13 Cheapest Places to Fly from Rochester, NY for an Epic Trip

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Let’s be real: Rochester winters make us all dream of escaping somewhere warm. The good news? I’ve found some ridiculously cheap flights that’ll get you there without emptying your wallet. After obsessively tracking deals from ROC (yes, I’m that person), I’ve discovered the best places in Rochester to snag affordable flights that actually go somewhere exciting.

Want to ditch the snow for Cancun’s perfect beaches? Or maybe trade your garbage plate for authentic tacos in Mexico City’s buzzing food scene? I’ve found round-trip flights under $300 to both. No crazy layovers, no nonsense, just straight-up good deals to places you actually want to visit. Here’s where you can fly in 2025 without breaking the bank.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Rochester, NY

Looking for cheap places to fly from Rochester, NY? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

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. ROC) 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 $245 roundtrip fare from NYC to Lisbon. 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%!

Top Cheap Flight Destinations from Rochester, NY

Looking for cheap flight destinations from Rochester? Explore the bustling city of Chicago, known for its iconic skyline, deep-dish pizza, and world-class museums. Visit Washington, where historic landmarks and cultural attractions await. Experience the charm of Boston, home to rich history, scenic harbor views, and vibrant neighborhoods. Fly to Philadelphia to discover the Liberty Bell, famous cheesesteaks, and a thriving arts scene. Whether you’re seeking history, food, or adventure, these budget-friendly destinations offer great getaways from Rochester.

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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!

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1. Rochester to Chicago ($199–$300 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: a hours 10 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, United, Delta (8+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for comfortable temps 
• 🏆Perfect for: Architecture enthusiasts 🏙️, food lovers 🌭, culture seekers 🎭

Chicago is this incredible mix of stunning skyscrapers, world-class museums, and seriously amazing food all wrapped up in genuine Midwest friendliness. The city offers perfect views from every angle, whether you’re looking up at buildings or across the massive Lake Michigan.

Millennium Park is home to the famous reflective “Bean” sculpture that everyone needs a photo with, while the Art Institute houses an incredible collection that will impress even people who usually hate museums. When the weather’s good, the Lakefront Trail offers 18 miles of paths with perfect skyline views.

For Rochester travelers, American and United run the most direct flights with their Chicago hubs, though you’ll rarely find deals under $200 roundtrip. May and September hit the sweet spot of pleasant temperatures perfect for walking tours and rooftop bars. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Chicago

2. Rochester to Washington, D.C. ($157–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, United, Delta (10+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for ideal weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, museum lovers 🖼️, political junkies 🇺🇸

Washington, DC manages to be both seriously important and surprisingly fun with its mix of iconic government buildings, completely free museums, and neighborhoods with actual personality beyond politics. The city offers way more than just monuments, though those are pretty impressive too.

The Smithsonian museums along the National Mall will blow your mind with everything from the actual Hope Diamond to the real Apollo 11 command module, and somehow they’re all totally free. Beyond the tourist core, neighborhoods like Adams Morgan offer international food scenes, while Navy Yard has transformed from sketchy to trendy with waterfront restaurants and the Nationals baseball stadium. Spring brings the famous Cherry Blossom Festival when thousands of pink blooms surround the Tidal Basin for peak Instagram moments.

When it comes to flights, American and United offer the most flight options into Reagan National Airport, which connects directly to the city via Metro. April and October provide perfect temperatures for exploring the mostly outdoor monuments without summer humidity or winter chill. 

• Read Next: Best Waterfalls in Washington State

3. Rochester to Boston ($175–$270 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 25 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: JetBlue, American, Delta (6+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: May to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for comfortable weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, sports fans ⚾, college hopefuls 🎓

Boston packs centuries of American history into a super walkable city that feels like a giant open-air museum with way better food options. This compact city somehow manages to be both historic and trendy without the overwhelming size of other East Coast metropolises.

The famous Freedom Trail connects major historic spots with a literal red line on the ground (perfect for directionally challenged travelers), while Boston Common offers green space in the heart of downtown. Serious sports culture dominates with the iconic Fenway Park delivering the most authentic baseball experience in America, and the Museum of Fine Arts houses incredible collections when you need a culture fix. 

Direct flights on JetBlue offer the most comfortable experience, though they’re rarely the cheapest option. October brings stunning fall colors and crisp temperatures perfect for exploring on foot. 

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly From Boston

4. Rochester to Philadelphia ($150–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫Airlines: American, Delta, United (8+ daily flights)
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, food lovers 🧀, art enthusiasts 🎨

Philadelphia goes way beyond just cheesesteaks and the Liberty Bell with its perfect mix of major historical sites and surprisingly cool modern neighborhoods. The city has this gritty authenticity that makes even touristy activities feel less cheesy.

Old City is packed with American history including Independence Hall where the Constitution was signed, but the real Philly experience happens in neighborhoods like Fishtown with its indie music venues and craft breweries or South Philly with its iconic Italian Market. The Philadelphia Museum of Art houses amazing collections, but everyone just runs up the front steps to recreate the famous Rocky scene. 

American Airlines runs the most frequent direct flights with prices rarely dropping below $150 roundtrip. May brings perfect weather for exploring the city on foot without summer humidity or crowds.

• Read Next: Cheap Flights from Philadelphia

5. Rochester to Atlanta ($205–$310 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Delta, American, United (10+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for milder temps 
• 🏆Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍗, history seekers ✊🏽

Atlanta blends Southern charm with big-city energy in neighborhoods that range from historically significant to ultra-trendy. The city pulses with creative energy, incredible food scenes, and enough cultural attractions to fill a week-long visit.

The Atlanta BeltLine connects diverse neighborhoods via a converted railway path lined with public art and pop-up markets, while the massive Georgia Aquarium houses whale sharks in tanks big enough to make your jaw drop. History comes alive at the powerful Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site where you can visit his childhood home and final resting place, and the Civil Rights Museum delivers emotional exhibits that stick with you long after leaving.

Delta dominates this route from their massive Atlanta hub, though competition keeps prices somewhat reasonable. Time your visit in April for perfect temperatures with dogwood trees and azaleas in bloom throughout the city’s many parks. 

• Read Next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta

6. Rochester to Orlando ($148–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 2 hours 50 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue, Delta (8+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: January to April 🌞 and September to November 🍂 for fewer crowds 
• 🏆Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🎢, family trips 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, winter escapees ☀️

Orlando transforms ordinary families into excited adventurers where childhood magic and adult exhaustion collide in equal measure. This sunshine-soaked playground lures freezing Rochesterians with promises of warm weather and adrenaline-pumping attractions.

Beyond the obvious Disney World experience (which spans four separate parks, each demanding their own day), Universal Studios delivers serious thrills and the surprisingly immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter where even non-fans get caught up in the magic. When theme park fatigue hits, escape to Winter Park for upscale shopping and scenic boat tours, or venture to Kennedy Space Center where actual rocket launches might align with your visit if you’re lucky with timing.

Budget carriers Frontier and Spirit battle with rock-bottom fares, though packing light is essential to avoid their notorious extra fees. Mid-January through February marks the sweet spot of decent weather, manageable crowds, and prices that won’t require a second mortgage. 

• Read Next: Cheap Places to Fly from Orlando

7. Rochester to Denver ($209–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 40 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: United, Frontier, Southwest, American (6+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: April to May 🌷 and September to October 🍂 for ideal weather
• 🏆Perfect for: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, brewery hoppers 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🥾

Denver welcomes visitors with that perfect mix of urban excitement and natural wonder where the Rocky Mountains create a jaw-dropping backdrop to city adventures. This mile-high playground hooks Rochesterians with promises of 300+ days of sunshine and outdoor activities that make you completely forget about work emails.

The stunning Red Rocks Amphitheatre hosts concerts in a natural rock formation that delivers perfect acoustics and starlit experiences unlike any venue back home. Downtown’s thriving craft beer scene turns casual drinkers into hoppy connoisseurs at places like Denver Beer Co with mountain-view patios, while Larimer Square packs chef-driven restaurants into historic buildings with string lights creating instant atmosphere. Just outside town, hiking trails like those at Lookout Mountain deliver panoramic views that make even amateur photographers look like pros.

United runs the most reliable service, while Frontier tempts budget travelers with bare-bones fares from their hometown hub. Visit in May for wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures.

• Read Next: Awesome Cheap Places to Fly From Denver

8. Rochester to Dallas ($248–$360 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 20 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, United, Delta (7+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for milder temps 
• 🏆Perfect for: Cowboys fans 🏈, barbecue hunters 🍖, shoppers on a mission 🛍️

Dallas shatters Northern stereotypes with its mix of cowboy culture and cosmopolitan flair where everything truly is bigger, from the portion sizes to the shopping malls to the Texas-sized personalities.

The sprawling Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex might seem intimidating at first, but neighborhoods like Deep Ellum reward visitors with street murals, live music venues, and craft cocktail bars where even Yankees feel welcome. History buffs find the sobering but fascinating Sixth Floor Museum chronicling JFK’s assassination surprisingly compelling, while the massive AT&T Stadium tours impress even football-haters with its ridiculous scale and engineering. 

American Airlines dominates this route from their massive DFW hub, though fare sales rarely dip below $250 roundtrip. Spring and Autumn offer perfect temperatures for exploring outdoor attractions like Klyde Warren Park before summer heat makes stepping outside feel like entering a furnace. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Flights from Dallas

9. Rochester to Los Angeles ($237–$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 5 hours 30 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: American, Delta, United, JetBlue (with connections) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍂 for ideal weather 
• 🏆Perfect for: Celebrity spotters 🌟, beach bums 🏄‍♀️, film fanatics 🎬

Los Angeles sprawls across a sun-drenched landscape where palm trees, movie magic, and fitness obsessions create a city unlike anything back East. This massive playground lures Rochesterians with winter escape fantasies and the slight possibility of spotting someone famous at Whole Foods.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk delivers prime people-watching with muscle bros, skateboarders, and street performers creating a human circus by the Pacific, while nearby Santa Monica Pier combines nostalgic amusement rides with stunning ocean views. Culture hounds appreciate the impressive collections at the Getty Center perched above the city with architecture almost as stunning as the art inside. For film buffs, tours of Warner Bros. Studios provide behind-the-scenes glimpses of movie magic, though the famous Hollywood Sign proves disappointingly distant unless you tackle the popular hiking trail for closer views.

Connecting flights through major hubs keep prices competitive, with JetBlue often providing the best comfort-to-price ratio. The sweet spot for LA visits hits during the shoulder season when winter rains have cleared but summer tourist hordes haven’t descended.

10. Rochester to San Francisco ($207–$330 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 5 hours 45 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: United, American, Delta, JetBlue (with connections) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: September to November 🍂 for clearest skies and fewer tourists
• 🏆Perfect for: Foodies 🍽️, tech enthusiasts 💻, outdoor adventurers 🌉

San Francisco packs ridiculous views, mind-blowing food, and tech-bro culture into just 49 square miles of hills so steep they’ll make your calves scream for mercy. This compact city delivers experiences that feel worlds apart from Rochester’s snow-covered reality.

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge emerges through swirling fog banks in scenes that look Photoshopped even in real life, while the colorful Painted Ladies Victorian houses create the perfect backdrop for your obligatory social media posts. Culinary adventures await at the bustling Ferry Building Marketplace where local vendors showcase California’s agricultural bounty, and neighborhoods like the Mission District serve up the best burritos you’ll ever taste alongside vibrant street art. 

United Airlines runs the most convenient connecting routes through their San Francisco hub, with West Coast trips surprisingly affordable during fall promotions. The legendary SF fog (locals call it “Karl”) takes a vacation in October, delivering sunny days with temperatures perfect for exploring hillside parks and waterfront paths.

11. Rochester to Seattle ($256–$370 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 5 hours 20 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Delta, Alaska, American, United (6+ daily flights with connections) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: July to September ☀️ for clearest skies and outdoor activities 
• 🏆Perfect for: Coffee connoisseurs ☕, nature lovers 🌲, seafood enthusiasts 🦪

Seattle defies its rainy reputation with stunning mountain views, a thriving food scene, and neighborhoods packed with character that will make Rochesterians question their life choices. This Pacific Northwest gem sits surrounded by water, forests, and mountains that create a playground for urban adventurers.

Pike Place Market buzzes with flying fish, local artisans, and the original Starbucks that draws lines despite dozens of superior local coffee shops nearby. The futuristic Space Needle provides the classic postcard view, but locals know the best city panoramas come from Kerry Park where the skyline frames Mount Rainier on clear days. Waterfront adventures await at the bustling Ballard Locks where you can watch salmon swim upstream through fish ladders, and neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and Fremont (self-proclaimed “Center of the Universe”) showcase Seattle’s quirky, creative soul.

When it comes to flights, the journey requires connections through major hubs, with Delta and Alaska Airlines typically offering the smoothest itineraries. 

• Read Next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Seattle

12. Rochester to Toronto ($201–$290 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Air Canada, United, Delta (with connections through NYC) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 for outdoor activities and festivals 
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food adventurers 🍽️, culture seekers 🎭

Toronto brings multicultural energy and big-city vibes just a short hop across Lake Ontario. This international metropolis feels worlds away from Rochester despite being your closest major foreign city, with over half the population born outside Canada creating a global experience without the long-haul flight.

The glass-floored observation deck at the towering CN Tower tests your courage while delivering jaw-dropping views, while neighborhoods like Kensington Market serve up bohemian vibes with vintage shops and global eateries squeezed into colorful Victorian houses. Sports fans can catch the Blue Jays, Raptors, or Maple Leafs depending on the season, and culture vultures appreciate world-class institutions like the Royal Ontario Museum with its striking crystal addition housing dinosaurs and ancient artifacts under one dramatic roof.

The easiest option involves a quick drive across the border rather than dealing with connecting flights, though direct service on regional airlines sometimes pops up seasonally. The city truly comes alive during summer months when waterfront festivals take over and outdoor patios fill with locals soaking up sunshine after long Canadian winters.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Toronto
• You may also like: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada

13. Rochester to Miami ($75–$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️Flight Time: 3 hours 5 minutes 
• 🛫Airlines: Frontier, Spirit, American, Delta (8+ daily flights) 
• 📅Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather without humidity
• 🏆Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, nightlife enthusiasts 🕺, art aficionados 🎨

Miami hits you with a sensory explosion where Latin rhythms, neon lights, and turquoise waters create America’s sexiest tropical playground. This sun-drenched escape lets Rochesterians trade snow boots for flip-flops and winter depression for vitamin D overload.

South Beach serves up the quintessential Miami experience with models rollerblading past pastel Art Deco hotels, while the Wynwood Walls outdoor museum transforms industrial buildings into canvases for mind-blowing street art that’s completely free to explore. Culture thrives in the Cuban enclave of Little Havana where old-timers play serious dominoes in Máximo Gómez Park, and the upscale Design District showcases architectural showpieces housing luxury boutiques that welcome window shoppers. For natural beauty, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens transports visitors to Mediterranean elegance with waterfront grounds perfect for pretending you’re obscenely wealthy.

Budget airlines Frontier and Spirit make the impossible seem possible with occasional fare sales dropping below $100 roundtrip if you’re willing to pack light and fly midweek. The entire winter season (November through April) delivers the ultimate escape from Rochester’s frozen reality with warm days and minimal rainfall exactly when you need it most.

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Destinations from Miami

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

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

What are the cheapest destinations to fly to from Rochester?

There are several affordable destinations from Rochester, including cities like Chicago, Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Orlando, Denver, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Miami, and Dallas.

Which airlines offer the best deals from Rochester?

From Rochester New York, several airlines are known for offering competitive rates and frequent promotions. Southwest Airlines and JetBlue are often favored for their budget-friendly fares and regular deals. Delta Airlines, with its extensive network, frequently provides special offers for both domestic and international routes. Additionally, American Airlines has been recognized for its combination of affordability and comprehensive flight options from Rochester.

When is the best time to book cheap flights from Rochester?

The best time to book cheap flights from Rochester New York typically depends on your destination, but as a general rule, it’s advisable to book several weeks to a few months in advance. Off-peak seasons, which vary based on the destination, often offer better deals. For domestic flights, mid-week bookings, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can yield lower fares. Additionally, monitoring fare trends and setting up price alerts can help travelers capitalize on sudden promotions or fare drops.

Are international destinations affordable from Rochester?

Yes, international destinations can be affordable from Rochester. While the Greater Rochester International Airport primarily serves domestic routes, it offers connections to major hubs that provide cost-effective international flights. Additionally, airlines occasionally roll out promotions and deals for international destinations, making them more accessible. It’s always a good idea to compare prices, book in advance, and stay updated on airline promotions. That way, you can secure the best deals for international travel from Rochester.

How can I find the best deals on flights from Rochester?

To find the best deals on flights from Rochester New York, utilize flight comparison websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights. Set fare alerts to be notified of price drops for your desired route. Booking several weeks in advance and traveling during off-peak times can also yield better prices. Lastly, consider joining airline loyalty programs for exclusive deals and promotions.

Do prices vary significantly depending on when I fly?

Yes, prices can fluctuate considerably based on when you fly. Factors influencing this include seasonality, demand, and special events or holidays. Typically, flying during peak travel times, such as holidays or summer vacation, will be more expensive than during off-peak periods. It’s always advisable to be flexible with travel dates, if possible, to secure the best fares.

Is it cheaper to book round-trip flights or one-way tickets from Rochester?

Typically, round-trip flights from Rochester tend to offer better value compared to booking two separate one-way tickets. However, this isn’t always the case, especially with the rise of budget airlines and fluctuating fare structures. It’s beneficial to compare both options when planning your trip to ensure you’re getting the best deal for your specific itinerary.

Which Rochester airport should I fly out of for the best deals?

The primary airport serving the area is the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC). It offers a range of domestic and some international flights and is the most likely source of competitive deals due to its larger volume of flights and airline options. For the best deals, it’s advisable to monitor fares from Rochester and stay updated on airline promotions and discounts.

Are last-minute flight deals from Rochester a good idea?

Last-minute flight deals from Rochester can sometimes offer savings, but they are not guaranteed and can be a gamble. While there are instances where airlines reduce prices to fill empty seats on under-booked flights, waiting for a last-minute deal can also result in higher prices or limited seat availability. For peace of mind and to secure a good rate, it’s often safer to book in advance. However, if you’re flexible with your travel plans and willing to take a risk, you might find a last-minute bargain.

How does Rochester compare to other cities in terms of flight prices?

Rochester, being a mid-sized airport, might have slightly higher flight prices compared to major hubs due to fewer direct routes and less competition among airlines. However, its prices are often competitive, especially for certain domestic destinations. Major hubs like New York City or Chicago might offer more frequent deals and a broader range of destinations due to higher flight volumes and more airline options. Still, Rochester provides a balance of convenience and affordability. This is especially true when considering factors like shorter check-in times and less crowded terminals.