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$182 Cheap Flights from Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF)

Popular airlines from Sacramento Intl. Airport (SMF) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. Airport (BUF)

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Cheap Flights from Sacramento to Buffalo (SMF-BUF)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $182 for one-way flights and $376 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Delta
United

Alternative airports near Buffalo

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

Find the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF)

March is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $247 - $627 per traveler.

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

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.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January25.5°F (-3.6°C)Low7$307
February26.1°F (-3.3°C)Low8$274
March34.3°F (1.3°C)Average11$334
April45.0°F (7.2°C)Average9$318
May57.7°F (14.3°C)Average11$319
June66.0°F (18.9°C)High14$277
July72.0°F (22.2°C)High12$270
August70.7°F (21.5°C)High13$302
September64.6°F (18.1°C)Average12$270
October53.2°F (11.8°C)Average10$254
November41.4°F (5.2°C)Average14$271
December33.1°F (0.6°C)Low10$316

*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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $182 and cheap return flights from $376 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $249 and $789, and return flights often range between $409 and $2596. 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF), with average return fares around $353. This is about 24% lower than the average price throughout the year, as demand tends to be lower during the winter months. Other affordable months to consider are April and October.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Enter SMF to BUF and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Sacramento Intl. (SMF) to Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) with return tickets starting from around $352, 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
For your trip from Sacramento (SMF) to Buffalo (BUF), February and April are the best months to fly. You can expect to pay around $353 for a return flight, making these months quite affordable. February is typically less busy, while April brings the beauty of spring, making it a lovely time to visit Buffalo.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Sort flights by "Departure (earliest)" on Expedia to find the earliest flight from SMF to BUF. To compare more early flights, use the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Sacramento International Airport (SMF) to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 35% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Buffalo with plenty of time to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
Flights from SMF to BUF with one stop typically take around 7 hours, covering approximately 2,236 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SMF to BUF. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento Intl. (SMF)?
If you're planning to travel to Buffalo from Sacramento Intl. (SMF), you can fly into Buffalo Niagara Intl. (BUF) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Denver Intl. (DEN), San Francisco Intl. (SFO) 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento Intl.) to Buffalo, NY (BUF-Buffalo Niagara Intl.)?
If you booked your Sacramento, CA (SMF-Sacramento 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
Sacramento Intl.
Destination airport
Buffalo Niagara Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$375
Distance
2235 mi

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*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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