$249 Cheap Flights from Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF)

Popular airlines from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF)

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Cheap Flights from Columbia to Buffalo (CAE-BUF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $249 for one-way flights and $261 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Delta
American Airlines
United
American Airlines
American Airlines
United
Delta
United
American Airlines

Alternative airports near Buffalo

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

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

Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF) at a glance

Explore a range of options for Columbia to Buffalo flights on this domestic short-haul route, departing from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Whether you’re looking for cheap Columbia to Buffalo flights or prefer full-service airlines, you can easily compare itineraries to find the best fit for your budget and schedule. Get ready to discover Buffalo's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods!

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1 hour layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $115–$380, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Columbia to Buffalo, primarily offering one-stop services. Common layover points include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with around a 1-hour layover, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) also with approximately 1 hour, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) featuring about a 1 hour and 30 minutes layover. This allows you to customize your travel plans by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the best itinerary.

  • American Airlines: As a comprehensive airline, it provides one-stop services with one-way fares generally falling between $115 and $400. This carrier represents about 69% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Another full-service option, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically priced between $120 and $310. It accounts for roughly 21% of the departures along this route, with an in-air time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, culminating in a total journey duration of around 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • United: This full-service airline provides one-stop journeys with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $150 to $370. United constitutes about 10% of the flights on this route, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Columbia to Buffalo can opt for an upgrade, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

Best time to fly from Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Columbia to Buffalo are April, July, and September, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 72°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $165. Flight availability peaks in September and October, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. March has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $165, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: September and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $180.
  • Most flight options: September and October have the highest number of flights from Columbia to Buffalo, 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
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Average8$165
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Average8$212
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Average7$246
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Moderately High9$265
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Average9$181
June66.0°F (18.9°C)Moderately Low8$193
July72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderately High10$218
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Average11$234
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Moderately High12$178
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average12$193
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Moderately Low9$243
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Moderately Low8$200

*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 Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF)

  • Columbia to Rochester (CAE-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) lies approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy fares on this route generally vary between $115 and $365, influenced by the season and booking timing. Travelers commonly find one-stop flights available, with notable layovers at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Major airlines serving this route include American Airlines and Delta. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Columbia 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 typically available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two weeks. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) often offer lower prices, while morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually provides cheaper rates, but Thursday 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 Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from Columbia with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Columbia Metropolitan Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from central Columbia. 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 approximately 6.5 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers seeking public transport.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $249 and cheap return flights from $261 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $174 to $576, and return flights typically cost between $330 and $1519. 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
May is typically the cheapest month to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Buffalo, NY (BUF), with average return fares around $328. This is about 14% lower than the average price throughout the year, as May is a shoulder season for travel, resulting in lower demand. Other economical months to consider are January and February.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Enter CAE to BUF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $248. 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 time to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
For flights from Columbia (CAE) to Buffalo (BUF), the best times to fly are in May and January. You can expect return flights to be around $328 during these months, which are the cheapest options available. May offers lovely spring weather, while January is quieter after the holiday season, making both months great for travel.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) usually departs at around 5:05 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in November and December, allowing you to start your day early 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Columbia, SC (CAE) to Buffalo, NY (BUF) are in the late morning, from 9am to 12pm. About 27% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta, operate flights during this period. This timing is great because it allows you to travel after a relaxed breakfast.
How long does it take to fly from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Flights from CAE to BUF with one stop typically take around 5 hours 30 minutes, covering approximately 634 miles. 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the CAE to BUF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia Metropolitan (CAE)?
If you're planning to travel to Buffalo from Columbia Metropolitan (CAE), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT) 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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
Columbia Metropolitan
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$260
Distance
634 mi

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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