BUF - CHI

$68 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 5/26. 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

Save 24% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$238
Typical prices: $349-$213
Frontier
Tue 6/9Wed 6/10
BUF - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$251
Southwest
Tue 5/26Tue 6/2
BUF - MDW • 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 $246 (round-trip)
Best reviews • 8.0 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
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
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 1% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $144 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 3h 29m (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 52% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 38% price drop
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

Tue, Jun 9 - Wed, Jun 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:05 pm - 7:53 pm
BUF
-
ORD
8h 48m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:06 pm - 10:40 am
ORD
-
BUF
17h 34m
2 stops
$238Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jun 9 - Sat, Jun 13
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:05 pm - 7:53 pm
BUF
-
ORD
8h 48m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:18 pm - 10:40 am
ORD
-
BUF
20h 22m
2 stops
$243Multiple Airlines
Mon, May 18 - Tue, May 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:49 pm - 7:55 am
BUF
-
ORD
18h 06m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:06 pm - 1:54 pm
ORD
-
BUF
20h 48m
2 stops
$245Multiple Airlines
Thu, Jun 4 - Mon, Jun 8
Frontier Logo
11:36 am - 10:02 pm
BUF
-
MDW
11h 26m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 1:54 pm
MDW
-
BUF
6h 54m
1 stop
$246Frontier
Tue, Jun 9 - Wed, Jun 17
American Airlines Logo
6:02 am - 11:56 am
BUF
-
ORD
6h 54m
1 stop
American Airlines Logo
6:40 am - 9:29 am
ORD
-
BUF
1h 49mnonstop
$247American Airlines
Tue, Jun 9 - Wed, Jun 17
Southwest Logo
9:00 am - 2:00 pm
BUF
-
MDW
6h 00m
1 stop
Southwest Logo
6:55 pm - 9:25 pm
MDW
-
BUF
1h 30mnonstop
$247Southwest
Thu, Jun 4 - Mon, Jun 8
Frontier Logo
11:36 am - 10:02 pm
BUF
-
MDW
11h 26m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
6:00 am - 1:54 pm
MDW
-
BUF
6h 54m
1 stop
$248Frontier
Tue, May 12 - Sat, May 16
Frontier Logo
11:36 am - 7:51 pm
BUF
-
ORD
9h 15m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
5:30 pm - 6:46 pm
ORD
-
BUF
24h 16m
1 stop
$248Frontier
Tue, May 26 - Tue, Jun 2
Southwest Logo
6:55 pm - 7:35 pm
BUF
-
MDW
1h 40mnonstop
Southwest Logo
12:50 pm - 3:20 pm
MDW
-
BUF
1h 30mnonstop
$251Southwest
Sat, Jun 6 - Wed, Jun 10
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 7:59 am
BUF
-
ORD
1h 59mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:00 pm - 4:46 pm
ORD
-
BUF
1h 46mnonstop
$251United 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.

How much is a round-trip flight from Buffalo to Chicago?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Buffalo to Chicago departing in June.

What is the cheapest Buffalo to Chicago flight route?

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

The absolute cheapest return flight from Buffalo to Chicago costs $269 on the route between Buffalo (BUF) and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD). However, over the past month, flights between Buffalo (BUF) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) were, 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 Thursdays 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 March, where tickets cost $73 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are April and May, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $200 and $168 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 $342 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 52% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 17 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$68
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% 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 $68 for a one-way ticket and $238 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, Delta, 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 Airbus A319 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 $350 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 $306 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 $189 or less one-way and $369 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 4314 reviews
7.5Entertainment
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
Airline reviews

The entire experience from boarding to landing was amazing! The crew were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

10.0 Excellentlarry, Apr 2026
LGB - PHX
Read more Southwest reviews

The entire experience from boarding to landing was amazing! The crew were very friendly. Will definitely be back.

no service at all due to turbulence. they should've at least given us snacks, there were only 10 people on the entire flight.

First time I've had to use the disabled accommodations. And I could not have had a better experience with Southwest, i was having trouble getting from one terminal to another due to my heart failure. And the next thing I know a Southwest agent had made sure. I had a wheelchair at all my flights. Can't thank them enough.

Delayed flight, lack of information, boarding process is a mess as is the carryon luggage causing issues when leaving the plane….just a poor experience.

Comfortable. Easy. No problems. Just wish they had gf options for snacks.

The crew was very kind and made going to Hawaii relaxing and fun to look forward to! Thank you Southwest for a pleasant flight!

This leg was much better, but we did have to have a 3 hour lay o er after coming from a very exhausting hiccup with our flight from BNA to Den

We waited in the airplane for over 45 min for a southwest employee to make the flight. This cause over half the plane to miss their connecting flight in Denver. When we confronted the desk upon arrival, they told us the only flight they had was the next day leaving at 8:50 pm!!! Or they offered to get us to Burbank or LA, but after that we were on our own to get back to Santa Barbara. I paid for a flight from sba to bna bna to sba. My re entry into mom mode has been 💯 rough because of southwest mistake with my flight. And now I’m leaving to Reno tomorrow for a vballl tournament and just discovered that my leg in Vegas has me and my 3 kids on a stand by flight even though I had booked these ticket last year November!! Do better southwest!

Southwest is kind of a slum airline. It’s gotten more expensive over the years for less and less service. I am a Southwest Chase Visa card holder and was forced to choose a seat in the 26th row in the middle seat. However my wife who is a rewards member but doesn’t hold a card or anything else, gets randomly assigned a normally paid seat in row 6! How does that work?

For the first time in a long time, the Wi-Fi actually worked the entire flight! The flight crew was amazing as usual.

Standard flight with a drinks and a snack- overall very quick flight. The flight attendants were very strict, bordered on rude.

Delayed - weather wasn't bad at either end. Also sat on tarmac in ORD.

boarded early to only find out that flight would sit at gate for 45 min to an hour. Landed in chicago and sat on runway for over an hour before got to gate. Total delay was extensive for a 45 min flight door to door.

The flight was significantly delayed. The inbound flight from EWR was delayed departing because of mechanical problems. My original departure from CLT was 5:28 pm but due to the delay of the inbound flight, after arrival, deplaning, cleaning, boarding, we did not push back from the gate until 9:00 pm. Once in the air, the flight was smooth and what was originally supposed to be an arrival in ORD at 7:30 pm local time turned out to be 9:35 pm.

The flight I was supposed to be on was supposed to take off at 1:50 from State College. It was delayed over and over and over again until somehow I had to rebook on a flight that was supposed to have left State College at 8 am that morning but didn't end up taking off until almost 6 pm. Not only was this completely unacceptable, the "token from United" was a 15 dollar meal voucher that has to be used by today. I would personally like some miles added to my account for this inconvenience. I was in transit for 8 hours from the time I arrive at State College Aiport to when I got home. I was supposed to be home at 3 pm and I returned at 8 pm. Unacceptable. I have not been on an on Time united flight in nearly 5 years.

newer aircraft, ability to connect my headset via blue tooth for entertainment.

Very comfortable flight, snacks and drinks were good, good communication from crew. Could have used a little more information on timing of boarding for group 5

Great flight. Got to watch a movie. Smooth flight and early arrival at ORD.

It was better than excellent. The staff in Mason City were great. The young woman that pushed my wheelchair did more than could be expected of her. She came from India 17 years ago. I don't remember her name.

After arriving in Chicago, we were taxiing for 1.5 hours with infrequent and untruthful updates about the amount of time it would take to arrive at the gate. Minimally, the team could have provided timing expectations that were more truthful, especially one their original expectations were not met.

It was good, the staff was great, and the food, was as usual, tea and biscuit. Bathroom was clean, and the plane was clean as well.

Very good I can’t complain one bit. Thank you American Airlines for making my flight enjoyable and safe!

The staff and service on American Airlines were truly outstanding. I had requested wheelchair assistance for my mother due to her knee issues, and the team went above and beyond every step of the way—from boarding in Boston to our arrival in Chicago. Their care, professionalism, and attentiveness made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. I’m very grateful for the support they provided.

The new planes (American Eagle) are beautiful and especially comfortable. The flight attendants are consistently professional and courteous. And, while it may seem inconsequential, the new liquid tube of coffee creamer—in contrast to the powdered coffee creamer—makes all the difference in a cup of coffee.

I'm not sure American is capable of on-time arrivals and departures. When you land at ORD, you almost always get held on the tarmac because your gate is still occupied. I may have missed my connection, but that ended up up being significantly delayed as well. Once again, I finally got home well after midnight.

Crew at the gate was very crabby and not at all polite. The plane was very hot the entire flight. And the seat cushion was very worn out.

The staff are very, very professional. It's what flying should feel like.

Flight was delayed half hour before boarding, but when I checked flight aware the plane that would Pick us up had a delay of more than an hour. AA should let us know in advance to avoid waiting several hours in the airport

Delays with no explanation. It could have been handled better.

Jill was the flight attendant in first class she was fabulous!! Best flight attendant I have had in years.!! And I fly every other week. Other can learn from her!!

Plane was hot and miserable and the crew was rude!

12 hour delay required getting on and off plane 3 times - would have at least liked to have been offered a snack or drink

They didn’t offer a water, even after I asked

They switched our terminal 3 times and we were delayed for four plus hours!!!

It was an early flight and most people napped/slept and the crew let us which was nice.

The crew acted like they had never done this and kept barking passive aggressive orders at people. + the security line + the delay + sitting on the tarmac for 2 hours + none of the apps or signage updating with correct times

More inflight connection. And leg space is horrible. And the paying for baggage I'd ridiculous!!!

My flight was originally from SAT to MCO connecting from MCO to ORD. We got diverted to ATL and than Frontier staff there was sooo un helpful first they said they couldn’t give us any accommodation since our flight first got delayed that cancelled and now it’s 221am and I am still in ATL since they said they need to create a new flight my final destination is ORD and I have been delayed twice and cancelled. With no real help the frontier app didn’t work no email updates over all such a horrible experience

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.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports