$120 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Columbus (CMH)

Buffalo (BUF) to Columbus (CMH) at a glance

Travel between Buffalo (BUF) and Columbus (CMH) on this domestic short-haul route, where you can choose from a range of airlines. Whether you prefer full-service options or budget-friendly flights, you can compare various itineraries to suit your travel budget and schedule as you plan your visit to Columbus's iconic attractions. Get the essential information about flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).

• Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$345, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines preferred for flights from Buffalo to Columbus, especially those offering one-stop services. Common layover airports include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with an average layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes, Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) with a layover time of around 1 hour. This variety allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to find the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop travel with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $345. Delta represents approximately 36% of the departures for this route, offering an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of about 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.
• American Airlines: Another full-service airline, American Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $105 to $345. It accounts for around 33% of the route's departures, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and a complete journey duration of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost option, Southwest Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually between $160 and $315. It makes up about 15% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total journey time of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• United: A full-service carrier, United offers one-stop service with one-way fares that often range from $150 to $355. It is responsible for approximately 14% of the route's departures, featuring a flight time of 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Alternative routes from Buffalo (BUF) to Columbus (CMH)

• Buffalo to Columbus (BUF-OSU): Ohio State University Airport (OSU) is located approximately 11 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), making it a convenient option for travelers.
• Buffalo to Columbus (BUF-LCK): Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) lies about 13 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), providing another viable choice for those flying to the area.

How to find the best prices for flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Columbus (CMH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Buffalo to Columbus 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 typically available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers book between two to eight weeks ahead. Evening flights (6 PM to 12 AM) often provide lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually yields cheaper fares, while Friday remains the most sought-after 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbus, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from John Glenn Columbus International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at John Glenn Columbus 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 John Glenn Columbus International Airport, Columbus Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 8.6 miles away by car, providing a convenient transport option for travelers heading into the city.

Buffalo to Columbus Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Buffalo to Columbus

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 Buffalo to Columbus are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Buffalo to Columbus with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Buffalo to Columbus

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Buffalo to Columbus: 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 Buffalo to Columbus

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 Buffalo to Columbus in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $120 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 Buffalo to Columbus 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 Buffalo to Columbus 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.