CHI - BUF

$79 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Buffalo

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 5/11. 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

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

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Buffalo, 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 Chicago to Buffalo, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flight Deals 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.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Buffalo

KAYAK's recommended round-trip deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Chicago to Buffalo.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
Frontier Logo
1:19 pm - 10:48 amMDW-BUF
20h 29m1 stop
Frontier Logo
3:45 pm - 11:54 pmBUF-MDW
9h 09m1 stop
$168Frontier
Find Deal
Fri, May 2 - Sun, May 4
Frontier Logo
4:15 pm - 9:01 amORD-BUF
15h 46m1 stop
Frontier Logo
9:51 am - 11:32 pmBUF-ORD
14h 41m1 stop
$168Frontier
Find Deal
Thu, May 15 - Mon, May 19
JetBlue Logo
6:15 am - 1:53 pmORD-BUF
6h 38m1 stop
JetBlue Logo
3:05 pm - 9:54 pmBUF-ORD
7h 49m1 stop
$187JetBlue
Find Deal
Wed, May 28 - Tue, Jun 3
JetBlue Logo
1:13 pm - 9:57 pmORD-BUF
7h 44m1 stop
JetBlue Logo
3:05 pm - 9:54 pmBUF-ORD
7h 49m1 stop
$207JetBlue
Find Deal
Wed, Apr 30 - Wed, May 7
American Airlines Logo
2:45 pm - 5:24 pmORD-BUF
1h 39mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:00 pm - 6:57 pmBUF-ORD
1h 57mnonstop
$250American Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25
American Airlines Logo
2:45 pm - 5:24 pmORD-BUF
1h 39mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
10:11 am - 11:07 amBUF-ORD
1h 56mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25
Southwest Logo
5:20 am - 3:00 pmMDW-BUF
8h 40m1 stop
Southwest Logo
7:05 am - 7:45 amBUF-MDW
1h 40mnonstop
$285Southwest
Find Deal
Thu, Apr 24 - Tue, Apr 29
Southwest Logo
6:50 pm - 9:15 pmMDW-BUF
1h 25mnonstop
Southwest Logo
11:35 am - 6:35 pmBUF-MDW
8h 00m1 stop
$295Southwest
Find Deal
Thu, May 15 - Mon, May 19
United Airlines Logo
2:10 pm - 4:55 pmORD-BUF
1h 45mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:50 am - 11:45 amBUF-ORD
1h 55mnonstop
$299United Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, Jun 29 - Tue, Jul 1
United Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 10:03 amORD-BUF
1h 43mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 9:43 amBUF-ORD
4h 43m1 stop
$309United Airlines
Find Deal
Sun, Jun 29 - Tue, Jul 1

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Buffalo 
Snippets provided in this section are AI-generated based on a summarization of KAYAK-commissioned articles. The articles are presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the articles are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.

KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airlines
American Airlines

Basic Economy offers carry-on only travel, ideal for short flights with tight budgets.


Main Cabin Extra provides early boarding and complimentary drinks, enhancing short flight comfort.

United Airlines

Economy Plus offers up to six inches more legroom, enhancing comfort on short flights.


Priority Boarding places you in Zone 2, ensuring overhead bin space for carry-ons.

Southwest

Two free checked bags make Southwest ideal for travelers with more luggage.


EarlyBird Check-In offers a better boarding position, reducing the chance of a middle seat.

Read more about Southwestby Blane Bachelor
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

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.

Read more
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

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.

Read more
Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

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.

Read more

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.
Find cheap flights to Buffalo
Find cheap flights to Buffalo

Planning a trip from Chicago to Buffalo? 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 Chicago to Buffalo flight route?

The cheapest price for flight routes found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks for round-trip flights from Chicago to Buffalo.
Our data shows that the cheapest route for a return flight from Chicago to Buffalo cost $213 and was between Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and Buffalo (BUF). On average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. The average price for a return flight for this route is $213.

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, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Sunday is the most expensive. Flying from Buffalo back to Chicago, the best deals are generally found on Friday, with Monday 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 August, where tickets cost $269 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are January and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $447 and $387 respectively.

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. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

August

Cheapest flight

$79
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 4% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 23% lower on average.
Flight from Chicago Midway 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 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Buffalo was $79 for a one-way ticket and $168 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 Midway Airport to Buffalo flight route.

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

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

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

    The Embraer 170 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 $355 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 $352 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.

See more FAQs

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 $184 or less one-way and $280 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.
See more tips

Prefer to fly 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
See more direct flights

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 4276 reviews
7.1Food
7.6Entertainment
8.6Crew
8.0Comfort
8.2Boarding
Airline reviews

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

6.0 GoodCarolynn, Mar 2025KOA - SMF
Read more Southwest reviews

Boarding process, crew were good. But the seats were so uncomfortable that was all I could focus on. I literally had to sit forward so that all 3 of us could fit in row. I will try to avoid Southwest in the future for any flights over 60 minutes.

1.5 hour delay, poor service, no compassion from the crew. Terrible experience

Great flight, 47 passengers on a 180 seat plane. Stewardess was pleasant and cheerful.

Short flight with plenty of open seats. Drinks and snacks were still provided even on such a short flight. <1 hr

I liked the crew member who gave flight instructions on "in case of a problem:. The seats are so small that only a young teenager could sit in middle seat.

Great experience flying Southwest. The crew was really kind and helpful, and very friendly with our toddler.

Very good. Sad to learn Southwest is going start to charge for bags

Our flight was diverted from being a non-stop to getting within 150 miles and requiring another plane. We heard 4 or 5 different versions from SW as to why we had to stop, then wait for a replacement plane. Five hour delay, weather did not come up as a single excuse.... communication was not clear and well explained. No one really took charge!

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.

WiFi on the flight was not working. Thus, entertainment options were limited.

My flight was scheduled for about 6:05 departure. There were 11 gate changes from 4-7pm and the flight was 3 hours delayed due to operational issues. The plane taxied around the airport for about half an hour before stopping to be de-iced. It would have been nice if we were alerted of the plan to de-ice prior to the 30 minute drive around the airport. The flight attendant was friendly, which was the only redeeming thing about this flight. As a former flight attendant for United, I was extremely disappointed.

Delays took 2hours and thirty minutes making me miss my connecting flight and make me sit in the Chicago airport for 9 hours

Had a short delay once we boarded the aircraft in Chicago, but it was fixed in no time flat then we were on our way. The pilot was able to make up the time lost and we landed 5 minute later then schedualed . Great service

Our seats were all the way in back of the plane,

The seats on this flight were almost roomy enough to be the basic amount needed for human existence. I think my favorite part of this flight was it landed at an A gate, which was the most palatial part of Sea-Tac I've ever seen - a massive improvement from the S gates.

The seats on this flight were almost roomy enough to be the basic amount needed for human existence.

The flight attendants in First Class were mediocre at best. They did not take our tray away until we were about to land and only did so when I press the call button. The United person at the United Club was asked to get us our boarding pass since we missed the flight due in Chicago. She argued that we did not have seats on the flight given to us in Moline. Furthermore, she was adamant that we did not have a First Class ticket. After I spent much time with her trying to show we were correct, she reluctantly agreed. She was probably the most incompetent ticketing person I have ever met and I have traveled 3 million miles on United plus many additional miles with other carriers. United has definitely deteriorated in more than on way.

Short flight - no food understandable. Flight was delayed for over an hour. Overall, it was good.

We arrived early and finally made it to our gate almost an hour after.

Was a pain having to leave the plane and reboard but glad the plane was fixed

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

Great experience. Flight boarded easily. Departed early. Smooth flight. Great arrival in DC--almost no taxing! Almost direct to gate from runway. Crew was terrific. Same cookies and beverages in main cabin. I did not use the entertainment system on this flight.

Most of the delay was due to weather which is not what was at issue here. One delay was due to a missing flashlight and in the end the flashlight was actually found on the plane. The entertainment system is very limited. Live TV options offer only a few channels that are not very appealing. Boarding and deplaning are always difficult. It just takes too much time to get on and off the plane. On the plus side, I missed my connecting flight, but was easily able to book a later flight from the app while enroute.

You were more on time than United. I'm so over united delays.

The meals were mediocre and the alcohol selection was poor. I enjoyed the selection of movies and other entertainment.

I chatted with the captain before the flight, and similarly during the welcome announcement, he warned of a turbulent flight that may impact the in-flight service. However, once at altitude, he announced that the weather changed and he immediately turned off the seatbelt sign. But it appeared the cabin crew had already decided to take off this flight. They remained seated and then just chatted in the galley. The flight was fully catered, but only first class received service.

My flight attendant was attentive! The elderly person next to me was flatulent and the flight attendant could see that I was in distress and brought me some face masks

My boarding pass wouldn't pull up in the app very easily and had to really dig through my email. That caused a delay in TSA..

I had a TERRIBLE experience with the AA crew. I believe it was disability-related. It’s unlikely I will fly AA again.

The worst flight of my life. Never will I fly frontier again

Landing in terminal 2, but my luggage is terminal 3. We (and others) were looking for it in terminal 1. We probably missed the crew broadcast, but the communication could have been clearer for non native (or elderly) passengers.

I chose the seats when booked the flight and paid for them. However after checking in I found we were assigned different seats!

Bag should not be so much money. This is how Frontier takes advantage of customers

The plane was comfortable. The time to board was way too slow and very unorganized! The crew was not as friendly as normally. The was not a single time that they offered water nor anything!!!

They switched my flight to Spirit, Never using Kayak again,

i was denied boarding, even though i had an assigned seat, checked in on line and was at airport early. Then they refused to fully refund the the fair and replacement fair because they claimed it was "no show/denied boarding". I will never fly this airline again

I was not permitted on my flight and had to purchase another flight ticket to Las Vegas.

This was a full flight and I was in Zone 1, however upon boarding, several other zones went in ahead of me, leaving no overhead cabin space near my seat. This created a challenging disembarkment process.

Frontier had yet another flight cancellation. Have never made a complete round trip with this airline without at least one leg getting cancelled. Miserable flights - dirty, uncomfortable planes that apparently always have issues since I've had multiple delays and cancellations with them.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports

Compare transportation modes for Chicago to Buffalo

Average priceAverage duration
Flights$2891h 25m
Buses$16614h 15m

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