Chicago, IL, USA to Buffalo, NY, USA from $31: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Chicago to Buffalo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$31 by trainBest price
731 kmDistance
3h 44m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Buffalo with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - Buffalo operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Buffalo, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Buffalo (BUF)
Average Duration
1h 23mEstimated price
$1042-6572Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Buffalo (BUF)
Average Duration
1h 40mEstimated price
$6570-6571Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Buffalo (BUF)
Average Duration
1h 44mEstimated price
$1042-6573Website
delta.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Buffalo (BUF)
Average Duration
3h 32mEstimated price
$6570-6574Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Chicago Union Station to Buffalo Depew Station
Average Duration
10h 23mEstimated price
$1048-1049Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Cleveland Bus Station
Average Duration
7h 40mEstimated price
$6576-1041Bus from Cleveland Bus Station to Buffalo, NY
Average Duration
3h 50mEstimated price
$313-6577Bus from Chicago Train Station to Detroit Bus Station
Average Duration
6h 10mEstimated price
$1043-312Bus from Toronto to Buffalo
Average Duration
2h 45mEstimated price
$314-315Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823Website
baronsbus.com
Bus from Chicago to Cleveland
Average Duration
7h 30mEstimated price
$6578-316Bus from Cleveland, OH to Buffalo, NY
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$317-318Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Detroit Bus Station to Toronto
Average Duration
6h 10mEstimated price
$1048-312Bus from Toronto to Buffalo
Average Duration
3hEstimated price
$314-1046Drive from Chicago to Buffalo
Average Duration
8h 58mEstimated price
$1041-1042Chicago to Buffalo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Buffalo offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on an exciting road trip from Chicago to Buffalo covering a distance of 537 miles. The journey offers scenic landscapes and diverse attractions along the way.
💰 The cost of driving to Buffalo from Chicago ranges from $95 to $150, providing flexibility based on your budget and preferences. It's an affordable and convenient option for exploring the charming city of Buffalo.
🌆 Arrive in Buffalo after approximately 8 hours and 58 minutes of driving, ready to immerse yourself in its rich history, vibrant culture, and delectable cuisine. Start your adventure in Buffalo with a memorable road trip experience from the Windy City.
Average price
$95 - $150
🚆 Traveling from Chicago to Buffalo by train requires a transfer at Buffalo Depew Station as there is no direct route available. The journey, including transfers, typically takes around 11 hours and 44 minutes.
🚆 Prices for the train journey from Chicago to Buffalo can vary greatly, ranging from $31 to $260 depending on factors like the class of service and time of booking. Overall, taking the train from Chicago to Buffalo is a relaxing and cost-effective way to experience the beauty of the journey.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Buffalo Depew Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: If you’re traveling with Amtrak on this route, you can enjoy their café car which offers a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages for purchase. They feature a range of options from sandwiches to hot meals, as well as vegetarian choices. Bring cash or a credit card, as payments may be needed for onboard services.
• Seating Options: The Amtrak Lakeshore Limited train offers several seating options for your journey from Chicago to Buffalo. You can choose from Coach Class, which is more economical, to Business Class for a bit more space and amenities. First Class seating is not available on this specific route. Consider upgrading to Business Class for extra legroom and complimentary snacks.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Buffalo's Exchange Street Station, you will find restrooms available in the station. Unfortunately, luggage storage services are not available at this facility, so plan accordingly. For convenient access to the city, head out of the station and wait for the NFTA Metro Bus service, which regularly connects to downtown locations.
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Buffalo is a convenient and quick option, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes from Chicago Midway Airport to Buffalo Airport via Southwest Airlines.
👜 With a total travel time of 3 hours and 44 minutes, passengers can easily reach Buffalo from Chicago by plane, allowing for a smooth and efficient journey between the two cities.
💸 Prices for flights between Buffalo and Chicago can vary, ranging from $104 to $657, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Buffalo Airport
🚌 The trip from Chicago to Buffalo by bus takes approximately 12 hours with transfers. Greyhound USA and Barons Bus operate the services for this route.
🗺️ The journey covers a distance of 564-687 miles, depending on the specific route taken. Prices for the bus ticket range from $55 to $156, offering different options for travelers.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
Buffalo, NY station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to double-check the schedules and buy tickets in advance from Greyhound (greyhound.com) or Barons Bus (baronsbus.com) as the transfers in Cleveland are time-sensitive and can affect your arrival to Buffalo.
• During your layover in Cleveland, consider trying some local food options at the Greyhound station, such as the nearby 'Cleveland Kitchen' for some kale-based delights or 'Hot Dog Heaven' for a quick bite, ensuring you have enough time to get to your connecting bus.
• Upon arriving at the Buffalo station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the layout, particularly the exit area, where you can find local transport options like buses or ride-shares; check out the map of the station at buffalony.gov and plan your next stop accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Buffalo.
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The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Buffalo is by taking a train. Train tickets for this route generally range from $30 to $260 depending on the type of train and time of booking. The journey by train takes approximately 11 hours and 36 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Buffalo is by flying. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight duration of around 3 hours and 42 minutes. The cost of a flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but prices usually range from $90 to $600.
The distance between Chicago and Buffalo is approximately 731 km. If you prefer to travel by road, the distance is slightly longer at 864 km. Depending on traffic and other conditions, the journey by car can take around 8 to 9 hours.
The best way to travel from Chicago to Buffalo without a car is by taking a train. Amtrak provides a direct train service between the two cities, which takes approximately 11 hours and 36 minutes. The train ticket prices can vary depending on the class and time of booking, ranging from $30 to $260.
The travel time from Chicago to Buffalo is approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes, including any necessary transfers.
The most convenient and fastest way to travel from Chicago to Buffalo is by flying. The flight takes approximately 3 hours and 42 minutes and can cost between $90 to $600, depending on the airline and time of booking. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a train which takes 11 hours and 36 minutes and costs between $30-$260, or a bus which takes 11 hours and 55 minutes and costs between $50-$160.
There are numerous hotels available in Buffalo with over 165 options to choose from. The prices for accommodations start at $39 per night, providing a range of options for different budgets. Some popular hotel chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn have presence in the area, alongside boutique hotels and bed and breakfasts for a unique experience.
Yes, you can drive from Chicago to Buffalo. The driving distance is approximately 864 km, and the journey typically takes around 8 hours and 58 minutes.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Chicago and Buffalo. However, there are bus services available that involve a transfer in Cleveland, OH. The journey typically takes around 11 hours and 55 minutes, including the transfers.
To catch the bus from Chicago to Buffalo you need to go to the Chicago Bus Station. The bus services are operated by Greyhound USA, and they offer regular departures from this location.
The Chicago to Buffalo bus services provided by Barons Bus arrive at the Buffalo station.
To get to Buffalo from the airport, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. The best option is to take the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Express Bus, which offers direct service to downtown Buffalo. The bus ride takes approximately 30-40 minutes and costs around $2-$4. You can also opt for a taxi or rideshare service, which will take around 15-20 minutes and cost around $20-$30.
Southwest Airlines is the primary airline that offers flights between Chicago and Buffalo. However, other airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines also operate flights on this route, although they may have fewer options.
The fastest way to get from Chicago to Buffalo is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Southwest Airlines offers flights between Chicago Midway Airport and Buffalo Airport. The ticket prices for this route range from $94 to $557, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
The flight from Chicago to Buffalo typically takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on a direct flight.
Trains from Chicago to Buffalo arrive at Buffalo Depew Station. This station is located in Depew, a suburb of Buffalo. It is about 12 miles east of downtown Buffalo. Buffalo Depew Station is a convenient and accessible transportation hub for travelers arriving from Chicago.
Yes, there is no direct train between Chicago and Buffalo. However, you can take a train from Chicago Union Station to Buffalo Depew Station with a transfer along the way. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 36 minutes.
To catch the train from Chicago to Buffalo head to Chicago Union Station. This is where Amtrak operates the train services for this route.
The cost of a flight from Chicago to Buffalo can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates. On average, prices for a roundtrip flight can range from $94 to $557.
The cost of a train ticket from Chicago to Buffalo can range from $31 to $260, depending on factors such as the class of service and how far in advance you book. On average, tickets tend to cost around $100.
The cost of a bus from Chicago to Buffalo can range from $55 to $156.
The cost of driving from Chicago to Buffalo can range from $95 to $150 depending on various factors such as gas prices, tolls, and the type of vehicle you are using.