BUF - CHI

$70 Find Cheap Flights from Buffalo to Chicago

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Buffalo to Chicago departing on 2/21. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Buffalo to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Buffalo to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
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41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$147
Frontier
Sat 2/28Mon 3/2
BUF - MDW • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$257
Typical prices: $379-$551
American Airlines
Wed 2/18Wed 2/25
BUF - ORD • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
United's Economy Plus seats offer more legroom.
Southwest provides two free checked bags per passenger.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Video guide: How to find cheap flights to Chicago
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Top airlines
Frontier
Cheapest • from $147 (round-trip)
Southwest
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
BUF
-
MDW
Cheapest • 1% average savings
BUF
-
ORD
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 50% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
August
Cheapest • 33% price drop
August
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Buffalo to Chicago (BUF-CHI)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Buffalo to Chicago that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Buffalo to Chicago

Sat, Feb 28 - Mon, Mar 2
Frontier Logo
12:00 pm - 9:39 pm
BUF
-
MDW
10h 39m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
9:22 pm - 6:21 pm
MDW
-
BUF
19h 59m
1 stop
$147Frontier
Mon, Feb 23 - Thu, Feb 26
Frontier Logo
11:17 am - 8:27 pm
BUF
-
MDW
10h 10m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 12:54 pm
MDW
-
BUF
5h 29m
1 stop
$148Frontier
Mon, Feb 23 - Thu, Feb 26
Frontier Logo
11:17 am - 3:52 pm
BUF
-
ORD
29h 35m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:42 pm - 12:44 pm
ORD
-
BUF
19h 02m
1 stop
$158Frontier
Mon, Feb 9 - Thu, Feb 12
Frontier Logo
1:39 pm - 10:19 pm
BUF
-
MDW
9h 40m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 12:54 pm
MDW
-
BUF
5h 29m
1 stop
$160Frontier
Mon, Feb 9 - Thu, Feb 12
Frontier Logo
1:39 pm - 10:46 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 07m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
5:05 am - 12:54 pm
ORD
-
BUF
6h 49m
1 stop
$160Frontier
Fri, Feb 27 - Sun, Mar 1
Frontier Logo
1:39 pm - 10:39 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 00m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
5:05 am - 1:24 pm
ORD
-
BUF
7h 19m
1 stop
$163Frontier
Mon, Mar 2 - Fri, Mar 6
JetBlue Logo
6:00 am - 11:49 am
BUF
-
ORD
6h 49m
1 stop
JetBlue Logo
12:41 pm - 6:35 pm
ORD
-
BUF
4h 54m
1 stop
$166JetBlue
Fri, Feb 6 - Sun, Feb 8
Frontier Logo
1:39 pm - 10:46 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 07m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:42 pm - 12:44 pm
ORD
-
BUF
21h 02m
1 stop
$169Frontier
Wed, Mar 18 - Wed, Mar 25
JetBlue Logo
6:00 am - 11:25 am
BUF
-
ORD
6h 25m
1 stop
JetBlue Logo
12:20 pm - 8:53 pm
ORD
-
BUF
7h 33m
1 stop
$171JetBlue
Sat, Feb 28 - Mon, Mar 2
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:00 pm - 12:40 am
BUF
-
ORD
13h 40m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:05 am - 12:53 pm
ORD
-
BUF
6h 48m
1 stop
$177Multiple Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Buffalo to Chicago flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Buffalo to Chicago to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

Find cheap flights to Chicago
Find cheap flights to Chicago

Planning a trip from Buffalo to Chicago? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. Learn the best time to fly, how early to book your ticket, and other tips to secure great prices.

What is the cheapest Buffalo to Chicago flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest return flight from Buffalo to Chicago costs $237 on the route between Buffalo (BUF) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 1% cheaper than other Buffalo-Chicago routes. The most popular route is between Buffalo (BUF) and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD).

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Buffalo to Chicago?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Buffalo to Chicago clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to Chicago on a Friday and more expensive on a Sunday. On your return trip to Buffalo, you should consider flying back on a Tuesday, and avoid Sundays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Buffalo to Chicago?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Buffalo to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Buffalo to Chicago is August, where tickets cost $217 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are February and November, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $417 and $349 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Buffalo to Chicago?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $313, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Buffalo to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Buffalo to Chicago, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 50% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 11 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Buffalo to Chicago

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Good to know

Low seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$70
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 4% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 33% lower on average.
Flight from Buffalo to Chicago Midway Airport

When to book flights from Buffalo to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Buffalo to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Buffalo to Chicago

  • What kinds of flights can I find between Buffalo and Chicago?

    There are quite a few daily nonstop flights from Buffalo to Chicago and these journeys are usually serviced by airlines like American Airlines and United. You can also find some daily journeys that have connections and they can also be serviced by United. Connections often take place in cities such as Charlotte.

  • What are my options for going from downtown Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara International Airport?

    If you drive from downtown Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, you can plan on the journey taking you around 15min in total. You can always choose public transportation instead, like bus line 24. The bus will get you to BUF in around 45 to 50min in total.

  • How can I easily go from O'Hare International Airport to central Chicago?

    One easy way to go from O'Hare International Airport to central Chicago is by driving, which normally will take you approximately 20 to 25 minute. You can also grab the Blue metro line, which will bring you to downtown Chicago in around 50 to 55 minute.

  • Do I have the option of renting a car directly from Chicago Midway International Airport?

    Chicago Midway International Airport does offer the option of renting a car directly from this transportation hub. The rental center can be found in the Arrivals terminal and there are a few different companies that have offices here, including Budget, Enterprise, and National. They all store their fleets right near the Midway Airport Rental Car Facility, so it will be easy to walk to your vehicle after completing any necessary paperwork.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Buffalo to Chicago was $70 for a one-way ticket and $147 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Buffalo and Chicago?

    No

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Buffalo to Chicago?

    On your way to Chicago, you’ll fly out from Buffalo. You’ll be landing in one of Chicago’s 2 airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Buffalo to Chicago?

    American Airlines, JetBlue, United Airlines, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Buffalo to Chicago flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Buffalo to Chicago?

    The Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet CRJ-550 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Buffalo to Chicago flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Buffalo to Chicago?

    Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Buffalo and Chicago, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Buffalo to Chicago?

    There are nonstop flights from Buffalo to Chicago on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Buffalo to Chicago, Southwest or United Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Buffalo to Chicago are Southwest and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $335 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $323 and an overall rating of 7.4.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Buffalo to Chicago?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Buffalo to Chicago.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Buffalo to Chicago?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago from Buffalo is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Buffalo to Chicago?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Chicago with an airline and back to Buffalo with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Chicago from Buffalo up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Buffalo to Chicago

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $190 or less one-way and $326 or less round-trip.
  • If you’ll be flying to the Chicago region, you can choose from two different airports for your departure. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 12 miles from central Chicago, while O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located around 17 miles from the city’s downtown.
  • Before boarding your flight at Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), you may want to relax in a lounge. There is The Club that can be found in the Main Terminal between Gates 6 and 7 and it is available to all passengers for a small fee.
  • When you have an early flight out of O'Hare International Airport, it can be convenient to book a nearby hotel the night before. The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel is directly connected to Terminal 2 at the airport, while the Aloft Chicago O’Hare is around a 5 minute drive away and has a free shuttle.
  • Those that will be traveling with small children will want to take note of the nursing room that is near Gate 12 of Buffalo Niagara International Airport. This nursing room has plenty of room for a stroller and also has running water, seating, and a changing table.
  • If you are a bit hungry before your flight begins boarding at Chicago Midway International Airport, there are a few different dining options for you to choose from. There is an Arami that can be found in Concourse A, as well as a Camden Food that is in Concourse B.

Prefer to fly direct from Buffalo to Chicago?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Buffalo to Chicago.
Find which airlines fly direct from Buffalo Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Buffalo to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Buffalo

Monday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 4 airlines serving from Buffalo to Chicago

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Buffalo to Chicago. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Buffalo to Chicago? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.0
SouthwestOverall score based on 4267 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.0Food
7.5Entertainment
8.1Boarding
8.6Crew
Airline reviews

All good except once again bags took an hour at Midway Airport Happens all the time. Ridiculous

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Jan 2026
PHX - MDW
Read more Southwest reviews

All good except once again bags took an hour at Midway Airport Happens all the time. Ridiculous

Everything went smoothly and we even arrived a little bit early.

Great vacation. Can't wait till next year for another one.

Great flight but super high price. Glad it was a business trip and not personal

On time. Friendly staff. Took to long to pre bord all the specialty groups. Cramped small plane

The seats were comfortable, and the boarding process was pretty smooth.

3 hour delay. Had to change plans and was still delayed.

The staff was very friendly, professional, and courteous. The overall flight was a great experience.

The crew canceled the complementary snack and drink in anticipation of turbulence that never materialized. I was counting on the drink (water) to take the the doses of medication - prescribed for my heart condition - that were due during the flight. Since no snack or meal was served on this flight, I cannot rate the food quality. Otherwise, this flight was excellent.

Departure was delayed more than 1/2 hour while we waited for luggage (only) transfer from another flight/plane. Once approved for takeoff, the flight was excellent.

Seated dude next to me even though lots of empty rows. But main thing was we sat on the tarmac after landing for 30 minutes because of, in the words of the dude who sat next to me, “operational incompetence”. We got changing directions about where to pick up gate checked bags. Pilot and flight attendant were awesome though.

It was a pretty standard flight... until the almost hour and a half spent on the taxi way. I get that the weather has been poor but the delay had nothing to do with the weather and more to do with a plane with several issues tying up the gate. I get that that happens from time to time but this has been EVERY flight I've been on for the past 5 years and I fly 3 to 5 times a year. This isn't just United... it's American, it's Delta. It's an issue with the entire industry. I work for UPS and packages on a cargo plane get better service than people do these days. Anymore I HATE flying.

Perfect flight. Smooth flight. Arrived 20 minutes early at destination. Excellent service.

The flights were on time which was great give. It was holiday travel season and there’d been some weather issues. The only complaint and this is every time with United is the terrible seat design. The head rest is not built for comfort and having my neck bent forward for a cross country trip reminded me while I try not to take United flights as a rule.

Everything was absolutely wonderful from check in to baggage claim. Staff was very professional and sweet. Will definitely recommend United to family and friends.

They did the one thing that really matters - got to Chicago early.

The flight was on time. I generally don’t drink or eat on short flights and the seats were good and the flight attendants were friendly. That’s all I expect

It was nice to have gotten up upgraded to first class with a meal on a three hour flight

Very bad! They kept delaying my flight and wouldn’t do anything about it

Door to door, the crew and staff were amazing. It was a stressful travel day with delays, but they were focused on customers and doing what they could to get us to our destinations.

Pilot navigated severe weather/snow storm with skill. Described his intentions clearly

Little warm on the plane and delayed for an hour

So excited very proud first of all I wanna thank kayak all updates very professional and fast alart And amazing cabin crew so nice to me they deserve big salute

The boarding process needs to be fixed. The zone don't work, especially when there is hardly anyone in zones 3, 4,and 5, leaving the majority of the passengers backed up in the aisle, especially because passengers seated near the front are blocking passengers who are seated in the rear of the plane. It would also help if the size of carry on bags was more strictly enforced.

Awful. They won’t help me with anything. I booked on American but they abdicated to Iberia. The ticket was overpriced. Everything negative

I enjoyed the extra leg room compared to other airlines. The first stewards made my daughter’s birthday special by giving her an extra snack. Then the last one coming home from Chicago to Appleton made our night really enjoyable Thanks for making our trip enjoyable

It was good..clean, comfy seat. Friendly warm welcoming crew. Was able to check my cabin luggage at the gate which I was able to pickup in a decent time from baggage claim. The app gave all updates from delays to baggage claim info. Overall smooth flight.

It was a typical flight. We had a delay which seems to be the normality now. And we had no in flight service due to conditions.

After we landed we sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hours waiting to get to our gate. Ridiculous.

Terrible. Flight delayed for more than 8 hours with only a $12 meal voucher provided for the inconvenience. The airplane did not have breaks on arrival yet they still made us go through the motions and board on time knowing we could not take off then sit for 40+ minutes before having to get of the time. A complete waste of my time. I cannot believe they can stay business with these shenanigans. I’ll avoid this company like the plague moving forward as the lack of accountability is disgraceful.

Very well recently! Frontier is improving and less harrassing customer on luggages! Positive!

Good for a budget airline! It was easy to get on, staff was really nice. Can’t say anything about the food or entertainment because it wasn’t available, which is fine.

I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent Frontier Airlines flight. I was charged $99 at the gate because my bag was said to be too large, yet once onboard there was no available overhead bin space, and I was required to place the bag under the seat in front of me anyway. This made the charge feel unnecessary and unfair. Additionally, before the flight even took off, I was asked to move from the seat I paid for into a middle seat so another passenger and her cat could have my seat to themselves. I was not offered compensation or an explanation for being moved from a paid seat. Between the unexpected bag fee and being forced to give up my seat, this experience fell well below acceptable customer service standards. I would appreciate a review of this situation and appropriate compensation.

It was costly and difficult to check in. $85 to take a small suitcase with me, carry on or checked and $75 on the return trip, Plus $25 if I didn't check my self in check in $25, because I couldn't do it on the kiosk. Small very uncomfortable seats, waited on the runway for near an hour each way. It was my worst flight to date.

It was ok. It was expensive to check 2 bags ($75.00 per bag), and then it took a long time to wait for shuttle to take us from one terminal to the terminal where the plane was taking off at LAX. And all of this for a flight where we had to pay for any food or drink that was not water.

It didn’t happen. I booked it and then was told it wasn’t available and then forced to pay far higher prices for a worse option

A 630departure flight Delayed 6hours! They changed my gate, I moved to the new gate. Had our flight on the screen for 12noon departure. I go get above to eat, check screen again and the flight was gone, no notice no announcement, nothing!! They sent my bag on the flight I wasn’t on, got it back to me 3days later. Thank goodness they did refund my money but I will NEVER fly them again.

Due to weather, my flight was delayed, further delayed, then canceled. I eventually got through to a support person who helped me find a different route out of MSP, but to get to DIA, they didn't want to, but eventually did help with the connection ticket purchase. But even this replacement flight was delayed time and time again, and I would have missed my connecting flights and I didn't want to get stuck in a layover city, so after 12 hours at the airport with two young boys who were very tired, we just cancelled our plans and spent the week at home, instead of Nana's.

Plane and crew on board were fine. Everything else was terrible.

The third party booking with cheapflightsfares was awful. Kayak should NOT partner with them. They sold me a bundle including seat selection and carry-on, but did not book the carry-ons with Frontier, so I’m out of pocket for $414 more while I await resolution.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Buffalo to Chicago

Information on your arrival and departure airports