Travelling from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) departing from either of these.
The average time for a direct flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport is 1 hour 40 minutes.
The timezone in Buffalo is UTC-4, which is 1 hour ahead of Chicago. Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in Buffalo.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the most popular route. There are 263 direct flights a week to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, take the last flight with Southwest Airlines at 22:10. Go for the first ORD to BUF departure with United at 07:22 if you want to get going earlier.
To ensure you get on your flight from Chicago to BUF, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Popular months like August or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean bigger queues at check-in and security. If you're travelling then, play it safe and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of an international flight is a smart move.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Get to your destination in one go from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Direct flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) can be booked from here.
You can lock in a direct flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport with American Airlines. This top carrier operates services from ORD.
ORD is about 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This handy travel app will show you the best route and available public transport options.
Want a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, these accommodation options will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) has direct flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).
From MDW, direct flights from Chicago to BUF are available with United.
You can reach MDW from the centre of Chicago in approximately 21 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport takes roughly 46 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to BUF? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
About Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Consider staying in a hotel close to BUF if you're taking a late flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Getting from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to central Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is approximately 18 kilometres from the centre of Buffalo. With a car rental or if you're catching a cab, the drive is about 21 minutes.
It takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport is R 1,095. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 2,640. Keep in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from Chicago to BUF, reserve your journey 9 months ahead of your planned departure.
Plan your trip for June. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the best price across each month.
Create a Price Alert and keep an eye on changes on this route through email or push notifications. You'll know straight away when prices fall. The right timing can be the key to finding cheap tickets from Chicago to BUF.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
May is the quietest time to travel to Buffalo. Alternatively, follow the crowds and visit in August. This is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, but the best time to go is your call.
Before booking a flight from Chicago to BUF, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Buffalo, with the temperature ranging from 15ºC to 28ºC.
If you want cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in January when temperatures average between -10ºC and 2ºC.
More about Buffalo
After locking in your flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Buffalo:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. Buffalo City Hall, Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Canalside are highlights which should be on every Buffalo itinerary.
Complete your Buffalo trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport isn't our only party trick. Browse our car rentals in Buffalo and travel at your own pace. We find deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.
