Distance from Chicago to San Francisco
2,987 km · 1,856 miles as the crow flies, about 4 h 14 min by air.
41.8300°, -87.7501° · America/Chicago
37.7400°, -122.4600° · America/Los Angeles
WGS-84 ellipsoid (Vincenty). Spherical haversine gives 2,980 km. Flight time assumes 800 km/h cruise + 30 min for taxi, climb and descent.
Chicago to San Francisco at a glance
| Straight-line distance | 2,987 km / 1,856 mi / 1,613 nmi |
|---|---|
| Estimated flight time | 4 h 14 min |
| Initial bearing | 273° (W) |
| Halfway point | 41.102°, -105.637° |
| Chicago coordinates | 41.83°, -87.7501° |
| San Francisco coordinates | 37.74°, -122.46° |
Local time: Chicago · San Francisco. Sun times: sunrise and sunset in San Francisco.
More routes from Chicago
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chicago from San Francisco?
2,987 km (1,856 miles, 1,613 nautical miles) in a straight line over the Earth’s surface, measured between the city centres on the WGS-84 ellipsoid.
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?
About 4 h 14 min in still air (800 km/h cruise plus 30 minutes for taxi, climb and descent). Scheduled flights vary with winds and routing, and connecting itineraries take longer.
Which direction is San Francisco from Chicago?
The great-circle route leaves Chicago on an initial bearing of 273° (W). The halfway point is near 41.10°, -105.64°.