CHI - BUF

$116 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Buffalo - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to Buffalo departing on 9/21. 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

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$199
Typical prices: $237-$370
Frontier
Wed 9/9Wed 9/16
ORD - BUF • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$236
Typical prices: $237-$369
American Airlines
Wed 9/9Wed 9/16
ORD - BUF • Non-stop
Top airlines
Cheapest • from $199 (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 40m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
+1
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 10% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $197 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 3h 01m (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 39% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 24% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Buffalo (CHI-BUF)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Buffalo 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 Chicago to Buffalo

Wed, Sep 9 - Wed, Sep 16
Frontier Logo
6:20 am - 12:55 pm
ORD
-
BUF
5h 35m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
1:40 pm - 6:23 pm
BUF
-
ORD
5h 43m
1 stop
$199Frontier
Wed, Sep 9 - Wed, Sep 16
Frontier Logo
6:25 am - 12:55 pm
MDW
-
BUF
5h 30m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
1:40 pm - 5:51 pm
BUF
-
MDW
5h 11m
1 stop
$199Frontier
Wed, Sep 23 - Mon, Sep 28
JetBlue Logo
10:59 am - 6:33 pm
ORD
-
BUF
6h 34m
1 stop
JetBlue Logo
6:00 am - 9:58 am
BUF
-
ORD
4h 58m
1 stop
$221JetBlue
Wed, Sep 23 - Tue, Sep 29
JetBlue Logo
10:59 am - 6:33 pm
ORD
-
BUF
6h 34m
1 stop
JetBlue Logo
6:00 am - 9:58 am
BUF
-
ORD
4h 58m
1 stop
$221JetBlue
Wed, Sep 9 - Wed, Sep 16
American Airlines Logo
7:20 pm - 10:10 pm
ORD
-
BUF
1h 50mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:56 pm - 8:15 pm
BUF
-
ORD
2h 19mnonstop
$236American Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Thu, Oct 15
American Airlines Logo
8:03 am - 10:53 am
ORD
-
BUF
1h 50mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:50 pm - 8:00 pm
BUF
-
ORD
2h 10mnonstop
$237American Airlines
Thu, Aug 20 - Wed, Sep 9
United Airlines Logo
6:49 am - 9:28 am
ORD
-
BUF
1h 39mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 11:29 am
BUF
-
ORD
1h 59mnonstop
$237United Airlines
Wed, Sep 2 - Thu, Sep 3
United Airlines Logo
6:15 pm - 9:07 pm
ORD
-
BUF
1h 52mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 11:29 am
BUF
-
ORD
1h 59mnonstop
$237United Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Mon, Aug 31
Southwest Logo
7:40 am - 10:10 am
MDW
-
BUF
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
7:10 pm - 7:45 pm
BUF
-
MDW
1h 35mnonstop
$237Southwest
Mon, Aug 31 - Tue, Sep 1
Southwest Logo
12:45 pm - 3:15 pm
MDW
-
BUF
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
12:35 pm - 1:10 pm
BUF
-
MDW
1h 35mnonstop
$237Southwest
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Buffalo flights

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

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

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

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to Buffalo from Chicago usually cost between $248 and $481 in September.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $199 on Frontier (Sep 9-Sep 16).

What is the cheapest Chicago to Buffalo flight route?

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

The cheapest return flight from Chicago to Buffalo costs $235 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Buffalo (BUF). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 10% cheaper than other Chicago-Buffalo routes. It is also the most popular route.

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

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

For Chicago to Buffalo, Saturday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Monday is the most expensive. Flying from Buffalo back to Chicago, the best deals are generally found on Saturday, with Sunday being the most expensive.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Buffalo, 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 Chicago to Buffalo is September, where tickets cost $276 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $451 and $407 respectively.

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

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 Chicago to Buffalo?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Buffalo, 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 Chicago to Buffalo, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 39% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Buffalo

 
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 season

January

Cheapest flight

$116
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 16% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Buffalo

When to book flights from Chicago to Buffalo

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Buffalo 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 Chicago to Buffalo

  • Are there reliable car rentals for travelers landing at Buffalo Airport (BUF) in Buffalo?

    Travelers who wish to rent cars after landing at Buffalo Airport in Buffalo shouldn’t get worried. Avis Car Rental Agency, Hertz Car Rental-Buffalo-Sammys Collision HLE, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car Agency are some of the most reliable car rentals that can be considered by travelers landing at Buffalo Airport. All three agencies have onsite offices in the airport.

  • Where can I book a hotel room after landing at Buffalo Airport in Buffalo?

    If you are planning to get a hotel room after landing at Buffalo Airport, consider booking a room in the Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport Hotel. Located along Buell Avenue Cheektowaga, Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport Hotel is one hotel that can be easily accessed by travelers landing at Buffalo Airport, which is 25 miles away. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and shuttle rides to customers.

  • Which airline offers kid-friendly amenities to travelers flying from Chicago to Buffalo?

    The kid-friendly entertainment American Airlines offers makes it the most preferred airline among travelers flying from Chicago to Buffalo in the company of their family or kids. This airline has several on-demand entertainment options best suited for kids, such as movies and TV shows.

  • Which other regions are served by Buffalo Airport apart from Buffalo, New York?

    Apart from Buffalo in New York, Buffalo Niagara International Airport also serves the southern Golden Horseshoe region of Ontario in Canada. Travelers landing at this airport can easily visit this region using rental cars, airport shuttles, or taxis.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Buffalo?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Buffalo was $116 for a one-way ticket and $199 for a round-trip.

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

    A passport is not required to fly from Chicago to Buffalo.

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

    There are 2 airports in Chicago (Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare Intl.) and only 1 airport in Buffalo (Buffalo). The cheapest flights are generally found on the Chicago O'Hare Airport to Buffalo flight route.

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

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

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

    The Airbus A319 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to Buffalo flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Buffalo?

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

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Buffalo are Southwest and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $375 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 $461 and an overall rating of 7.4.

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

    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 Chicago to Buffalo.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Buffalo from Chicago 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 Chicago to Buffalo?

    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 Buffalo with an airline and back to Chicago with another airline.

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

    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 Buffalo from Chicago 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 Chicago to Buffalo

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $174 or less one-way and $312 or less round-trip.
  • If you are planning to catch the earliest flight from Chicago to Buffalo that leaves Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD), consider booking a hotel room in one of the nearby hotels. Comfort Inn Arlington Heights-O'Hare Airport is one hotel that will guarantee you quick access to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport. The hotel is located along South Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, and offers airport shuttle services.
  • If you plan to travel from downtown Chicago to Buffalo, consider using Chicago Midway (MDW) as your departure airport. Even though Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport serves similar flights from Chicago to Buffalo, most travelers from downtown Chicago prefer Chicago Midway as their departure airport due to shorter drives, less train time, less traffic, and cheaper Ubers that connect them to this airport.
  • If you are planning to travel from Chicago to Buffalo with luggage, consider arriving at Chicago Midway Airport at least 90min before departure. Passengers who arrive at Chicago Midway Airport with baggage must go through the check-in counter for security checks, which may take longer.
  • Are you planning to take care of your stomach and read newspapers at Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport while awaiting your flight to Buffalo? You don’t have to worry. Berghoff Café is one restaurant where travelers can relax and take care of their stomachs while waiting for their flights to Buffalo. Located in the airport along Terminal 1 Concourse C, Gate C26, Berghoff Café offers affordable services to travelers.
  • Pet lovers have nothing to worry about when planning to travel from Chicago to Buffalo using Chicago Midway Airport. This airport has a pet-friendly policy that allows travelers to fly with their lovely pets. Midway Airport’s policy states that travelers can only remove their pets from carriers when undergoing security screenings and using pet relief areas.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Buffalo?

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

Direct departures

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

Direct returns

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

Reviews of the top 4 airlines serving from Chicago to Buffalo

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Buffalo. 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 Chicago to Buffalo? 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 4228 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
Airline reviews

Overall good, just screaming kids in the area the whole flight.

8.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Jul 2026
MDW - MHT
Read more Southwest reviews

Overall good, just screaming kids in the area the whole flight.

OKay. I sat in the back of the plane and it was really loud between babies and little kids, and adults who.like to talk a lot and loudly most of the flight.

The first time I flew in the extra legroom section. It was difficult to notice a difference. I had bad luck with my neighbors. The crew was okay. Southwest has reduced the live TV options.

I flew twice this week on Southwest, was delayed over 2 hours both ways. From Pittsburgh to Chicago it was due to weather but the gate agents, pilot etc were great at updating everyone. Today from Midway to Pittsburgh the plane had come from an international location, kept getting delayed, no information was given until we were delayed for the third time. It was ridiculous, whoever scheduled that plane to fly to Pittsburgh after didn’t consider a lot of things.

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

Plane crashed into a bus or some other vehicle on the ground while pulling out of the gate. No injuries, but wing tip was damaged and returned to gate for “maintenance issues” and we departed 5 hours later because the plane went out of service and new plane was flown in from a nearby airport, Midway.

after landing, we stay 2 hours on the taxi way before reaching the gate The airline and the crew were good though

My flight to Chicago left and landed early. My return flight left two minutes late and arrived 2 minutes late. My seat selections were ideal! There were no snacks going to Chicago and no snacks on the return trip. There are no charging outlets on board.

It good. Just not that plane didn’t have power outlets to charge devices etc.

C Am handicapped and couldn't get help with my luggage.

It was hot and not as comfortable as the flight to Chicago. Must have been a different plane that needs to be worked on or replaced.

The SFO lounge closes at 12 midnight. My flight took off at 2AM

It would have been better if the crew has supported my husband's reasons for needing to keep the space clear around his feet, rather than insisting that he put his knapsack in that space.

Evidently, my seat had the only broken TV. I couldn’t plug it in, get it to come on, or watch anything, and of course, no one could fix it while we were on the plane. The service was good and the boarding was quick

Delays from united along with Newark air space caused delays. But an average flight! Unfortunately we come to expect delays from the airlines.

Fast checkin with the self serve terminal, good communication at the boarding gate.

The plane’s radio wasn’t working. This delayed the plane for an hour and a half. Then we all broaded and taxied down the runway only to get called back because the radio was still not working. Had to get off the plane and then find another plane making the trip 4 hours delayed. Maybe a different plane should have been chosen sooner?!?!?!

There was no screens on board AND the WiFi didn’t work. My seat was broken and couldn’t recline so I couldn’t even sleep. The flight attendants didn’t offer anything to make it more comfortable. It was such an old cramped plane, when the person in front of me reclined I couldn’t even open my tray table. All the United ads talk about guaranteeing everyone gets a screen!

The Flight was good, pilot seemed very skillful. My wheel chair sister who could barely walk was allotted the second last seat in the aircraft, with great difficulty she managed to reach on her seat, as she required attendance we were given separate seat, even on request no one cared, so much so there were single passengers who were given twin seats. May not be taken as complaint but a reminder to the checkin staff to keep in mind in future the allottment of wheel chair passengers seats.

For each flight from Key West to Fort Lauderdale to Newark to Buffalo there were at least three delays at each leg of our trip. We were due to arrive home @11:37 but finally arrived @2:25 AM costing us an extra day at the car park. Seats are uncomfortable resulting in need to seek chiropractic care for backache. Upon deplaning my husband discovered someone had taken his clearly identified carryon from the overhead bin. I will not plan on flying again soon and not on United.

I had my flight of Cedar Rapids. THen Chicago to Boston. Flight out of Cedar rapids was delayed by 12 hrs. Had to drive to Chicago to catch my flight

Long delays to board due to mechanical issues with plane.

Significant delays on my trip to Chicago and my trip back to NY

Terrible boarding and first class experience. Nice staff but overall disorganized, dirty plane.

I almost missed my flight and they helped me out enormously

Pretty awful. 2 hours late due to operational issues and finally deboarded around 2am.

Delayed an hour due to operational issues. Minimal apologies or care for the significant inconvenience caused. Landed at nearly 1am and they still couldn’t find ground staff to get us off the plane promptly.

Plane was delayed an hour causing me to miss my flight to London and now I am not arriving until Sunday instead of Friday. I am stranded at airport and they give me $12 of food vouchers. It's a joke and everyone I talked to was rude

We liked quick boarding and on time departure. Seats were very uncomfortable.

it was a nightmare of a trip. multiple delays, dirty bathrooms, long wait in tarmac, ran out of fuel diverting flight. on and all over 4 hour delay!

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 !!!!!!!

Better than expected. Staff were friendly and nice on both flights.

Just know that everything, and I mean everything is “ala cart”. 60$ just to put something in the overhead bin. I will never fly Frontier again nor do I recommend them to anyone else.

Great for the price. No wifi or entertainment, but gate agents and crew were fantastic and we boarded quickly and left on time.

Delayed for two hours due to trivial issues. No reimbursment. Also on arrival further delay due to terminal malfunction.

Our flight was canceled for no known reason. We weren’t told until we were checking in at 5:00 am. This was after our last flight with Frontier where we sat on the plane for three hours (not an exaggeration) before we took off because of a mechanical issue. We won’t be flying Frontier again.

I didn’t have enough time to catch my connecting flight and had to use a different Airline. I will be requesting a refund.

Did not realize seats did not recline. Best to travel in an exit row... No question

First time flying with Frontier . From buying tickets ,getting boarding pass and boarding plane was super easy. Definitely would fly again with Frontier .

The only thing that may be concerning to others is the multiple notifications of a delayed flight. Then, with less than an hour before boarding, the flight was on time. The gate changed several times, leading to confusion.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports