BUF - CHI

$60 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 4/15. 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
Travelers love KAYAK
41,299,237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$134
Frontier
Sat 5/2Tue 5/5
BUF - MDW • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$237
Typical prices: $285-$422
American Airlines
Tue 5/5Tue 5/12
BUF - ORD • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
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
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $134 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
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Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, Southwest and United Airlines. Average duration is 1h 55m
Direct flights
Direct flights
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Direct flights
Direct flights
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Top routes
Cheapest • 5% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $144 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 3h 34m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 49% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 31% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
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We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
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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, May 2 - Tue, May 5
Frontier Logo
1:11 pm - 10:14 pm
BUF
-
MDW
10h 03m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:27 pm - 12:13 pm
MDW
-
BUF
22h 46m
1 stop
$134Frontier
Sat, May 2 - Tue, May 5
Frontier Logo
1:11 pm - 10:39 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 28m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
1:59 pm - 12:13 pm
ORD
-
BUF
21h 14m
1 stop
$134Frontier
Tue, Apr 21 - Sat, Apr 25
Frontier Logo
1:56 pm - 7:31 pm
BUF
-
MDW
6h 35m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:34 pm - 11:09 am
MDW
-
BUF
14h 35m
1 stop
$166Frontier
Tue, Apr 21 - Sat, Apr 25
Frontier Logo
1:56 pm - 10:02 am
BUF
-
ORD
21h 06m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:28 pm - 11:09 am
ORD
-
BUF
17h 41m
1 stop
$169Frontier
Tue, Apr 14 - Tue, Apr 21
Frontier Logo
1:56 pm - 5:00 pm
BUF
-
ORD
28h 04m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:08 pm - 12:42 pm
ORD
-
BUF
17h 34m
1 stop
$170Frontier
Sat, May 2 - Tue, May 5
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:11 pm - 10:39 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 28m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 12:13 pm
ORD
-
BUF
15h 28m
2 stops
$172Multiple Airlines
Mon, Apr 20 - Fri, Apr 24
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:32 pm - 9:40 am
BUF
-
ORD
22h 08m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:15 pm - 12:13 pm
ORD
-
BUF
15h 58m
2 stops
$177Multiple Airlines
Sat, Apr 18 - Tue, Apr 21
Frontier Logo
1:11 pm - 10:14 pm
BUF
-
MDW
10h 03m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:15 pm - 12:42 pm
MDW
-
BUF
21h 27m
1 stop
$177Frontier
Sat, Apr 25 - Sat, May 2
Frontier Logo
1:11 pm - 6:37 pm
BUF
-
MDW
6h 26m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
7:34 pm - 11:37 am
MDW
-
BUF
15h 03m
1 stop
$181Frontier
Sat, May 2 - Mon, May 4
Frontier Logo
1:11 pm - 10:39 pm
BUF
-
ORD
10h 28m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
4:28 pm - 12:13 pm
ORD
-
BUF
18h 45m
1 stop
$181Frontier
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.

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 $248 on the route between Buffalo (BUF) and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 5% cheaper than other Buffalo-Chicago routes. It is also the most popular route.

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 Wednesday 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 March and November, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $465 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.

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $339 on average.

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 49% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 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.

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.

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.

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$60
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 11% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 32% 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 $60 for a one-way ticket and $134 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, and United Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Buffalo to Chicago flight route.

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

    The Boeing 737 MAX 8 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 $336 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 $309 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 $175 or less one-way and $364 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 4318 reviews
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
Airline reviews

Long layover between flights to Long Island from BWI - need better coordination between flights

4.0 OkayKenny, Mar 2026
TPA - BWI
Read more Southwest reviews

Long layover between flights to Long Island from BWI - need better coordination between flights

I elected to pay for the upgrades and found very little difference

The new seating arrangement is so over priced for what you get.

The problem with the seat assignments is that there were a lot of rows in the front that were empty but my row at the back was full. Just not so pleasant.

No food or entertainment, just a quick 40 minute flight. A little bumpy due to Santa Ana winds but pilot has no control over that. Good flight and landing!

Good but I prefer choose your own seat. With the new assigned seats they should board from the back I see no advantage to this new boarding. Just like every other airline

I realize they are still working out kinks with the new boarding process, but by the time I boarded in group 5, most of the bins were full. All airlines should better enforce small bags and jackets going under the seats until everyone has boarded.

WiFi was not working and didn’t have a beverage service

Snacks are always pretzels. Why can't you also offer peanuts ?

Flight boarded late after announcing on time boarding. Flight arrived only a little late despite late departure. Had trouble connecting to WiFi

Wonderful. Quick boarding. Early departure and we arrived 30 minutes early at our destination. Unfortunately, when you arrive early, there is still a departing aircraft at our gate. We had to park for 30 minutes until the gate was clear. So our early arrival was not really early at the gate. Otherwise it was a quick and smooth flight. Appreciated the efficiency.

Crew was great (professional, attentive, prompt). Snacks for 4 hrs flight is deplorable.

United Airlines is my preferred airlines and I am thankful for Gary who also help support me on the phone to switch my flight literally last min.

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

There was no inflight service. Once we landed we were delayed to find a gate for an hour and a half which was 1/2 the total time in the air.

The chicken wrap was tiny ($13 for what looked like a 1/3 of a normal wrap?) and disgusting.

It was good experience this time. The flight was on time.

There was a delay with the plan which cause the flight to leave later and once arrived in Chicago there was another delay and some passengers missed their connecting flights

The gate agent had a really bad attitude and refused to help me get on the standby list. She just handed me a card and said I needed to call a number. I asked her to help with the AA app on my phone and she just shrugged and said she didnt know. After a few phone calls, I eventually just went to a different gate agent on the other side of the terminal and got the help I needed.

Overall, my last three trips on American Airlines have all been either delayed or "rescheduled" due to mechanical issues. At least on delay caused me to miss two possible connecting flights each later than the first. My last option for my last connection required the assistance of the onsite service desk (O'Hare Airport). The wait time for the service desk was such that it jeopardized getting booked on the last connecting flight available for the night. Suffice it to say, my latest experiences with American Airlines have caused me extensive loss of productive business and personal time and can therefore be classified as significantly less than satisfactory.

Waiting for gate in RDU for more than 20mins is crazy.

American Airlines was great and worked very hard to change my ticket so I could get an earlier, direct flight back to Dallas. However, I was informed that Kayak made mistakes with my itinerary and classified my ticket as desiring to be on the earlier flight instead of taking the necessary step of calling AA to get me on the standby list. This ended up keeping me from being added to the standby list and delayed me getting home by 6 hours. I am happy to discuss this further with Kayak so they can correct their procedures so this won't happen again.

Waited for oxygen tanks for 30 minutes after boarding was complete.

We flew in first class. The crew did not offer drinks before the flight took off, but they treated us well during the flight. The food was excellent. There was actually too much food served, but it was nice to have all the options.

There's no seats that lean back with little leg space i wad uncomfortable the entire flight. Your charges for extra baggage is despicable and costly!!

Remind customers of the need to have passport or new ID for boarding.

Flight was canceled. Most upsetting was message from Kayak, stating that the flight was canceled and click with Kayak for details regarding rebook, refund details. THERE'S NO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KAYAK EXCEPT THAT FLIGHT IS CANCELED. AND NOW THIS SURVEY TO FIND OUT HOW WAS THE FLIGHT !!!!!!!

The flight never took off and we spent 7 hours at the airport

Gate not determined until I got to the airport - hard to plan the trip to the airport.

Our flight was canceled. I will never use Kayak nor Frontier for travel again. The entire experience was a headache.

Frontier.. nickel and dime add-ons. Flight late, on time, late again, last minute gate change, arrival gate required a shuttle to the terminal. They sure keep you guessing.. if you like a little chaos and airport anxiety, this is the airline for you!

This is my second time flying with Frontier. My current experience was very favorable. The staff from the gate to the plane was friendly, warm and professional. The food options lacked in my opinion. This area needs some attention in my opinion.

There was no food and no entertainment, so I'm not sure why these are even in the survey, as my understanding is frontier does not ever offer food without a few, not even a snack, and there are no screens so unless the flight safety talk is our entertainment why ask how we liked it?. One of the flight attendants say in the back of the plane as people filed in to their seats, yelling orders about where to put baggage and telling people to hurry up. It was the least professional experience I've ever had on a flight.

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

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports