Flying from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago: what you need to know
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6. The city is two hours ahead of Oakland, where San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport is located.
The most popular route is from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). You can select from nine services every week between these two airports. Southwest Airlines offers a 05:05 departure between OAK and MDW.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your OAK to Chicago flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Direct San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago tickets are available for booking. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) will be where your journey ends.
Book your ticket with Southwest Airlines. This popular carrier offers direct flights from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago.
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Oakland, OAK can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. The journey on public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Want an easy start to your holiday? Stay near OAK. Whether you're taking an early flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport maintains a solid on-time performance, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from OAK make it to their destination as scheduled 82% of the time.
OAK is located at 1 Airport Drive.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Chicago
The best price we've seen for a one-way San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago flight is 75 €. The cheapest price for a return flight is 186 €. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from OAK to Chicago by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for June. That's the best month for landing a bargain on San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the lowest price across every month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from OAK to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 27 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're getting a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes about 30 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from OAK to Chicago.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 25 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 16 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 30 minutes or so.
Following your OAK to Chicago flight, settle in at a hotel close to MDW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 145 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or taxi after your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago.
If you use public transport, the journey time is about 2 hours.
If you don't want to make your way into the centre, choose a hotel near RFD. Get settled at one of these options after your OAK to Chicago flight:
If you're hoping for a specific kind of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of getting your first choice. Reserve your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago. July is the busiest month to visit Chicago. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in January.
When booking your San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago plane ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from OAK to Chicago around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport to Chicago, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and Willis Tower are essential stops on your Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Columbus is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen Chicago. Around 451 kilometres away to the southeast, top sights here include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Whetstone Park / Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
Indianapolis is another essential stop in the United States and is around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago. No trip is complete without experiencing Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.