SFO to ORD Route Guide
San Francisco, United States → Chicago, United States
Quick answer
KSFO (San Francisco, United States) to KORD (Chicago, United States) is a 1,600 NM (2,963 km / 1,841 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 70° (ENE). 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
70° (ENE)
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
13 ft
KSFO
Arrival Elevation
672 ft
KORD
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 SFO-ORD should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between SFO and ORD?
1,600 nautical miles (2,963 km / 1,841 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from San Francisco to Chicago?
Approximately 3h 58m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly SFO-ORD?
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?
70° true (ENE). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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