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$159 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to San Diego (SAN)

View $159 flight on Fri, Nov 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF) to San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN)

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Cheap Flights from Buffalo to San Diego (BUF-SAN)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $159 for one-way flights and $327 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Fri, Feb 5 - Tue, Feb 9
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$327 Roundtrip, just found
$327
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Feb 5 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Feb 9, priced at $327 just found
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Feb 5 - Tue, Feb 9
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$327 Roundtrip, just found
$327
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Feb 5 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Feb 9, priced at $327 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 17
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$328 Roundtrip, just found
$328
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $328 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Tue, Oct 13
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$329 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $329 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Sat, Oct 17
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$330 Roundtrip, just found
$330
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $330 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Mar 24 - Tue, Mar 30
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$332 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Mar 24 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Mar 30, priced at $332 found 2 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Feb 5 - Tue, Feb 9
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$332 Roundtrip, just found
$332
Roundtrip
just found
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Feb 5 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Feb 9, priced at $332 just found
United
Sun, Jan 10 - Sat, Jan 16
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$343 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$343
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Sun, Jan 10 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Sat, Jan 16, priced at $343 found 1 day ago
Delta
Fri, Feb 5 - Tue, Feb 9
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$347 Roundtrip, just found
$347
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Feb 5 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Feb 9, priced at $347 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Tue, Oct 13
BUF
Buffalo
SAN
San Diego
$457 Roundtrip, found 9 hours ago
$457
Roundtrip
found 9 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Buffalo to San Diego, returning Tue, Oct 13, priced at $457 found 9 hours ago

Alternative airports near San Diego

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

Select flight to General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl. TIJ. Average driving time to city center is 26 minutes. Flights from $1,137
TIJ
General Abelardo L. Rodriguez Intl.
Average driving time to city center26 min
Flights from $1,137

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

Buffalo (BUF) to San Diego (SAN) at a glance

Discover a range of airlines offering weekly flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) on this domestic long-haul route. You can choose between full-service and low-cost carriers to find the best options that fit your budget and travel schedule. Whether you're planning your next flight or simply exploring San Diego's iconic attractions and neighborhoods, we've compiled the essential details for your journey.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 7h 15m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
  • Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Buffalo to San Diego, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, around 1 hour and 15 minutes), and Denver International Airport (DEN, also about 1 hour and 15 minutes). These choices provide the flexibility to customize your trip according to price, overall travel time, and cabin class for an ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way tickets generally priced between $125 and $430. It comprises about 29% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, and an overall travel time of approximately 8 hours, including layover.
  • Delta: Offering one-stop service as a full-service airline, Delta’s one-way fares usually range from $150 to $515. It represents around 24% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey that takes about 8 hours, factoring in the layover.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights. Its one-way fares typically fall between $145 and $460, accounting for roughly 22% of departures on this route. Expect about 6 hours and 30 minutes of flight time and a total journey of around 8 hours.
  • United: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally between $125 and $530. It makes up approximately 16% of departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel time of nearly 8 hours, including layover.
  • JetBlue Airways: A low-cost option, JetBlue provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $135 to $370. It constitutes about 6% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of around 8 hours, including layover.

Travelers flying from Buffalo to San Diego can enhance their journey by upgrading to premium options. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service, while United and American Airlines also offer first class seating for a more comfortable travel experience.

Best time to fly from Buffalo (BUF) to San Diego (SAN)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Buffalo to San Diego are March, April, and August, when peak temperatures in San Diego reach up to 72.3°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 62.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $218). Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 20 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 $218, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $224.
  • Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Buffalo to San Diego, with approximately 20 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January57.4°F (14.1°C)Average13$259
February56.8°F (13.8°C)Average13$260
March58.1°F (14.5°C)Moderately High16$289
April60.6°F (15.9°C)Moderately High16$249
May62.6°F (17.0°C)Moderately Low13$218
June66.4°F (19.1°C)Average16$248
July70.5°F (21.4°C)Average19$247
August72.3°F (22.4°C)Moderately High20$245
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Moderately Low15$224
October68.2°F (20.1°C)Average19$253
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Average17$265
December57.4°F (14.1°C)Moderately Low15$335

*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 San Diego (SAN)

  • Rochester to San Diego (ROC-SAN): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). The cost for one-way economy tickets on this route generally falls between $125 and $420, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover locations including O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines serving this route include United and American Airlines, and first-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Buffalo (BUF) to San Diego (SAN)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Buffalo to San Diego 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the afternoon (12pm-6pm) tend to offer lower prices, although morning flights (5am-12pm) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday usually provides cheaper rates, while Friday 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.* Find San Diego 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 San Diego International Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in San Diego, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from San Diego International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at San Diego 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 San Diego International Airport, Seaport (a seaport) is conveniently located just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Middletown Station (a metro station) is about 2.3 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, B Street Cruise Ship Terminal (a cruise terminal) is situated approximately 3 miles away, also reachable by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $159 and cheap return flights from $327 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $135 to $1376, and return flights typically cost between $336 and $1367. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from BUF to SAN is February 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Enter BUF to SAN 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to San Diego Intl. (SAN) with a layover in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), starting from around $321 for a round-trip ticket. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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.
What is the earliest flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to San Diego International Airport (SAN) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in December, giving you a great opportunity to start your day early in sunny San Diego. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Buffalo, NY (BUF) to San Diego, CA (SAN) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 39% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in San Diego with plenty of time to enjoy the city.
How long does it take to fly from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
A flight from BUF to SAN with a layover takes around 8 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 2,193 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the BUF to SAN route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego from Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF)?
From Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF), you can fly into San Diego Intl. (SAN) to reach San Diego. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Midway Intl. (MDW), Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall (BWI) before reaching San Diego. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.)?
If you booked your Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) to San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Destination airport
San Diego Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$326
Distance
2192 mi

Book with confidence

Buffalo to San Diego Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Buffalo to San Diego

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Buffalo to San Diego

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

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 San Diego in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $159 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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