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$162 Cheap Flights from San Diego (SAN) to Buffalo (BUF)

View $162 flight on Fri, Sep 11, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $162 for one-way flights and $312 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

United
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 12
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$312 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$312
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $312 found 2 days ago
Delta
Sun, Sep 6 - Thu, Sep 10
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$317 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Sun, Sep 6 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $317 found 3 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sat, Sep 12
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$317 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $317 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sat, Sep 12
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$317 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$317
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $317 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Sat, Sep 12
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$320 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$320
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 5 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $320 found 3 days ago
United
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 11
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$320 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$320
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $320 found 1 day ago
United
Fri, Sep 11 - Sat, Sep 12
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$322 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$322
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sat, Sep 12, priced at $322 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Tue, Sep 29
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$324 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $324 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Sun, Aug 30 - Sun, Sep 6
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$325 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$325
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sun, Aug 30 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $325 found 10 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Wed, Sep 2 - Sun, Sep 6
SAN
San Diego
BUF
Buffalo
$373 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$373
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Wed, Sep 2 from San Diego to Buffalo, returning Sun, Sep 6, priced at $373 found 15 hours ago

Alternative airports near Buffalo

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

Select flight to Buffalo Niagara Intl. BUF. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $606
BUF
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $606

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

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

Travel from San Diego (SAN) to Buffalo (BUF) with a range of airlines on this domestic long-haul route. You can compare flights to Buffalo from both full-service and low-cost carriers, allowing you to select an itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to discover Buffalo's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, check out the details for flights departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), including the lowest fares and available weekly flights from San Diego.

  • Fastest (typical) flight duration: around 6 hours in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one 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–$460, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Diego to Buffalo, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, about 1 hour and 30 minutes), and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI, roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes). These options allow you to mix and match pricing, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $125 and $455. It represents about 28% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes.
  • American Airlines: A well-established full-service airline, it offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $130 to $520. It accounts for around 26% of departures on this route, boasting 6 hours of flight time and a total journey duration of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: This major full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually between $150 and $470. Delta captures close to 20% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total travel time of roughly 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layover times.
  • United: Offering one-stop service, this full-service carrier has one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $530. United comprises about 14% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 6 hours and a total journey time estimated at around 7 hours and 15 minutes, including layovers.
  • JetBlue Airways: A low-cost airline, JetBlue offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $125 and $360. It represents approximately 10% of departures on this route, with 6 hours of flight time and a total travel duration of about 7 hours and 15 minutes, inclusive of layover times.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from San Diego to Buffalo with upgraded seating. Delta provides both first class and premium economy class, while American Airlines exclusively offers first class for a more luxurious experience.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Diego to Buffalo are April, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 72°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 41.4°F. For better deals, September usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $208. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 20 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 11 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $208, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: November typically offers an average one-way fare of around $233.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from San Diego to Buffalo, 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
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Average11$241
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Average14$267
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Average14$281
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Slightly High14$264
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Slightly Low12$262
June66.0°F (18.9°C)Average16$257
July72.0°F (22.2°C)Slightly High19$277
August70.7°F (21.5°C)Average18$242
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Average15$208
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Slightly High20$265
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Slightly Low18$233
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Slightly Low15$274

*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 San Diego (SAN) to Buffalo (BUF)

  • San Diego to Rochester (SAN-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). For one-way economy tickets on this route, prices generally fall between $125 and $440, influenced by the time of year and when the booking is made. This route is commonly offered with both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with popular layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines servicing this route include American Airlines and United. Additionally, first-class service is available for travelers.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Diego 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures between 6 PM and 12 AM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday provides both cheaper fares and is the favored 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 San Diego International Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from San Diego 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 access to public transport options.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $162 and cheap return flights from $312 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $160 and $1073, and return flights often range between $389 and $1259. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SAN to BUF is September 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Enter SAN to BUF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Buffalo, NY (BUF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $248.61. You will have a layover in O'Hare Intl. (ORD). 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The earliest flight from San Diego (SAN) to Buffalo (BUF) typically departs at around 12:55 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in June, allowing you to arrive in Buffalo early and make the most of your day. 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from San Diego Intl. (SAN) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 36% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to arrive in Buffalo with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
A flight from SAN to BUF with a layover takes around 7 hours, 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SAN to BUF. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

How do I earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego Intl. (SAN)?
If you're planning to travel to Buffalo from San Diego Intl. (SAN), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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 San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your San Diego, CA (SAN-San Diego 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
San Diego Intl.
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$312
Distance
2192 mi
Average flight time
6 hours 25 mins

Book with confidence

San Diego to Buffalo Flights

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

 

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $162 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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.

 

San Diego to Buffalo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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