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$163 Cheap Flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

View $163 flight on Tue, Oct 20, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF)

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Cheap Flights from Des Moines to Buffalo (DSM-BUF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $163 for one-way flights and $325 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $325 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $325 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$325 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $325 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$330 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $330 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$335 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$335
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $335 found 1 hour ago
United
Tue, Sep 29 - Fri, Oct 2
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$340 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$340
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 29 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Fri, Oct 2, priced at $340 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$345 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $345 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$350 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$350
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $350 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$355 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$355
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $355 found 1 hour ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
DSM
Des Moines
BUF
Buffalo
$356 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$356
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 15 from Des Moines to Buffalo, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $356 found 1 hour ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

May is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $240 - $386 per traveler.

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

Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF) at a glance

Explore a range of buffalo flights on this domestic short-haul route from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Compare options from full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the best airfares to Buffalo that align with your budget and travel plans. With various weekly flights available, you can easily plan your visit to Buffalo and uncover its iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 800 miles (1,290 km)
  • Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $120–$360, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Des Moines International Airport (DSM) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Des Moines to Buffalo. Common layover options include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with roughly a 1-hour layover, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with an approximate 2-hour and 15-minute layover. These choices allow you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $120 and $415. Delta represents around 36% of the departures on this route, featuring a flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes, while the overall travel time, including layover, is about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers one-stop service with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $320. This airline accounts for roughly 35% of the flights on this route, boasting a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Known for its one-stop service, United Airlines offers one-way fares that usually range from $140 to $350. With around 27% of the route's departures, you can expect a flight time of 3 hours and 15 minutes, with the total travel duration, including layover, being about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides one-stop service with typical one-way fares between $175 and $320. This airline accounts for about 2% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Best time to fly from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Des Moines to Buffalo are June, September, and October, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 66°F in June. 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, June usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $188. Flight availability peaks in June and September, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: June usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $188, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $189.
  • Most flight options: June and September have the highest number of flights from Des Moines to Buffalo, with approximately 10 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$251
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Average9$229
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Moderately Low8$310
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Average9$248
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Moderately Low9$253
June66.0°F (18.9°C)Moderately High10$188
July72.0°F (22.2°C)Average8$233
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Average9$189
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Moderately High10$209
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Moderately High9$209
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Average9$217
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Moderately Low8$252

*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 Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

  • Des Moines to Rochester (DSM-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy fares on this route generally fluctuate between $125 and $355, influenced by the season and the timing of booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover locations including O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines operating on this route comprise United and Delta, with first-class service also available for those seeking a more premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Des Moines 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Departures in the morning (5 am-12 pm) tend to be more affordable and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally offers lower prices, 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.*
  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 Des Moines International Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from Des Moines with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. 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 about 6.5 miles away by car, providing convenient public transport options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $163 and cheap return flights from $325 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $170 and $594, and roundtrip flights usually range from $347 to $1044. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
January is the cheapest month to fly from Des Moines to Buffalo, with average return fares around $215. This is about 48% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand typically drops after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months to fly from Des Moines to Buffalo include August and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Enter DSM to BUF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF). Prices start from around $515. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF), the best times to fly are January and September. January offers return flights at about $215, making it the cheapest month, while September is popular for travel, providing a balance of good prices and pleasant weather.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM) to Buffalo, NY (BUF) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This service is seasonal, available in August, and an early departure allows you to make the most of your day in New York. 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
For flights from Des Moines (DSM) to Buffalo (BUF), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window captures about 40% of total traffic. Airlines like American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Delta Airlines operate flights during this period. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Buffalo early in the day.
How long does it take to fly from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
A flight from DSM to BUF with a layover takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 768 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
You can fly first class between DSM and BUF. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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 Des Moines Intl. (DSM)?
From Des Moines Intl. (DSM), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) to reach Buffalo. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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 Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your Des Moines, IA (DSM-Des Moines Intl.) 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
Des Moines Intl.
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$324
Distance
768 mi

Book with confidence

Des Moines to Buffalo Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Des Moines to Buffalo

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Des Moines to Buffalo

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

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 Des Moines to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $163 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 Des Moines to Buffalo 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 Des Moines to Buffalo 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.

 

Des Moines to Buffalo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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