Traveling from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): What you need to know
Start your trip planning by looking up the ideal departure point for your flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Explore the options for taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), the city's main airports.
1 hour 40 minutes is the average travel time for a direct Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport flight.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in Buffalo. The city operates on the UTC-4 timezone and is one hour ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the most popular route. There are 48 direct flights a week to pick from. If you prefer to head out later, hop on the last flight with American Airlines at 8:40pm. Opt for the first ORD to BUF departure operated by American Airlines at 7:03am if you're aiming for an earlier start.
Your flight from Chicago to BUF won't wait if you're late, so show up at the airport on time. Arrive up to one hour in advance for domestic flights and two hours ahead when you're flying internationally.
In peak travel periods, expect longer wait times and get there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international journeys.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can take a direct flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
When taking off from ORD, you can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport with United Airlines.
Most passengers choose to fly with United Airlines between ORD and BUF.
American Airlines is the most punctual carrier on this route, with 77.07% of its services arriving on schedule.
ORD is about 25 miles from central Chicago. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, 74.85% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Thinking of flying out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? Direct Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) plane tickets can be booked from this popular hub.
From MDW, direct flights from Chicago to BUF can be booked with Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines is the most popular choice for travelers flying from MDW to BUF.
With 79.05% of its services landing on schedule, Southwest Airlines is the most punctual carrier flying between Chicago Midway International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
MDW is around 12 miles from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city center. Public transport takes approximately 45 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Chicago to BUF flight? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
77.88% of all departures from Chicago Midway International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
The address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
From central Chicago, RFD is around 85 miles away. It takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to arrive by car and 4 hours 15 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Skip the morning rush on departure day — stay close to Chicago Rockford International Airport and know you'll reach your boarding gate with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport flight:
Flights departing from RFD arrive at their final stop within the expected time frame 76.19% of the time.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
About Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near BUF:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Buffalo Niagara International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and explore beyond Buffalo's main sights.
Booking your vehicle around two weeks ahead of your Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
You'll find BUF at Genesee Street.
Getting from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to central Buffalo
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is roughly 8 miles from central Buffalo. How long it takes to get to the center by car rental or cab will depend on the time of day. Do a little research beforehand.
It'll take around 1 hour 15 minutes if you're using public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
$70 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Return flights start at $145. These prices may change depending on availability and demand.
Book one month before flying. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from Chicago to BUF.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport tickets. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
You don't need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's a better deal on plane tickets from Chicago to BUF.
Save on your flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport by using the search filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
It's time to decide your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). August is the busiest month to travel to Buffalo. If you're all about a more relaxed kind of trip, head there in May.
Lock in a Chicago to BUF plane ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Buffalo to range from 59ºF to 82ºF.
Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in January if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 14ºF and 36ºF.
More about Buffalo
After booking your flight from Chicago to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, find a hotel that offers a good mix of location and comfort. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Buffalo:
Your visit to Buffalo wouldn't be complete without a bit of sightseeing. Attractions worth exploring include Frank Lloyd Wright's Darwin D. Martin House Complex, Albright-Knox Art Gallery and Forest Lawn.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Buffalo, now it's time to explore other corners of the United States. Journey about 180 miles south-west to Cleveland to check off its leading sights. From Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum to Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Museum of Natural History, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If there's time to check out another corner of the United States, head for Pittsburgh, about 180 miles south of Buffalo. Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art and The Frick Pittsburgh are among the biggest draws.
