$146 Cheap Flights from Rochester (ROC) to Washington (DCA)

Book with confidence

Rochester (ROC) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel between Rochester (ROC) and Washington (DCA) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Discover flights from Rochester to Washington that cater to various budgets and schedules, whether you're looking for economical options or more comprehensive services. As you plan your visit to Washington's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods, review the essential details for flights from Greater Rochester International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 300 miles (485 km)
• Flights per week: around 13 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$320, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines preferred for flights from Rochester to Washington, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layovers include Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes, and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) with a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to discover the best itinerary for your trip.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way tickets generally priced between $90 and $335. Dominating this route, it accounts for around 96% of departures, with a standard non-stop flight duration of about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
• Delta: Operating as a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $185. It represents about 2% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and an overall travel time of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
• United: Another full-service option, United provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically between $115 and $230. It makes up roughly 1% of the departures for this route, with a flight time of 3 hours and a total travel duration of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from Rochester to Washington can upgrade to first class with American Airlines, enjoying enhanced service and comfort on this route.

Best time to fly from Rochester (ROC) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Rochester to Washington are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 56.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider June, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 74.3°F. For better deals, December usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $147. Flight availability peaks in March, May, October, and December, with approximately 14 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 12 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: December usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $147, roughly 13% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: June and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $155.
• Most flight options: March, May, October, and December have the highest number of flights from Rochester to Washington, 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 Rochester (ROC) to Washington (DCA)

• Rochester to Washington (ROC-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy ticket prices for this route generally range from $90 to $340, influenced by the season and timing of the booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights on this route. Major airlines operating here include United and Delta, with first-class service also available for those seeking a premium experience.

How to find the best prices for flights from Rochester (ROC) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Rochester to Washington 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 generally available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures between 12pm and 6pm also tend to be more affordable and are the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Fridays offers both lower prices and 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from Greater Rochester International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Rochester with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Washington city center is approximately a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Washington efficiently:

• 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 from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, National Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport and typically reached by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is around 4.8 miles away by car.

Rochester to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Rochester to Washington

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 Rochester to Washington are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Rochester to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Rochester to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Rochester to Washington: 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 Rochester to Washington

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 Rochester to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $146 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 Rochester to Washington 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 Rochester to Washington 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?

You can find cheap one-way flights from $146 and cheap return flights $277 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $198 and $589, and return flights often range between $278 and $942. 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

September is the cheapest month to fly from Rochester (ROC) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $274. This is about 10% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand decreases after the summer. Other affordable months to consider are January and June.

*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

Which airlines fly direct from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

American Airlines operates around 25 direct flights from ROC to DCA every week.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Rochester (ROC) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $169. 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

To find a cheap flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), 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 airline to fly with from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

The best airline to fly with from Rochester, NY (ROC) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, American Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from ROC to DCA, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.

What is the best time to fly from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

When planning your trip from Rochester, NY (ROC) to Washington, DC (DCA), aim for September or June. These months offer the best prices, with return flights averaging around $274. September is particularly favorable as it follows the busy summer season, leading to lower fares and a more enjoyable travel experience.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How many flights per day from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

On average, there are around 3 nonstop flights per day from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.

What is the earliest flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

The earliest flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) usually departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in August, giving you a head start to explore the capital. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.

What are the most popular departure times for flights from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

For flights from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), the most popular departure times are in the early afternoon, from 12pm to 3pm. About 24% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing is convenient for travelers looking to arrive in Washington, DC, in the afternoon.

How long does it take to fly from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

A nonstop flight from ROC to DCA typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, covering approximately 297 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 30 minutes to your travel time. 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

First class is available on flights from ROC to DCA. First class cabins are available on:

• Delta Air Lines
• American Airlines
• United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

A direct, return business class ticket from Rochester, NY (ROC) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $911 - $1,259. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) if you opt for a connecting flight.

*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.

How do I earn miles on a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?

It's easy to earn miles on a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Washington from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC)?

When traveling from Greater Rochester Intl. (ROC) to Washington, you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Logan Intl. (BOS), John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) before reaching Washington. 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?

Typically, booking a last minute flight from Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?

Securing a Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) Washington 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 Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?

If you booked your Rochester, NY (ROC-Greater Rochester Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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.