CHI - BUF

$39 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 6/4. 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
Southwest Logo
7:55 am - 10:25 amMDW-BUF
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:30 pm - 9:10 pmBUF-MDW
1h 40mnonstop
$77Southwest
Find Deal
Thu, Jun 5 - Mon, Jun 9
Southwest Logo
7:55 am - 10:25 amMDW-BUF
1h 30mnonstop
Southwest Logo
3:40 pm - 9:40 pmBUF-MDW
7h 00m1 stop
$87Southwest
Find Deal
Thu, Jun 5 - Mon, Jun 9
Frontier Logo
6:55 am - 7:37 pmORD-BUF
11h 42m1 stop
Frontier Logo
3:51 pm - 11:11 pmBUF-ORD
8h 20m1 stop
$160Frontier
Find Deal
Mon, May 12 - Thu, May 15
Frontier Logo
4:15 pm - 9:01 amORD-BUF
15h 46m1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:38 pm - 4:03 pmBUF-ORD
20h 25m1 stop
$166Frontier
Find Deal
Thu, May 15 - Fri, May 16
Delta Logo
4:15 pm - 11:55 pmMDW-BUF
6h 40m1 stop
Delta Logo
9:02 am - 12:29 pmBUF-MDW
4h 27m1 stop
$177Delta
Find Deal
Thu, Jun 5 - Mon, Jun 9
American Airlines Logo
7:05 am - 9:41 amORD-BUF
1h 36mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
3:00 pm - 3:53 pmBUF-ORD
1h 53mnonstop
$251American Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, May 21 - Sun, May 25
United Airlines Logo
6:20 pm - 9:01 pmORD-BUF
1h 41mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 7:56 amBUF-ORD
1h 56mnonstop
$253United Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, Jun 10 - Wed, Jun 11
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 11:16 amORD-BUF
5h 16m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:11 am - 11:07 amBUF-ORD
1h 56mnonstop
$260American Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25
Delta Logo
5:15 pm - 10:46 pmORD-BUF
4h 31m1 stop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 10:03 amBUF-ORD
5h 03m1 stop
$270Delta
Find Deal
Sat, May 24 - Sun, May 25
United Airlines Logo
7:25 am - 10:12 amORD-BUF
1h 47mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 7:43 amBUF-ORD
1h 58mnonstop
$285United Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, May 12 - Thu, May 15

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 $251 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 $251.

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 3 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

February

High season

August

Cheapest flight

$39
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 $39 for a one-way ticket and $77 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 $342 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 $357 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 $139 or less one-way and $251 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 4287 reviews
7.1Food
8.0Comfort
8.2Boarding
8.6Crew
7.6Entertainment
Airline reviews

I’ve always loved Southwest. No issues at all. I was flying standby and the gate agent was extremely friendly and helpful. Boarding was smooth and I was able to get a window seat in the emergency exit row. Crew was fantastic! They were very professional and accommodating. We had to divert from our destination due to weather but the flight crew kept everyone at ease and informed us of all pertinent information. Excellent flight

8.0 ExcellentJonathan, Apr 2025AUS - MSY
Read more Southwest reviews

I’ve always loved Southwest. No issues at all. I was flying standby and the gate agent was extremely friendly and helpful. Boarding was smooth and I was able to get a window seat in the emergency exit row. Crew was fantastic! They were very professional and accommodating. We had to divert from our destination due to weather but the flight crew kept everyone at ease and informed us of all pertinent information. Excellent flight

The price of the tickets isn't matching the flight experience. No matter how long the flight is, you're only getting pretzels. The flight attendants looked unkept and over it.

Plz don't take away free bags and free seating

The seats were a bit cramped and worn, but otherwise okay.

I would have liked to arrive on time - not 5 hours late!

After a 3 hour layover in Denver my flight was delayed over 5 hours! No explanation; no assistance; no offer to provide compensation; no one at Southwest was willing to offer any assistance. 8 hours in the Denver airport - ridiculous!

It was a perfect flight in all aspects! Both legs!

Only one drink pass through the cabin for a 4 hour flight. Quite rough and bumpy landing.

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

Smooth boarding process. Early departure, smooth flight, early arrival. The entertainment package has very good recent movie options. The flight crew were friendly and professional.

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.

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.

Not very good. Paid in excess of $400 for assigned seating for my family and that was not provided. I want that money back.

The seats were hard molded plastic covered in plastic vinyl. And the scam to charge people extra to sit together. Don’t they know we can just ask someone to trade seats. And watching the staff separate young children from parents… super classy. We had to guilt them into offering up our seats. This companies policies suck. Don’t give them your money.

The seats were awful, hard plastic covered in sheet vinyl. The airline tries to scam you into paying extra to get seat together when the flight wasn’t full. They were going to separate a family with young children but my wife who had a row to herself gave up her seat so the young mom could be with her young boys. I’m never giving this airline my money again.

It was a short flight so no food or entertainment….

Seats are uncomfortable but price is good. Guess I can put up with misery for four hours.

I’ve never traveled on Frontier before. If you want basic, no frills, friendly service at great prices then give them a fly!

I guess you get what you pay for. The seats are very uncomfortable and very little space. The snacks were pricey.

Cancelled and declined to find alternatives Earlier flight is 2 days later Sent the cancellation notification very late, wish I knew earlier would have stayed to watch the Miami open final game Very disappointing service

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.

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$2521h 25m
Buses$12515h 07m

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