$141 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF) at a glance

Explore a range of buffalo flights on this domestic short-haul route from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Compare options from full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best airfares to Buffalo that align with your budget and travel plans. With various weekly flights available, you can easily plan your visit to Buffalo and uncover its iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Des Moines to Buffalo. Common layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with roughly a 1-hour layover, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with an approximate 2-hour and 15-minute layover. These choices allow you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $415. Delta represents around 36% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the overall travel time, including layover, is about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $320. This airline accounts for roughly 35% of the flights on this route, boasting a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• United: Known for its one-stop service, United Airlines offers one-way fares that usually range from $140 to $350. With around 27% of the route's departures, you can expect a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with the total travel duration, including layover, being about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides one-stop service with typical one-way fares between $175 and $320. This airline accounts for about 2% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Buffalo are June, September, and October, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 66°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 33.1°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $188. Flight availability peaks in June and September, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $188, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $189.
• Most flight options: June and September have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Buffalo, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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.

Alternative route from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

• Des Moines to Rochester (DSM-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy fares on this route generally fluctuate between $125 and $355, influenced by the season and the timing of booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover locations including O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines operating on this route comprise United and Delta, with first-class service also available for those seeking a more premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

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

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning (5 am-12 pm) tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally offers lower prices, while Friday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Buffalo Niagara International Airport from Des Moines International Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Buffalo efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Buffalo, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Buffalo-Depew Station, a train station, is located about 2.6 miles away by car, while University Station, a metro station, is about 6.5 miles away by car, providing convenient public transport options for travelers.

Des Moines to Buffalo Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Buffalo

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Des Moines to Buffalo are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Des Moines to Buffalo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Buffalo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Des Moines to Buffalo: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Des Moines to Buffalo

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Des Moines to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $141 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Des Moines to Buffalo flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Des Moines to Buffalo airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

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