$47 Cheap Flights to Salem, OR

Flights to Salem at a glance

Traveling to Salem is easy—simply explore options for Salem flights, whether you prefer full-service or budget airlines. Compare journey times to find the cheapest flight that fits your schedule and allows you to enjoy the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Salem: Portland International Airport (PDX)
• Flights per week: 4,750+ flights arriving at Salem airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Salem: around 55+ carriers

Popular airport near Salem

Salem is a vibrant city ideal for outdoor adventures and family getaways. Visitors flock to Salem for various reasons, including family connections, business, entertainment, and its beautiful surroundings. The city is conveniently accessed via Salem Municipal Airport, along with other nearby airports like Willamette Valley Airport and Wilmington Airport.

• Portland International Airport (PDX): Situated in Multnomah County, Oregon, approximately 50 miles from Salem, this airport caters to both domestic and international flights. It connects to over 240 domestic cities and more than 170 international destinations, offering travelers the option to upgrade to first class, business class, or premium economy seating for enhanced comfort, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating at this airport include Alaska Airlines, Delta, and American Airlines.

Top routes to Salem

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Salem (PDX), with one-way tickets available from around $50
• Phoenix (PHX) to Salem (PDX), with one-way flight options from around $60
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Salem (PDX), with one-way tickets available from around $50
• Denver (DEN) to Salem (PDX), with one-way fares starting at around $55
• Chicago (ORD/MDW) to Salem (PDX), with one-way flights starting at around $85

Cheapest routes to Salem

• San Francisco (SFO) to Salem (PDX), with low one-way fares from around $40
• Sacramento (SMF) to Salem (PDX), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $50
• San Jose (SJC/SJO) to Salem (PDX), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Oakland (OAK) to Salem (PDX), with cheap one-way fares from around $50
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Salem (PDX), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $50

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Salem

• Alaska Airlines: Operating flights to Portland International Airport (PDX), this airline represents about 24% of Salem's arrivals. Travelers can expect an average one-way fare of around $270, with options for business class and first class, depending on the route.
• Delta: Providing service to Portland International Airport (PDX), Delta accounts for roughly 18% of arrivals in Salem. The average one-way fare is about $350, and premium service options may include both premium economy and first class, based on the flight path.
• United: This airline also flies to Portland International Airport (PDX) and shares an 18% arrival rate in Salem. The typical one-way fare hovers around $350, with premium options like premium economy and first class available depending on the specific route.
• American Airlines: Serving Portland International Airport (PDX), American Airlines constitutes approximately 17% of Salem's arrivals. The average one-way fare is close to $360, featuring first-class service as a premium option, contingent on the route.
• Southwest Airlines: With flights to Portland International Airport (PDX), Southwest Airlines makes up about 13% of arrivals in Salem. The average one-way fare is approximately $240, making it a competitive choice for travelers.

Best time to fly to Salem

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Salem are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Salem can reach up to 48.7°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 63.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $210), roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, May, and August offer average one-way fares of around $215, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Salem

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Salem is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia.*
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Salem flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Salem

Salem welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Salem efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Portland International Airport, travelers will find the Portland International Airport Bus Stop, a bus station, and the Portland International Airport Station, a metro station, both located about 0.3 miles away by walking. Meanwhile, Portland Union Station, a train station, is situated approximately 9 miles from the airport and is most conveniently accessed by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Salem, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Salem is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Salem on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in Salem

• Four Corners: Located in the area of Salem, Four Corners is a charming village ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The scenic landscapes offer opportunities for recreation, including golf and hiking. Notable attractions nearby include the breathtaking waterfall and serene lake within the national state park. Families can enjoy the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion for its outdoor events, while Willamette University provides an educational touch to the experience. For leisurely strolls and picnics, Salem Riverfront Park is a perfect urban escape.
• West Salem: West Salem is located around the area of Salem and is a delightful neighborhood perfect for romantic getaways and family outings. Visitors will find ample recreational areas and fairgrounds that cater to a variety of interests. The stunning urban park, along with the nearby national state park and waterfall, offers a refreshing natural backdrop. Key spots to explore include the Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion for family-friendly events and Willamette University for its modern campus charm. Salem Riverfront Park also provides ample space for outdoor fun.
• Northeast Neighbors: Situated around the area of Salem, Northeast Neighbors is a vibrant neighborhood that invites families and couples alike to enjoy the outdoors. With educational venues and fairgrounds nearby, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture. Attractions such as the history museum and stadium enhance the community’s appeal. The Oregon State Fairgrounds Pavilion is a highlight for those seeking outdoor activities, while Willamette University adds an academic flair. Salem Riverfront Park remains an urban oasis, perfect for relaxation and family adventures.

Tips for short-haul flights to Salem

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Optimize your packing by including mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothes, and coordinating outfits effectively. This also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights might not provide in-flight entertainment. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Make sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack your own snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Salem

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines often provide free seat selection once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may allow seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
• Relax at the airport—if you have extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Salem

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Salem on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

January is the cheapest month to fly to Salem. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Salem. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Salem, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Salem

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Salem in 2026 starts from $102, while one-way tickets start from from $47. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Salem. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Salem

Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Salem. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Salem and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Salem, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Salem. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Salem plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Salem

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Salem.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Salem are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Salem. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Salem for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Salem. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Salem flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Salem. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.