$53 Cheap Flights to Washington, IL

Flights to Washington at a glance

Traveling to Washington is easy, thanks to full-service airlines that provide a range of flight choices. Check out the journey times and select the option that best aligns with your schedule and plans to discover the city's iconic attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Washington: Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)
• Closest airport to Washington: Greater Peoria Regional Airport, PIA (around 15 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,100+ flights arriving across Washington airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Washington: around 4 carriers

Popular airports near Washington

Washington is a charming city ideal for outdoor family adventures and vacations filled with excitement. Travelers flock here for various reasons, including family time, business, entertainment, and adventure. The city is conveniently served by two major airports, making travel easy.

• Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA): Situated in Peoria County, Illinois, approximately 15 miles from Washington, this airport provides access to both domestic and international flights, linking over 85 domestic cities and 4 international locations. Travelers have the option to upgrade to first-class service for enhanced comfort, depending on the route and airline. Notable carriers operating here include American Airlines and United.
• Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI): Found in McLean County, Illinois, about 30 miles from Washington, this airport facilitates both domestic and international travel, connecting passengers to around 55 domestic cities and 2 international destinations. For added convenience, travelers can opt for first-class and premium economy seating depending on their chosen flight. Major airlines serving this airport comprise American Airlines, Delta, and Aeromexico.

Top routes to Washington

• Dallas (DFW) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with one-way tickets available from around $130
• Denver (DEN) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with one-way flights starting at around $100
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with one-way fares starting at around $100
• Atlanta (ATL) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with one-way tickets available from around $120
• Seattle (SEA) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with one-way airfare from around $120

Cheapest routes to Washington

• Chicago (ORD) to Washington (PIA), with low one-way fares from around $90
• Houston (IAH/HOU) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with affordable one-way prices from around $100
• New York (LGA) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $100
• Orlando (MCO) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with low one-way fares from around $100
• Austin (AUS) to Washington (PIA/BMI), with affordable one-way prices from around $100

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Washington

• American Airlines: Services both Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA) and Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), making up about 58% of arrivals to Washington. The typical one-way fare hovers around $250, with first-class service available on select routes.
• United: Operates flights to Greater Peoria Regional Airport (PIA), contributing to roughly 31% of Washington's arrivals. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of about $260.
• Delta: Provides service to Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), accounting for around 11% of arrivals in Washington. The average one-way fare is about $280, with options for premium economy and first-class service on certain routes.
• Aeromexico: Flies into Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI), offering travelers an average one-way fare of approximately $210.

Best time to fly to Washington

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Washington are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Washington can reach up to 51.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.9°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $243, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? September and July offer average one-way fares of around $262, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*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.

How to save money on a flight to Washington

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Washington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. 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.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Washington hotel and flight deals.
4. 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 baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Washington flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Washington

Washington welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Greater Peoria Regional Airport, Peoria Bus Station, a bus station, is located about 6.3 miles away by car, offering convenient access for travelers needing bus services.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Washington, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Washington is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Washington on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Washington

• Peoria: Located 10 miles drive away from Washington, Peoria is a vibrant city offering a blend of family-friendly activities, business opportunities, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore the Peoria Civic Center for exciting events, shop at local malls, or immerse themselves in culture at Bradley University and the Peoria Riverfront Museum. This city is perfect for those seeking diverse experiences, whether it's attending a concert, enjoying a family outing, or discovering local history.
• Eureka: Eureka is located 7 miles drive away from Washington and is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. The city's attractions include Eureka Lake Park, which offers scenic views and recreational activities, and West Lake, perfect for a romantic day by the water. Additionally, the Washington Library provides a cultural touch for visitors. Eureka's parks and campgrounds make it a great spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
• East Peoria: Situated 9 miles drive away from Washington, East Peoria is a city known for its family-friendly atmosphere, business opportunities, and outdoor experiences. The Peoria Civic Center hosts various entertainment events, while the Peoria Riverfront Museum offers engaging cultural exhibits. Nature lovers can explore the Illinois River State Fish and Wildlife Area, ideal for outdoor adventures and eco-friendly activities. East Peoria is a great location for travelers seeking a mix of fun and relaxation.

Tips for short-haul flights to Washington

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more affordable. Maximize space by using mini toiletries, wearing your heaviest clothing, and carefully planning your outfits. This approach also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. Download your favorite TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts ahead of time, and consider bringing a book to keep yourself engaged. Remember to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Washington

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow free seat selection once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours prior to your flight. Some airlines may provide the option for seat selection even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and modifying your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Washington

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Washington on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

October is the cheapest month to fly to Washington. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Washington. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Washington, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Washington

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Washington in 2026 starts from $94, while one-way tickets start from from $53. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Washington. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Washington

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Washington. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Washington and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Washington, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Washington. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Washington plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Washington

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Washington.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Washington are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Washington. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Washington for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Washington. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Washington flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Washington. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.