Cheap Flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo (MSP-BUF)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $139 for one-way flights and $290 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel between Minneapolis (MSP) and Buffalo (BUF) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this domestic short-haul route. Discover affordable flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo by comparing choices from both full-service and budget carriers, helping you find an itinerary that aligns with your budget and travel plans. Whether you're exploring Buffalo's renowned attractions or its vibrant neighborhoods, get all the essential details for your flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport to Buffalo Niagara International Airport.
Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $75–$370, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo, with options for both non-stop and one-stop journeys. Common layovers include O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour), Midway International Airport (MDW, about 1 hour), and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI, roughly 1 hour). This variety allows you to tailor your travel plans according to price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary possible.
Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $95 and $365. It accounts for about 27% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
United: A comprehensive service airline, United offers one-stop journeys with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $130 to $380. It represents roughly 26% of departures along this route, and passengers can expect an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel duration of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
American Airlines: As a full-service airline providing one-stop service, American Airlines features one-way fares usually between $115 and $370. This carrier accounts for approximately 23% of departures on this route, with a standard in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
Delta: Delta stands out as a full-service carrier that offers both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $120 to $520. It makes up about 17% of departures on this route, with non-stop flights taking around 2 hours to complete.
Sun Country Airlines: A low-cost airline, Sun Country provides non-stop services, with one-way fares generally costing between $75 and $155. This airline accounts for roughly 5% of departures on this route, with a total travel time of 2 hours.
Travelers flying from Minneapolis to Buffalo can enhance their experience with upgrades. Delta offers first class and premium economy class options, while American Airlines provides first class service.
Best time to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Buffalo (BUF)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Minneapolis to Buffalo are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 72°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 25.5°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $143. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $143, roughly 33% cheaper than the yearly average.
Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $163.
Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
Month
Temperature
Demand
Weekly Flights
Average one-way Fare
January
25.5°F (-3.6°C)
Low
12
$221
February
26.1°F (-3.3°C)
Average
12
$240
March
34.3°F (1.3°C)
Average
12
$254
April
45.0°F (7.2°C)
Average
12
$233
May
57.7°F (14.3°C)
Average
16
$206
June
66.0°F (18.9°C)
High
19
$172
July
72.0°F (22.2°C)
High
14
$143
August
70.7°F (21.5°C)
High
16
$163
September
64.6°F (18.1°C)
Average
18
$199
October
53.2°F (11.8°C)
Average
20
$235
November
41.4°F (5.2°C)
Low
15
$250
December
33.1°F (0.6°C)
Low
15
$249
*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 Minneapolis (MSP) to Buffalo (BUF)
Minneapolis to Rochester (MSP-ROC): The Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy fares for this journey generally fall between $125 and $370, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. This route is predominantly served by one-stop flights, with common layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Major airlines operating this route include American Airlines and United, and first-class service is also offered.
How to find the best prices for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Buffalo (BUF)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 am and 12 pm tend to be less expensive and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday offers both lower prices and is the favored travel day.
Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
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.
Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
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 Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport
Buffalo welcomes travelers from Minneapolis 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.
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 situated approximately 6.5 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transportation options.
Minneapolis to Buffalo Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Buffalo are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Minneapolis to Buffalo
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $139 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $139 and cheap return flights $290 Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $146 to $748, and return flights typically cost between $366 and $1179. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
February is typically the cheapest month to fly from Minneapolis to Buffalo, with average return fares around $328. This is about 15% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to decrease after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from Minneapolis to Buffalo include August and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from MSP to BUF:
Delta operates around 7 direct flights from MSP to BUF every week
Sun Country Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from MSP to BUF every week
How do I find cheap flights from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Buffalo, NY (BUF) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Sun Country Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Sun Country Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from Minneapolis to Buffalo, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Buffalo, NY (BUF) are in February and September. These months feature return flights at around $328, making them budget-friendly choices. February is particularly appealing as it often has lower travel demand, leading to better prices.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in June and July, allowing you to start your day early and maximize your time in Buffalo. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Minneapolis, MN (MSP) to Buffalo, NY (BUF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 36% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to make the most of your day in Buffalo.
How long does it take to fly from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from MSP to BUF typically takes around 2 hours, covering approximately 732 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 50 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from MSP to BUF. First class cabins are available on:
Delta Air Lines
American Airlines
United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Buffalo from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP)?
If you're planning to travel to Buffalo from Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) before reaching Buffalo. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) Buffalo Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your Minneapolis, MN (MSP-Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport
Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. Airport
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport
Distance
732 miles away
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines