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$184 Cheap Flights from Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA)

View $184 flight on Sun, Oct 11, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Dayton Intl. Airport (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

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Cheap Flights from Dayton to Washington (DAY-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $184 for one-way flights and $279 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$279 Roundtrip, just found
$279
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $279 just found
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$289 Roundtrip, just found
$289
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $289 just found
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Wed, Sep 30
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$294 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$294
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Dayton to Washington, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $294 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$299 Roundtrip, just found
$299
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $299 just found
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$299 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$299
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $299 found 20 hours ago
American Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Wed, Sep 30
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$304 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$304
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Dayton to Washington, returning Wed, Sep 30, priced at $304 found 2 hours ago
Delta
Thu, Nov 12 - Sun, Nov 15
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$309 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Nov 12 from Dayton to Washington, returning Sun, Nov 15, priced at $309 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$309 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$309
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at $309 found 20 hours ago
American Airlines
Tue, Dec 15 - Tue, Dec 29
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$312 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$312
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Dec 15 from Dayton to Washington, returning Tue, Dec 29, priced at $312 found 1 day ago
United
Thu, Oct 29 - Mon, Nov 2
DAY
Dayton
DCA
Washington
$415 Roundtrip, just found
$415
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Thu, Oct 29 from Dayton to Washington, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $415 just found

Alternative airports near Washington

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

Select flight to Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall BWI. Average driving time to city center is 40 minutes. Flights from $314
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $314
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $467
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $467

Find the cheapest month to fly from Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $189 - $427 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. to Ronald Reagan Washington National

Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel from Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you prepare to visit the iconic sights and neighborhoods of D.C. Check out key details for flights departing from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), including flight times and the latest deals on flights.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$330, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the most popular airlines for flights from Dayton to Washington, focusing on both non-stop and one-stop options. Many travelers prefer layovers at O'Hare International Airport (ORD, approximately 1h 15m), Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT, about 45 minutes), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL, around 1h 15m). This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.

  • American Airlines: This full-service airline dominates the route with about 98% of departures, providing both non-stop and one-stop options. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $95 and $330, and typical non-stop flights take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
  • United: Offering primarily one-stop services, United represents roughly 1% of flights on this route. One-way fares range from $110 to $390, with an in-flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total travel time of about 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Also a full-service provider, Delta features one-stop services that account for about 1% of departures. One-way fares vary from $100 to $565, and passengers can expect an in-flight time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes with layover included.

Travelers flying from Dayton to Washington can enhance their experience by upgrading to first-class service offered by American Airlines on this route.

Best time to fly from Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Dayton to Washington are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 56.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 40.6°F. For better deals, November usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $158. Flight availability peaks in May, with approximately 13 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, July, and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 10 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $158, roughly 8% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: May, June, and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $165.
  • Most flight options: May has the highest number of flights from Dayton to Washington, with approximately 13 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January35.1°F (1.7°C)High10$177
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Average10$178
March45.7°F (7.6°C)High12$186
April56.3°F (13.5°C)High12$169
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Average13$163
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Average11$166
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Low10$179
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Low11$181
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Average10$167
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Average11$170
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Average11$158
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Low11$176

*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 Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA)

  • Dayton to Washington (DAY-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy prices for this route generally fall between $95 and $340, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Passengers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, primarily operated by United and Delta. Additionally, first class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Dayton (DAY) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Dayton 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 usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with the typical booking habits of most travelers. Morning departures between 5 AM and 12 PM often offer lower prices and are popular flight times, while flying on Sunday generally yields cheaper fares, even though Friday remains 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 James M. Cox Dayton International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Dayton with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, James M. Cox Dayton International Airport is roughly a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from central Dayton. 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 about 3.8 miles from the airport and can be reached by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 4.8 miles away by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $184 and cheap return flights from $279 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $126 and $726, and roundtrip flights usually range from $293 to $969. 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Dayton, OH (DAY) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $279. This is about 14% lower than the average price throughout the year, as spring travel tends to be less crowded. Other affordable months to consider are April and November.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
American Airlines offers around 23 weekly direct flights from DAY to DCA.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $184. 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Dayton, OH (DAY) 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. United offers the most daily flights from DAY 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
For flights from Dayton (DAY) to Washington, DC (DCA), April and May are the best months to consider. These months are the cheapest, with average prices around $279, while October is also popular for travel. This gives you the opportunity to save money while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere in the capital.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
On average, there are around 3 nonstop flights per day from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) usually departs at around 5:20 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in July and August, giving you a head start on your day in 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
For flights from James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, operate flights during this time. This timing is popular because it allows you to arrive in Washington, DC, with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flying nonstop from DAY to DCA takes around 1 hour 30 minutes, with the route covering approximately 390 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 3 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the DAY to DCA route. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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 James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY)?
From James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY), you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Philadelphia Intl. (PHL), LaGuardia (LGA) 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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 Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton 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.

Travel information

Origin airport
James M. Cox Dayton Intl.
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$279
Distance
390 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 38 mins

Book with confidence

Dayton to Washington Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Dayton 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 Dayton to Washington are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Dayton to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Dayton to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Dayton 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 Dayton 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 Dayton to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $184 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 Dayton 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 Dayton 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.

 

Dayton to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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