$232 Cheap Flights from San José (SJO) to Buffalo (BUF)

San Jose (SJO) to Buffalo (BUF) at a glance

Travel with a selection of airlines offering flights from San Jose (SJO) to Buffalo (BUF) on this international long-haul journey. Evaluate choices from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel aspirations while you explore Buffalo’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Get all the essential information for flights departing from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF).

• Fastest flight duration: around 6h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
• Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $170–$640, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Jose to Buffalo, commonly featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Popular layover points include Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with about a 2-hour layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Orlando International Airport (MCO) also around 2 hours. This allows you to tailor your itinerary by balancing factors such as cost, total travel time, and cabin class.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $175 and $520. It represents about 32% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• Delta: As a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $170 to $485. It accounts for around 22% of the departures on this route, with a flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and an overall journey time of about 8 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• JetBlue Airways: This low-cost airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $170 and $575. It makes up roughly 16% of the departures on this route, offering an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes and a total journey length of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
• United: A full-service airline, United offers one-stop services with one-way fares generally ranging from $200 to $665. It constitutes about 16% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 6 hours and 15 minutes, with the total travel time being around 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
• Southwest Airlines: This low-cost carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically spanning from $170 to $935. It represents roughly 12% of the departures on this route, boasting an in-flight time of 6 hours and 15 minutes, with the overall journey taking about 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.

Alternative route from San Jose (SJO) to Buffalo (BUF)

• San Jose to Rochester (SJO-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). On this route, one-way economy ticket prices generally fall between $170 and $635, influenced by the time of year and when you book. Passengers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover locations being Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Major airlines servicing this route include Delta and United.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Jose (SJO) to Buffalo (BUF)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Jose 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 available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Afternoon departures between 12 PM and 6 PM are not only more affordable but also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday typically results in lower prices, while Saturday 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 Juan Santamaría International Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from San Jose with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Juan Santamaría International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 13 miles) from central San Jose. 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 accessible by car.

San José to Buffalo Flights

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

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

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San José 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 José 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 José to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $232 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 José 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 José 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.