other rail system that you can use to get to SFO is the CalTrain. This train departs on the hour, every hour, every day of the week, until 10 pm. This train provides transportation between San Francisco and San Jose and SFO.

Taxi

One of the most convenient and fastest transportation alternatives to get to SFO from the city center is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. A taxi from downtown San Francisco can cost between 42 and 62 dollars and takes about 20 minutes. For more information on taxi companies and their contact information please visit San Francisco International Airport’s website.

Bus

SamTrans buses provide transportation between the San Francisco city center and the airport. These public buses are operated by San Mateo County and run between San Mateo, various parts of San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. SamTrans lines KX, 292, 397, and 398 run directly to the airport terminals. Buses stop at the arrivals and baggage claim level of Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 and at Level 1 of the International Terminal.

Rental Car

Renting a car is another transportation alternative to get to the airport. There are many rental car companies located in the city. You can drop off your rental vehicle at the Rental Car Center before your departure. From the Rental Car Center the AirTrain Blue Line provides access to the airport terminals and it operates 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Dollar, Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, National, Budget, Fox and Thrifty.

Bike

San Francisco International Airport contains bike assembly stations and parking areas for those who want to access the airport by bike. The BART and SamTrans rapid rail systems provide passengers with bike/transit options and the airport features marked bicycle routes. Bike lovers can easily access the airport by bicycle.   

Airport Information

San Francisco International Airport is located 21 km from the city center. The airport covers an expansive area and operates domestic and international flights out of 4 terminals, Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the International Terminal. The AirTrain automated system provides free transportation between each terminal, as well as the Rental Car Center and BART station. The AirTrain Red Line links all terminals, terminal garages and the BART Station. The AirTrain Blue Line links the Rental Car Center with all terminals, terminal garages, and the BART Station. SFO also contains a variety of services and amenities to meet passengers’ pre-flight and post-flight needs.

The airport features health services in the terminals, rental car offices, banks, a lost and found, wireless internet, charging stations, clothing stores where you can go shopping, restaurants and cafes, the Aviation Museum & Library, rotating exhibitions, spa services, children’s play areas, free yoga rooms, a market, and much more. 

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2019

Transportation to Chicago City Center from Airport

Chicago Rockford Intl. Airport

Chicago Rockford International Airport is located in Winnebago County, 137 km northwest of Chicago. The airport serves Chicago as well as Rockford and the surrounding areas. The airport is served by three low-cost airlines, Allegiant Air, Apple Vacations, and Elite Airways. You can get to the city center from the airport by taxi, bus, and rental car.

Taxi

Taxis are the most convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center from Chicago Rockford International Airport. Taxis fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. Taxi companies that you can choose from include Action Taxi, Speedee Taxi and Jack’s Transportation Taxi.

Bus

Another method of transportation to get to the city center from Chicago Rockford International Airport is by bus. Buses are a more affordable option compared to taxis. The Rockford Mass Transit District buses provide transportation to the city center. Buses operate every day except for Sundays and they are accessible next to the terminal building.

Rental Car

Renting a car is one of the most comfortable ways to get to the city center from the airport. There are various rental car offices located at the airport. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Avis, Hertz, National, Alamo and Enterprise. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making a reservation.

Limousine

There are limousine services that provide door-to-door transportation from the airport to the city center, and vice versa. You have to book this service in advance. Limousine companies that you can choose from include Fantasy, D&E, A Touch, AAA Quality, Black Cadillac, Chicago Limo, Classic Limousine, Park Avenue, Party Transit, Stretch and Y Drive.

Last Updated: 18 Apr 2019

Gary International Airport

Gary/Chicago International Airport is located in Lake County, Indiana, 40 km from Chicago’s city center. Currently the airport only operates charter air service and cargo services however commercial service should be available in the future. You can get to the city center from the airport by train, bus, taxi, rental car, and personal car.

Taxi

The fastest and most comfortable transportation alternative to get to the city center from Gary/Chicago International Airport is by taxi. Taxis are available at the terminal exit. Taxi fares are based on the kilometers traveled. Taxi companies that you can choose from include All Around Taxi and Classic Taxi.

Bus

Another method of transportation to get to the city center from Gary/Chicago International Airport is by bus. Buses are a more affordable transportation alternative compared to taxis. You can use the Gary Public Transportation Corporation buses. For more information on bus lines and routes visit Gary/Chicago Airport’s website.

Train

Taking the train is another convenient transportation alternative to get to the city center from Gary/Chicago International Airport. The South Shore Railroad provides transportation between the airport and downtown Chicago. For more information regarding the train schedule and fares you can visit the airport’s website.

Rental Car

There are various rental car companies located at the terminal building. Renting a car from Gary/Chicago International Airport is a very convenient way to get to the city center, and explore the city during your trip. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Enterprise and Hertz. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making a reservation.

Airport Information

Gary/Chicago International Airport is located in Lake County Indiana, 40 km from downtown Chicago. The airport contains one terminal and currently only serves charter flights and cargo air services. The airport contains health services, rental car offices, a lost and found, and various eating and drinking venues. There are also shopping areas nearby.

Last Updated: 18 Apr 2019

Chicago Midway Intl. Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport is located 13 km from the city center. The airport is dominated by Southwest Airlines but also serves other airlines as well. You can get to the city center from the airport by personal car, rental car, taxi, bus, and train. 

Taxi

The fastest and most comfortable transportation alternative to get to the city center from Midway Internatoinal Airport is by taxi. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled. 

Bus

Another method of transportation you can use to get to the city center from Midway International Airport is by bus. Buses are more affordable than taxis and are accessible from the main terminal building. Pace Buses provide transportation between the airport and the city center, running along 7 different routes. The route you need to take will depend on your destination in the city. You can get more information on each bus route by visit Midway International Airport’s website. 

Train

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line train provides transportation between Midway International Airport and downtown Chicago. For more information regarding this train line you can visit the CTA’s website or Midway International Airport’s website. During off hours CTA buses are available.

Rental Car

There are various rental car companies located at the airport. Renting a car at Midway International Airport is a convenient way to get to the city. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty and Rent A Wreck. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making a reservation.

Last Updated: 18 Apr 2019

O'Hare Intl. Airport

Located 27 km from the city center, you can get to the city center from O’Hare International Airport by taxi, bus, metra, rental car, and personal car. O’Hare International Airport is the main international airport serving the city and it is among one of the busiest airports in the world. 

Metra

Chicago’s Metra is a commuter railroad that operates throughout the city. The North Central Service runs from the O’Hare Transfer station to various parts of the city. The Metra operates every day of the week, running more frequently during peak hours in the morning and evening and less frequently in the middle of the day. Stops along the North Central Service include, Antioch, Wheeling, Lake Villa, Prospect Heights, Round Lake Beach, O'Hare Transfer Station, Washington St./Grayslake, Rosemont, Prairie Crossing/Libertyville, Schiller Park, Mundelien, Belmont Ave./Franklin Park, Vernon Hills, River Grove, Prairie View, Western Ave, Buffalo Grove, and Union Station.

Taxi

One of the fastest and most comfortable methods of transportation to get to the city center from the airport is by taxi. Taxi stands are located in front of each terminal exit. Taxi fares are calculated based on the kilometers traveled and are an affordable option. You can find out more about specific taxi companies and their contact information by visiting the airport’s website.

Bus

Another easy transportation alternative to get to the city center is by bus. Pace buses are located in the main parking area. You can easily access the buses by using the inter-terminal shuttles. Pace buses provide transportation to various parts of the city. There are also regional buses that provide transportation to areas outside of the city center. Regional buses that you can choose from include Act II Transportation, Coach USA/Tri-State/United Limo, Illini Shuttle, PCC/Peoria Charter Coach, and Express Air Coach.

Rental Car

There are various rental car companies located at the airport that provide free shuttle service to and from the terminal building and the rental car area. Renting a car is a great transportation alternative to get to the city center. It is also an ideal method of transportation to explore the city during your trip. Rental car companies that you can choose from include Ace, Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Firefly, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty. If you are traveling between multiple places make sure to specify your vehicle pick up and drop off location when making a reservation.

Last Updated: 10 Jun 2019

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Wingie offer the cheapest San Francisco-Chicago flights?

When you search for San Francisco-Chicago flights, Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data from all airlines. You can see all San Francisco-Chicago flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight.

Which airports can I use for San Francisco-Chicago flights?

For San Francisco-Chicago flights, you can use Embarkader Airport, San Francisco Intl. Airport as departure airport, and Chicago Nas Airport, Chicago Rockford Intl. Airport, DuPage Airport, Gary International Airport, Merrill C Meigs Airport, Chicago Midway Intl. Airport, O'Hare Intl. Airport, Chicago Executive - Palwaukee Municipal Airport for arrival.

How many kilometers is the flight distance from San Francisco-Chicago and how long does the flight take?

The flight distance between San Francisco-Chicago is 2983 kilometers in total. The flight between the two cities takes 3 hour 40 minutes.

Which day is the most convenient for San Francisco-Chicago flights?

When the average prices are examined, the most suitable day for San Francisco-Chicago flights is Wednesday.