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$105 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW)

View $105 flight on Wed, Aug 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

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Cheap Flights from Buffalo to Chicago (BUF-MDW)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $105 for one-way flights and $221 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$221 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$221
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $221 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Mon, Nov 16
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$222 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$222
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Mon, Nov 16, priced at $222 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$226 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$226
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $226 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$229 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$229
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $229 found 3 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Aug 11 - Fri, Aug 14
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$230 Roundtrip, found 7 hours ago
$230
Roundtrip
found 7 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Fri, Aug 14, priced at $230 found 7 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$231 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$231
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $231 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$236 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$236
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $236 found 3 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Tue, Sep 1
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$237 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$237
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 29 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Tue, Sep 1, priced at $237 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Sep 3 - Sat, Sep 5
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$239 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$239
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Sat, Sep 5, priced at $239 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
BUF
Buffalo
MDW
Chicago
$241 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$241
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Buffalo to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $241 found 2 hours ago

Alternative airports near Chicago

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to O'Hare Intl. ORD. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 23 minutes. Flights from $274
ORD
O'Hare Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center23 min
Flights from $274

Find the cheapest month to fly from Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $110 - $379 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Buffalo Niagara Intl. to Midway Intl.

Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance

Travel from Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW) with a range of airlines offering convenient options on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or low-cost airlines, you can easily compare flights to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to explore Chicago's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods, check out the essential details for flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Midway International Airport (MDW).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 450 miles (725 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $80–$350, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Midway International Airport (MDW)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Buffalo to Chicago, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with an approximately 1-hour layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with about a 2-hour and 15-minute layover, and Orlando International Airport (MCO), also around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline predominantly provides non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $80 and $350. It represents about 89% of the departures on this route, boasting a typical non-stop flight duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • Delta: A major full-service airline that offers one-stop services, Delta's one-way fares usually range from $90 to $380. It comprises roughly 6% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 45 minutes, with the entire journey taking around 6 hours when factoring in layover time.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically falling between $85 and $185. It accounts for about 5% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of approximately 6 hours, including the layover.

Best time to fly from Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Buffalo to Chicago are April, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73.4°F in July. 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, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $151. Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $151, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $169.
  • Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Buffalo to Chicago, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.7°F (-3.5°C)Low7$196
February27.0°F (-2.8°C)Low8$237
March37.0°F (2.8°C)Average12$237
April46.0°F (7.8°C)High10$228
May57.0°F (13.9°C)Average8$214
June67.3°F (19.6°C)Average10$170
July73.4°F (23.0°C)High11$169
August73.0°F (22.8°C)High11$151
September67.1°F (19.5°C)Average10$169
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Average9$206
November42.3°F (5.7°C)Average8$211
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Low8$194

*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 Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW)

  • Buffalo to Chicago (BUF-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located roughly 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fluctuate between $70 and $355, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and United. Additionally, there are first-class service options available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Chicago (MDW)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Buffalo to Chicago 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 available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures between 6 PM and 12 AM tend to be cheaper and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Sunday often results in lower prices, while Thursday remains the most popular 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 Midway International Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chicago, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Midway International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Midway 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 Midway International Airport, Midway Station (a metro station) is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Chicago Ashburn Station (a train station) is about 4.1 miles away by car. If you're looking to reach the waterfront, Lyons Seaport (a seaport) is about 7.2 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $105 and cheap return flights from $221 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $156 and $434, and roundtrip flights usually range from $284 to $742. 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from BUF to MDW is August when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Enter BUF to MDW and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Chicago, IL (MDW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $154. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Chicago, IL (MDW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN also offers the most daily flights from BUF to MDW, 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
On average, there are around 2 nonstop flights per day from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to Midway Intl. (MDW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Midway International Airport (MDW) typically departs at around 5:00 AM. This seasonal service is operated by Southwest Airlines, allowing you to start your day early and maximize your time in Chicago. 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Chicago with plenty of time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Direct flights from BUF to MDW usually take about 1 hour 50 minutes, traveling roughly 467 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 5 hours 10 minutes to your journey. 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the BUF to MDW route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Chicago from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF)?
When traveling from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to Chicago, you can fly into Midway Intl. (MDW) and O'Hare Intl. (ORD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI), Nashville Intl. (BNA), Orlando Intl. (MCO) before reaching Chicago. 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) Chicago 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
If you booked your Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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

0
Origin airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Destination airport
Midway Intl.
Airlines serving
Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Roundtrip price
$221
Distance
466 mi

Book with confidence

Buffalo to Chicago Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Buffalo to Chicago

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Buffalo to Chicago

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

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 Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $105 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

 

Buffalo to Chicago Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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