You’d think flying from Buffalo to Albany would be a breeze. It’s the same state. You’re basically just hopping across the 90. But if you hop on a travel site looking for flights from buffalo ny to albany ny, you’re in for a rude awakening. There are no direct flights. Zero. Zip. Nada.
It’s one of those weird New York quirks. You want to visit the state capital from the second-largest city, and the airlines tell you that you have to hang out in Baltimore or Philadelphia first. Honestly, it’s frustrating. But if you’re dead set on flying—maybe you have a ton of points or you just really hate the Thruway—there is a way to make it work. You just have to be smart about the layovers.
The Reality of Flights from Buffalo NY to Albany NY
Right now, in early 2026, the sky over New York is a bit of a desert for intrastate travel. If you're looking for a non-stop, you won't find one. Major players like Delta, United, and American Airlines treat Buffalo (BUF) and Albany (ALB) as "spokes" in their network. To get from one spoke to another, you have to hit the "hub."
Most of your options for flights from buffalo ny to albany ny are going to involve a connection in one of these spots:
- Baltimore (BWI): This is usually the Southwest route. It’s often the fastest total travel time if the connection is tight.
- Philadelphia (PHL) or Washington D.C. (DCA): This is the American Airlines bread and butter.
- Newark (EWR): United will take you here. Beware of Newark delays; they’re legendary for a reason.
Expect a total travel time of anywhere from 3.5 to 6 hours. When you consider that driving takes about 4.5 hours, the math starts to look a little shaky for flying. But hey, sometimes you need the miles, or you need to work on a plane where there's (hopefully) Wi-Fi.
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Why Is There No Direct Flight?
It basically comes down to the "Hub and Spoke" model. Airlines don't think they can fill a 140-seat jet with people only going from Buffalo to Albany every single day. Years ago, smaller regional carriers like OneJet tried to make these "short-haul" business routes work, but they rarely lasted.
Demand is the killer here. Most people just drive. If you're a state politician or a lobbyist, you've probably got a driver or a very well-used EZ-Pass. Without that consistent "suit and tie" crowd filling seats every morning at 7:00 AM, the big airlines won't touch it.
Breaking Down the Costs and Carriers
If you are committed to the air, price is going to be your next hurdle. Because you're taking two flights instead of one, you’re paying for it.
Southwest Airlines is often the fan favorite here. Why? The bags. If you’re heading to Albany for a long stay or moving a kid into SUNY Albany, those two free checked bags are a godsend. Plus, their terminal at BWI is easy to navigate for a quick transfer.
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Delta and United usually hover around the same price point, often starting at $250 round trip if you book a few weeks out. If you’re booking last minute, expect to see numbers closer to $500. It’s steep for a 300-mile trip.
Pro-Tip: Watch the Connection Times
Don't book a 35-minute connection in Philly. Just don't. BUF is usually pretty efficient, but one de-icing delay in Buffalo and you’ll be watching your connection to Albany pull away from the gate while you’re still on the taxiway. Aim for at least 70 minutes. You’ll have time for a mediocre airport sandwich and a bathroom break without sprinting through the terminal.
The "Secret" Alternatives Most People Forget
Since flights from buffalo ny to albany ny aren't direct, you should honestly look at the alternatives. Sometimes the "fastest" way isn't through the clouds.
- Amtrak (The Empire Service): This is the unsung hero of NY travel. You board at Exchange Street or Depew and get off at Albany-Rensselaer. It takes about 5 hours and 15 minutes. The best part? The Wi-Fi (mostly) works, there’s a cafe car, and you have way more legroom than a Boeing 737. Plus, the view of the Mohawk River is actually pretty stunning.
- The Thruway Burn: It’s a straight shot. 280 miles. If you have a decent podcast and a heavy foot, you can do it in under 5 hours.
- Bus Options: Greyhound and Trailways still run this route. It’s cheap—sometimes as low as $45—but it’s a grind. Only do this if you’re on a serious budget.
Maximizing Your Trip to the Capital District
When you finally land at ALB, you aren't actually in downtown Albany. You're in Colonie. A Lyft or Uber to the Capitol building or Lark Street will run you about $20-$30 depending on the time of day.
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If you have some time to kill before your flight back to Buffalo, check out the New York State Museum. It’s free, and they have an old subway car and a carousel on the top floor. It’s weirdly cool. For food, Iron Gate Cafe is the go-to for brunch, but get there early because the line wraps around the building on weekends.
Actionable Steps for Your Journey
- Check Southwest first: See if their BWI connection fits your schedule; it’s usually the most "human" experience for this specific route.
- Compare with Amtrak: Open a second tab and look at the train schedule from Buffalo-Depew. If the flight has a 2-hour layover, the train might actually be faster door-to-door.
- Book on a Sunday: Statistics from the last year show that booking BUF to ALB flights on a Sunday can save you about 10% compared to mid-week bookings.
- Download the Airline App: Since you'll have a connection, you need real-time gate change alerts. Don't rely on the overhead monitors.
Flying from the 716 to the 518 is a bit of a logistical puzzle. It’s not as simple as it should be, but with a little planning, you can avoid the "layover from hell" and get to the Capital without losing your mind.
Check the current TSA wait times for Buffalo Niagara International before you leave; even though it's a smaller airport, the morning rush for those connecting flights can get surprisingly backed up.