$150 Cheap Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF)

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

Travel between Sacramento (SMF) and Buffalo (BUF) with a selection of airlines offering domestic long-haul flights. Discover cheap flights from Sacramento by comparing options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to find the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while you explore Buffalo's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Check the essential details for flights from Sacramento International Airport to Buffalo Niagara International Airport to plan your journey effectively.

• Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,200 miles (3,540 km)
• Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $155–$475, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines flying from Sacramento to Buffalo, often selected for one-stop and multi-stop flights. Many passengers prefer layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1 hour), Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW, about 1 hour), and Denver International Airport (DEN, roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes). This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you discover the best itinerary to suit your needs.

• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides both one-stop and multi-stop options, with one-way fares generally between $170 and $475. It represents about 31% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, totaling around 7 hours for the entire journey.
• United: A major full-service airline offering one-stop and multi-stop flights, United's one-way fares typically range from $155 to $560. It accounts for roughly 28% of departures along this route, with a flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of about 7 hours.
• Delta: As a full-service airline providing one-stop service, Delta’s one-way fares usually fall between $155 and $690. It makes up about 20% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, with an overall journey time of close to 7 hours, including layovers.
• American Airlines: This full-service carrier offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $155 to $465. It represents around 18% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total travel time of roughly 7 hours, factoring in layovers.
• JetBlue Airways: A low-cost option, JetBlue provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $155 and $290. It constitutes about 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes and a total journey time of approximately 7 hours, including a layover.

Travelers flying from Sacramento to Buffalo can opt for an upgrade, with both Delta and United offering first class and premium economy class service for a more comfortable journey.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Sacramento to Buffalo are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Buffalo reach up to 72°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 26.1°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $254. Flight availability peaks in June and November, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $254, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, July, and November typically offer average one-way fares of around $270.
• Most flight options: June and November have the highest number of flights from Sacramento to Buffalo, 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 Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF)

• Sacramento to Rochester (SMF-ROC): Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is located approximately 56 miles from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $140 and $485, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both one-stop and multi-stop flights, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Major airlines servicing this route include United and Southwest Airlines, the latter being a low-cost option. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Sacramento 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 at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks prior. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often offer lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are more popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically results in cheaper fares, even though Saturday is 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 Sacramento International Airport

Buffalo welcomes travelers from Sacramento 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 situated approximately 6.5 miles away by car, providing convenient transport options for travelers.

Sacramento to Buffalo Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Sacramento to Buffalo

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Buffalo in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $150 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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.