ORD to SFO Route Guide
Chicago, United States → San Francisco, United States
Quick answer
KORD (Chicago, United States) to KSFO (San Francisco, United States) is a 1,600 NM (2,963 km / 1,841 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 272° (W). Typical cruise altitude FL350, expected flight time 3h 58m, common aircraft: Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo.
Distance
1,600 NM
2,963 km / 1,841 mi
Initial Bearing
272° (W)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL350
35,000 ft
Block Time
3h 58m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
6,300 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
672 ft
KORD
Arrival Elevation
13 ft
KSFO
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 1,600 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Boeing 737-800
- Airbus A320neo
- Airbus A321neo
- Boeing 737 MAX 8
Weather considerations
Pilots flying ORD-SFO should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between ORD and SFO?
1,600 nautical miles (2,963 km / 1,841 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Francisco?
Approximately 3h 58m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly ORD-SFO?
Common types include Boeing 737-800, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321neo, Boeing 737 MAX 8 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL350 (35,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
272° true (W). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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