These 13 Cheap Flights from Buffalo Will Blow Your Mind

I almost fell out of my chair when I started researching flights from Buffalo International. No joke, I found tickets to Orlando for less than I spent on lunch today! And that’s just the start of the ridiculous deals I discovered from BUF.

Want to escape those brutal Buffalo winters? I’ve hunted down the best places in Buffalo to fly from without destroying your wallet. We’re talking quick flights to NYC that cost less than your monthly coffee budget and Caribbean beaches that are way more affordable than you’d think. After weeks of research, I’ve found 13 destinations that prove flying from Buffalo doesn’t mean paying premium prices. And trust me, these deals are legit (I triple checked because I couldn’t believe them myself).

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Buffalo

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. BUF) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $244 roundtrip fare from New York to Iceland. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Destinations with Cheap Flights from Buffalo

Looking for cheap flights from Buffalo? Fly to Columbus for a mix of arts, parks, and vibrant neighborhoods. Explore Indianapolis, known for the Indy 500, museums, and a growing food scene. Visit Milwaukee to enjoy lakefront views, breweries, and cultural festivals. Head to Cincinnati for historic architecture, lively entertainment, and famous chili. Whether you’re after city adventures or cultural experiences, these are great budget-friendly destinations from Buffalo.

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

1. Buffalo to Columbus ($69-$120 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Frontier (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Arts lovers 🎨, foodies 🍽️, weekend getaways 🏙️

Columbus flies completely under the radar as one of America’s coolest mid-sized cities, a place where college town energy meets surprising cultural depth, creating the perfect affordable weekend escape from Buffalo.

The charming brick streets of German Village hide amazing bookstores and bakeries, while the Short North Arts District packs gallery-hopping, boutique shopping, and killer nightlife into a walkable strip. Sports culture runs deep here, like catching an Ohio State Buckeyes football game is basically a religious experience with 100,000+ screaming fans dressed in scarlet and gray. 

If you visit during spring and fall, expect warm days and enjoy outdoor festivals that will make your trip more memorable. For Buffalo travelers, Southwest typically offers the best flight options with reasonable fares and no baggage fees. 

2. Buffalo to Indianapolis ($77-$130 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 for outdoor events and September to November 🍂 for sports season
• 🏆 Perfect for: Sports fanatics 🏎️, history buffs 🏛️, urban explorers 🏙️

Indianapolis is way cooler than most people expect. What used to be known mainly for racing is now a full-on city escape with top-notch food, laid-back energy, and more green space than you’d think for a Midwestern hub.

Mass Ave is the go-to strip for indie shops, cool cocktail bars, and local theaters that actually book great shows. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a must, even if you’re not into racing. Standing on the track where the Indy 500 happens is way more epic than you’d imagine. For something more relaxed, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail connects parks, neighborhoods, and outdoor art on an 8-mile loop through the city that’s ideal for walking or biking.

Flights from Buffalo are easy to score under $130, especially on Southwest, which is great if you’re bringing luggage since bags fly free. Visit from late spring through early fall for patio weather and festivals, or come in October when the leaves are popping and Colts fans bring serious energy to the city.

3. Buffalo to Milwaukee ($84-$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, Delta (3+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for festivals and lakefront activities
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beer lovers 🍺, lakefront loungers 🏖️, music enthusiasts 🎵

Milwaukee is one of the most underrated weekend getaways in the Midwest. This lakefront city mixes German heritage with a creative, laid-back vibe where beer culture, bold flavors, and Great Lakes views come together without the high prices or tourist traffic you’d get in Chicago.

Head to the Historic Third Ward for indie shops, art galleries, and the massive Milwaukee Public Market, where you can snack your way through everything from lobster rolls to local cheeses. The futuristic Milwaukee Art Museum sits right on the lake and has giant wings that open and close daily. Beyond the brewery tours, the RiverWalk winds through downtown with public art, patios, and easy access to the water.

Flights from Buffalo are often cheapest on Southwest, especially since they include two checked bags with no extra fees. Summer is the best time to go, with warm days perfect for lakefront lounging and a festival happening almost every weekend. Time your visit with Summerfest, the city’s claim to fame and one of the world’s biggest music festivals, featuring hundreds of artists over three weekends for a fraction of what you’d pay at other major fests.

4. Buffalo to Cincinnati ($75-$125 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, American, Frontier (4+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for perfect Ohio weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food adventurers 🌮, architecture buffs 🏛️, riverside explorers 🚶‍♀️

Cincinnati is the Midwest’s hidden architectural treasure. This river city blends German heritage with Southern influence, creating an unexpectedly cool destination where stunning historic buildings meet innovative food scenes without the tourist crowds of bigger cities.

Over-the-Rhine is Cincinnati’s cultural heart with the largest collection of Italianate architecture in America, now filled with trendy restaurants, craft breweries, and the historic Findlay Market that’s been operating since 1855. The Cincinnati Museum Center looks straight out of Gotham City with its massive Art Deco rotunda and multiple museums under one roof. 

Spring and fall bring the best mix of comfortable weather and lighter crowds, perfect for patio dining and riverside exploring. Flights from Buffalo are typically cheapest on Frontier, especially if you can pack light and fly midweek. Delta tends to offer the most consistent service, often connecting through Detroit. Booking six to eight weeks in advance and aiming for Tuesday or Wednesday departures can save you up to $60 compared to weekends.

5. Buffalo to Baltimore ($53-$110 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American, United (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant harbor weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History enthusiasts 🏛️, seafood lovers 🦀, harbor explorers ⚓

Baltimore is like that hidden playlist full of songs you can’t believe you’ve been missing. This harbor city serves up the best crab you’ll ever taste, neighborhoods with actual personality, and waterfront views that’ll make your friends think you splurged on a fancy vacation when you actually scored a crazy-cheap flight from Buffalo.

Inner Harbor gives you those postcard-worthy waterfront views and family-friendly attractions, but the real magic happens in neighborhoods like Fell’s Point, where sailors and smugglers once roamed and now craft cocktail bars operate in buildings older than your country. 

For cheap flights, Southwest is your best bet, especially since they throw in two free checked bags. Their Tuesday and Wednesday fares often drop below $90 each way, but prices bounce around a lot so it’s worth setting an alert for BWI. Spring is prime time to visit when cherry blossoms bloom across the city and the weather hits that perfect balance between icy wind and summer humidity.

6. Buffalo to Chicago ($105-$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Southwest (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for comfortable lakefront weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍕, lakefront loungers 🏖️

Chicago is that perfect weekend escape that makes you wonder why you don’t visit more often. This lakefront metropolis delivers iconic skylines, deep-dish pizza that’ll ruin you for regular crusts, and vibrant neighborhoods that feel like different cities.

Millennium Park gives you those bean-selfie moments everyone needs, but venture beyond to neighborhoods like Wicker Park where vintage shops and indie music venues create a Brooklyn vibe. The Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise is one of those rare touristy things that locals actually recommend. Floating between skyscrapers while learning the history of how they were built is way cooler than it sounds.

For flights from Buffalo, United and American run constant connections to their Chicago hubs, but Southwest often wins on value with free checked bags. Roundtrip fares under $120 pop up regularly if you’re flexible with your dates and fly midweek. May and early June bring perfect 70-degree days and a packed lakefront trail, while September offers warm lake breezes without the crowds.

7. Buffalo to Boston ($123-$190 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Delta, American (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for perfect New England weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, seafood cravers 🦞, college town explorers 🎓

Boston is like walking into a history textbook that somehow also has amazing bars. This compact, walkable city packs revolutionary landmarks, world-class universities, and killer seafood into a place where you can literally follow a red brick line on the sidewalk and accidentally get a history degree along the way.

Fenway Park is baseball’s holy ground whether you care about sports or not, while the winding streets of Beacon Hill with their brick townhouses and gas lamps make you feel like you’ve stepped back two centuries. The Freedom Trail connects 16 historic sites with a literal red line in the pavement, perfect for history nerds and directionally-challenged travelers alike. 

When it comes to flights, JetBlue typically offers the most competitive fares and most comfortable economy experience. Set fare alerts for midweek travel about 4-6 weeks out when prices often drop below $150 roundtrip. Visit in spring and fall just in time for cherry blossoms or fall foliage, and you’ll dodge both summer tourist hordes and winter’s brutal cold.

8. Buffalo to Washington, D.C. ($99-$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Southwest (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for comfortable touring weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Monument hoppers 🏛️, museum lovers 🖼️, political junkies 🏛️

Washington, DC is like the world’s best museum crawl that happens to be free. This monument-filled city delivers Smithsonian treasures, cherry blossom magic, and power-lunch vibes.

The National Mall is that epic stretch you’ve seen in every movie with the Washington Monument on one end and the Capitol on the other, surrounded by museums where you could easily spend a week. Skip the lines at the packed Air and Space Museum and hit up the often-overlooked National Portrait Gallery that actually lets you get close to the art without crowds. 

For the cheapest flights from Buffalo, Southwest typically offers the best value since they fly into convenient DCA (Reagan National) airport just minutes from downtown, plus they include two free checked bags. Set fare alerts for Tuesday/Wednesday departures when roundtrip prices sometimes drop below $120, especially if you book 4-6 weeks ahead. Spring brings the famous cherry blossoms (peak bloom in late March/early April), while fall offers perfect walking weather without summer’s infamous swamp-like humidity.

9. Buffalo to Orlando ($151-$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Frontier, JetBlue (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April 🌞 and September to November 🍂 for smaller crowds and milder weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🎢, sunshine seekers ☀️, winter escapees ❄️

Orlando is your escape hatch from Buffalo winters, a magical place where you can trade snow boots for flip-flops, ride roller coasters in February, and come back with a tan that makes your coworkers jealous while they’re still shoveling their driveways.

Disney World is the obvious draw (and worth it despite the prices), but venture beyond to Universal Studios where the Harry Potter sections are mind-blowing even if you can’t tell a Hufflepuff from a Slytherin. For Orlando beyond the parks, check out the surprisingly cool Winter Park area with its boat tours through cypress-lined canals and excellent restaurants far from the tourist zones. When theme park food prices make you cry, head to International Drive for global cuisine at half the cost, or explore the authentic Vietnamese spots along Colonial Drive that locals actually frequent.

For the best deals from Buffalo, watch for Frontier’s flash sales that sometimes drop one-way fares below $59, though their extra fees for everything add up fast. Southwest offers the best overall value with their free checked bags policy.

10. Buffalo to Atlanta ($137-$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, American Airlines (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for comfortable Georgia weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🍗, history buffs 🏛️, music lovers 🎵

Atlanta is basically the capital of the South without trying to be – a sprawling city where hip-hop culture, civil rights history, and ridiculous food scenes collide to create a vibe that’s equal parts historical significance and “did you try that new restaurant yet?”

The Atlanta BeltLine is that rare urban renewal project that actually worked, a former railway corridor transformed into a walking path connecting cool neighborhoods, while the National Center for Civil and Human Rights delivers powerful, interactive exhibits that’ll stick with you long after your visit. 

For the best flight deals from Buffalo, Delta rules this route with their massive ATL hub offering the most daily options, though prices drop significantly if you book 6-8 weeks out and fly midweek. Southwest competes with similar pricing but includes two free checked bags.

11. Buffalo to Charlotte ($150-$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Southwest (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to November 🍂 for pleasant Carolina weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: NASCAR fans 🏎️, outdoor adventurers 🧗‍♀️, craft beer lovers 🍺

Charlotte is the kind of Southern city that surprises you in the best way. What used to be just a banking hub has grown into a destination full of cool neighborhoods, outdoor adventures, and a brewery scene that’s exploded over the past decade.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is an Olympic training facility where you can go whitewater rafting, zip-lining, or mountain biking without leaving the city. NoDa (North Davidson) brings the artsy vibes with colorful murals, live music venues, and local shops tucked into old textile mills. If you’re into craft beer, head to South End where you can walk the Rail Trail and hit up multiple breweries without ever needing a rideshare. Even the NASCAR Hall of Fame is worth a stop, whether you’re a racing fan or just appreciate interactive museums done right.

American has the most nonstop flight options thanks to their Charlotte hub. Southwest often matches prices if you’re flying midweek, and Tuesday or Wednesday departures can save you $40 to $60. Set a fare alert to avoid spikes during race weekends or financial conferences when hotel rates jump fast.

12. Buffalo to Toronto ($177-$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Air Canada, Porter Airlines, WestJet (6+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 for outdoor festivals and pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: City lovers 🏙️, foodies 🍜, cultural explorers 🌎

Toronto is like taking a world tour without jet lag. This ridiculously diverse city is where 200+ cultures blend into vibrant neighborhoods, jaw-dropping architecture meets scenic waterfront, and you can literally eat your way around the globe within a few city blocks.

The iconic CN Tower dominates the skyline with its EdgeWalk adventure for thrill-seekers, while down at street level, the Distillery District preserves Victorian industrial architecture filled with art galleries and craft chocolate shops. Wander through Kensington Market where vintage shops, international food stalls, and street performers create one of North America’s coolest neighborhoods. 

For flight deals from Buffalo, Porter Airlines offers the coolest experience flying into downtown’s Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ), putting you minutes from the action instead of dealing with distant Pearson. Their lounge-like waiting areas offer free snacks and drinks to all passengers (yes, even economy). Summer brings endless street festivals like Caribana and outdoor dining, while September hosts celebrities during the Toronto International Film Festival.

13. Buffalo to Nashville ($114-$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, American Airlines (5+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for perfect Tennessee weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Live music lovers 🎸, foodies 🍗, weekend partiers 🍻

Nashville is where music dreams and hangovers are born in equal measure. This neon-lit playground delivers honky-tonks blasting live country from morning till night, Southern food that’ll blow your diet spectacularly, and a surprisingly cool arts scene beyond the tourist zones.

Lower Broadway is that famous strip you’ve seen on Instagram where multi-level bars host different bands on each floor and the sidewalks are packed with bachelorette parties and aspiring musicians alike. For a more authentic experience, legendary spots like The Bluebird Café showcase songwriters in intimate settings where you might hear tomorrow’s hit being performed by its creator. 

Planning to fly from Buffalo? Southwest typically offers the best options with their standard two free checked bags policy. Spring brings perfect patio weather with blooming magnolias throughout the city, while fall offers ideal temperatures without the summer crowds and humidity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Buffalo

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Buffalo? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from BUF to anywhere.

Which destinations are typically the cheapest to fly to from Buffalo?

Several destinations offer affordable flights from Buffalo, including cities like Toronto, Nashville, Orlando, and Charlotte. The exact ranking of the cheapest destinations can vary based on seasonal promotions, airline deals, and other factors.

How can I find the best deals on flights departing from Buffalo?

To snag the best deals, consider booking your flight well in advance, being flexible with your travel dates, and using fare comparison websites. Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters and alerts can keep you informed about special promotions and discounts.

Where can I fly to from buffalo?

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, New York, offers a range of domestic flights and limited international flights. Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, and United operate out of this airport. Here are some destinations you might be able to fly to directly from Buffalo:

• New York City
• Chicago
• Atlanta
• Orlando
• Fort Lauderdale
• Las Vegas
• Dallas
• Philadelphia
• Washington, D.C.
• Boston

The airport also offers seasonal flights to destinations like Miami, Tampa, and some international locations like Toronto.

Are international destinations affordable from Buffalo?

Yes, several international destinations, especially those in Canada like Toronto, are quite affordable from Buffalo. The proximity to the Canadian border and frequent flight options make international travel convenient and budget-friendly.

When is the best time to book to get the cheapest flights?

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, generally, booking a few months in advance can yield better prices. However, keep an eye out for airline sales, off-peak seasons for your destination, and mid-week flight options for the best deals.

Do budget airlines operate from Buffalo?

Yes, several budget airlines, including Southwest and JetBlue, operate from Buffalo Niagara International Airport. These airlines often offer competitive fares, making it easier for travelers to find affordable flight options.