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$269 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Columbia (CAE)

View $269 flight on Fri, Sep 11, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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Cheap Flights from Buffalo to Columbia (BUF-CAE)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $269 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
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 18
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$261 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$261
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Tue, Aug 18, priced at $261 found 8 hours ago
Delta
Mon, Dec 21 - Wed, Jan 20
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$286 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$286
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Dec 21 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Wed, Jan 20, priced at $286 found 3 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 18
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$304 Roundtrip, found 8 hours ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 8 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Tue, Aug 18, priced at $304 found 8 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Sep 3 - Sun, Sep 6
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$310 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$310
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Sep 3 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $310 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$311 Roundtrip, just found
$311
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $311 just found
United
Wed, Jul 22 - Wed, Jul 29
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$319 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jul 22 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Wed, Jul 29, priced at $319 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Thu, Jul 23 - Mon, Jul 27
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$327 Roundtrip, found 23 hours ago
$327
Roundtrip
found 23 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Jul 23 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Mon, Jul 27, priced at $327 found 23 hours ago
United
Wed, Jul 22 - Wed, Jul 29
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$329 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Wed, Jul 22 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Wed, Jul 29, priced at $329 found 1 day ago
Delta
Mon, Dec 21 - Wed, Jan 20
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$330 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, Dec 21 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Wed, Jan 20, priced at $330 found 3 hours ago
Delta
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
BUF
Buffalo
CAE
Columbia
$335 Roundtrip, just found
$335
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Buffalo to Columbia, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $335 just found

Alternative airports near Columbia

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

Select flight to Columbia Metropolitan CAE. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 12 minutes. Flights from $369
CAE
Columbia Metropolitan
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center12 min
Flights from $369

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

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

Discover a range of airlines offering flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Columbia (CAE) on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare options to find the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule while planning your visit to Columbia's iconic attractions and neighborhoods. Get all the essential information for your journey from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m 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–$330, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Buffalo to Columbia, particularly for one-stop services. Popular layover options include Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with around 1 hour and 45 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides one-stop service, covering around 59% of departures for this route. One-way tickets generally cost between $115 and $330, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with a total travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
  • Delta: Offering a full-service experience, Delta operates one-stop flights and accounts for about 27% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $115 to $355, with a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, and an overall journey time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • United: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, making up approximately 13% of the route's departures. One-way fares usually fall between $115 and $305, with an in-flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Buffalo to Columbia have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading to first class with Delta, which provides premium service on this route.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Buffalo to Columbia are April, May, and August, when peak temperatures in Columbia reach up to 80.6°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 75.6°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $155. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $155, roughly 23% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Buffalo to Columbia, with approximately 11 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January45.9°F (7.7°C)Average8$183
February49.8°F (9.9°C)Average9$226
March55.9°F (13.3°C)Average8$225
April63.9°F (17.7°C)Moderately High9$211
May71.8°F (22.1°C)Moderately High11$155
June79.2°F (26.2°C)Average10$185
July82.2°F (27.9°C)Average9$181
August80.6°F (27.0°C)Moderately High10$197
September75.6°F (24.2°C)Moderately Low8$191
October65.7°F (18.7°C)Average10$217
November55.0°F (12.8°C)Moderately Low9$207
December49.6°F (9.8°C)Moderately Low9$241

*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 Columbia (CAE)

  • Rochester to Columbia (ROC-CAE): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally fall between $115 and $390, influenced by the booking period and seasonal demand. Flights on this route are predominantly one-stop, with common layover points at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and Delta. Additionally, first class service is offered for travelers seeking a premium experience.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Buffalo to Columbia 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 found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers reserve their flights two to eight weeks in advance. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Friday generally provides cheaper prices, even though Thursday is 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.* Find Columbia hotel and flight deals.
  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 Columbia Metropolitan Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Columbia welcomes travelers from Buffalo with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Columbia city center is approximately a 15-minute drive (covering about 8 miles) from Columbia Metropolitan Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Columbia efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Columbia, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Columbia Metropolitan Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Columbia Metropolitan 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 Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Columbia Station, a train station, is located about 7.9 miles away by car, providing convenient access to regional rail services.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $269 and cheap return flights from $261 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $214 and $896, and roundtrip flights usually range from $320 to $966. 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan) 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Columbia, SC (CAE), with average return fares around $308. This is about 15% lower than the average price throughout the year, as January typically sees a drop in travel demand after the holiday season. Other cheap months to fly from Buffalo to Columbia include April and June.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
Enter BUF to CAE 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Columbia, SC (CAE), with round-trip tickets starting from around $501 with a layover in Miami Intl. (MIA). 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
To find a cheap flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan), 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
When flying from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to Columbia, SC (CAE), January and April are the best months to consider. January offers an average return flight price of around $308, making it a budget-friendly choice. April is also popular, providing a pleasant travel experience as spring begins. These months are ideal for balancing cost and comfort.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
The earliest flight from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service active in December, making it a great option for early risers looking to maximize their day in Columbia. 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 Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 28% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Delta and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Columbia with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
Flights from BUF to CAE with one stop typically take around 4 hours 20 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to Columbia, SC (CAE-Columbia Metropolitan)?
You can fly first class between BUF and CAE. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

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

Book with confidence

Buffalo to Columbia Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Buffalo to Columbia

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Buffalo to Columbia

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

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 Columbia in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $269 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 Columbia 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 Columbia 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 Columbia Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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