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$130 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF)

View $130 flight on Fri, Sep 11, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF)

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Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to Buffalo (SBA-BUF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $130 for one-way flights and $316 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Tue, Sep 22
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$316 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$316
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $316 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Tue, Sep 22
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$330 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$330
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $330 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Tue, Sep 22
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$341 Roundtrip, found 13 hours ago
$341
Roundtrip
found 13 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 9 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $341 found 13 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Tue, Sep 22
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$342 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$342
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $342 found 5 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$360 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$360
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Mon, Sep 14, priced at $360 found 6 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Wed, Sep 16
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$368 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$368
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $368 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Tue, Sep 22
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$371 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$371
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 22, priced at $371 found 5 hours ago
United
Fri, Sep 11 - Wed, Sep 16
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$394 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$394
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $394 found 2 days ago
Delta
Fri, Sep 11 - Tue, Sep 15
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$404 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$404
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $404 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Wed, Sep 16
SBA
Santa Barbara
BUF
Buffalo
$659 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$659
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 11 from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $659 found 2 days ago

What you need to know for your flight from Santa Barbara Municipal to Buffalo Niagara Intl.

Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF) at a glance

Travel from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF) with a choice of airlines on this long domestic route. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly options, you can compare various itineraries to find one that aligns with your travel budget and schedule. Get ready to explore Buffalo's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, and review all the essential details for flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
  • Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $150–$475, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the most popular airlines for flights from Santa Barbara to Buffalo, highlighting options for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Many travelers commonly connect through Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with an average layover of about 2 hours and 15 minutes, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or Denver International Airport (DEN) with around a 1 hour and 30 minutes layover. This variety allows you to tailor your itinerary based on price, total travel time, and cabin class preferences.

  • Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares generally falling between $150 and $465. Southwest operates about 38% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of approximately 5h 45m and a total travel time of around 7h 30m.
  • United: As a full-service airline, United offers one-stop flights, with one-way tickets typically priced between $180 and $580. Covering about 29% of the departures on this route, travelers can expect an in-flight time of 5h 45m and a complete journey duration of approximately 7h 30m, including layover time.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares usually ranging from $150 to $395. This airline accounts for around 27% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 5h 45m and a total travel time of about 7h 30m, factoring in layovers.
  • Delta: Delta Airlines, also a full-service provider, offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $225 to $360. This airline represents roughly 6% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5h 45m and an overall journey time of approximately 7h 30m, including any layover.

Alternative routes from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF)

  • Santa Barbara to Rochester (SBA-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). One-way economy tickets for this journey generally fall within the range of $185 to $465, influenced by the time of year and advance booking. This route typically features both multi-stop and one-stop flights, with frequent layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Major airlines operating on this route include Southwest Airlines and United.
  • San Luis Obispo to Buffalo (SBP-BUF): San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) is roughly 72 miles from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA). Economy fares for one-way trips on this route usually range from $170 to $450, depending on the season and the timing of the booking. Travelers can select from one-stop and multi-stop flight options, with popular layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN). American Airlines and United are among the leading carriers for this route, and first-class service is also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Santa Barbara 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 at least 2 months in advance, although most travelers tend to book 2-8 weeks ahead. Morning departures (5 am-12 pm) often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 pm-6 pm) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally yields cheaper rates, but Tuesday remains the most 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 Santa Barbara Municipal Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from Santa Barbara with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 10 miles) from central Santa Barbara. 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 situated approximately 6.5 miles from the airport, also most conveniently accessed by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $130 and cheap return flights from $316 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $231 and $1004, and return flights often range between $460 and $1561. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from SBA 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Enter SBA to BUF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF), with round-trip tickets starting from around $328 with a layover in Harry Reid Intl. (LAS). 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA (Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (Buffalo Niagara Intl.) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by United. This seasonal service is active in May, giving you a great opportunity to start your day early in Buffalo. 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
For flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Buffalo (BUF), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 3am to 6am. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines, operate flights during this time. This timing is popular because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Buffalo with time to spare.
How long does it take to fly from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Flights from SBA to BUF with one stop typically take around 7 hours, covering approximately 2,270 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the SBA to BUF route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA)?
If you're planning to travel to Buffalo from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like San Francisco Intl. (SFO), Denver Intl. (DEN), Harry Reid Intl. (LAS) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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 Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) 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
Santa Barbara Municipal
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$316
Distance
2269 mi

Book with confidence

Santa Barbara to Buffalo Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Santa Barbara to Buffalo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $130 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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.

 

Santa Barbara to Buffalo Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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