$156 Cheap Flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Sacramento (SMF)

Buffalo (BUF) to Sacramento (SMF) at a glance

Travel from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) with a range of airlines offering flights to Sacramento. Discover options for cheap Buffalo to Sacramento flights, whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly alternatives. This allows you to select an itinerary that aligns perfectly with your travel plans, budget, and schedule as you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Sacramento.

• Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
• Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$470, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) to Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines for flights from Buffalo to Sacramento are typically favored for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD), with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Midway International Airport (MDW) at approximately 1 hour, and Denver International Airport (DEN), also around 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally falling between $160 and $460. It handles around 37% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, and a total travel time of about 8 hours, including layover.
• United: A comprehensive service airline, United offers one-stop travel, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $155 to $540. It represents roughly 28% of the departures for this route, with an in-air time of 6 hours and 30 minutes and an overall journey time of nearly 8 hours, layover included.
• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way fares usually between $150 and $460. It accounts for approximately 20% of the departures on this route, offering a flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel duration of around 8 hours, including the layover.
• Delta: Delta, a full-service airline, offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $150 to $480. It covers about 13% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 30 minutes, with a total travel duration of roughly 8 hours, including layover time.
• JetBlue Airways: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $155 and $395. It makes up roughly 2% of departures for this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes, leading to an overall travel time of around 8 hours, including the layover.

Travelers flying from Buffalo to Sacramento have the option to upgrade their flight, with both American Airlines and United offering first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Buffalo (BUF) to Sacramento (SMF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Buffalo to Sacramento are April, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Sacramento reach up to 77.5°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 48.4°F. For better deals, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $227. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $227, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, August, and October typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $232 to $245.
• Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Buffalo to Sacramento, with approximately 14 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Sacramento (SMF)

• Rochester to Sacramento (ROC-SMF): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy tickets for this route generally fall between $135 and $470, influenced by factors such as the time of year and advance booking. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Major airlines operating on this route include United and Southwest Airlines, a budget-friendly option. Additionally, business and first-class service is also offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Buffalo (BUF) to Sacramento (SMF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Buffalo to Sacramento 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. tend to offer lower prices and are popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides better deals, although Saturday 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 Sacramento International Airport from Buffalo Niagara International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Sacramento, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Sacramento International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Sacramento 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 Sacramento International Airport, Sacramento Valley Station, a train station, is located about 9 miles away, while 7th & Richards/Township 9 Station, a metro station, is approximately 8.6 miles from the airport.

Buffalo to Sacramento Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Buffalo to Sacramento

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

The best time to book a flight from Buffalo to Sacramento

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

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 Sacramento in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $156 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.