$125 Cheap Flights from Denver (DEN) to Washington (DCA)
Popular airlines from Denver Intl. Airport (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
DeltaDelta
UnitedUnited
JetBlue AirwaysJetBlue Airways
Be in the knowGet alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
Book smarterSave up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
Cheap Flights from Denver to Washington (DEN-DCA)
Alternative airports near Washington
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Book with confidence
Denver (DEN) to Washington (DCA) at a glance
Travel between Denver (DEN) and Washington (DCA) with a range of airlines catering to this domestic short-haul route. Compare options from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best flights from Denver to Washington that suit your itinerary, budget, and schedule as you embark on an adventure to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of the capital. Check out key details for flights departing from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
- Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $55–$350, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Denver to Washington, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT) with a 2-hour layover. This variety allows you to customize your travel experience by balancing fare, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.
- Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly airline, Frontier provides non-stop flights with one-way prices generally falling between $55 and $285. This carrier represents about 57% of the departures along this route, with a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- United: A comprehensive service airline, United offers both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares typically ranging from $110 to $490. This airline accounts for around 19% of the flights on this route, with non-stop travel taking about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Southwest Airlines: This low-cost airline features both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $100 and $385. Southwest makes up about 10% of departures on this route, with a typical one-stop journey lasting 4 hours and 30 minutes in the air, totaling around 5 hours and 45 minutes.
- American Airlines: Offering one-stop services, American Airlines has one-way prices ranging from $85 to $385. It constitutes roughly 7% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
- Delta: A full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically between $120 and $475. This carrier represents about 5% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, resulting in a total journey duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes when considering layovers.
Travelers can enhance their journey from Denver to Washington by upgrading their flight. United offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy options for added comfort.
Best time to fly from Denver (DEN) to Washington (DCA)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Denver 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 September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 71.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $159). Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 37 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. December has the fewest flights, with approximately 28 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $159, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: February, August, and January typically offer average one-way fares of around $162.
- Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Denver to Washington, with approximately 37 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 35.1°F (1.7°C) | High | 30 | $165 |
| February | 38.3°F (3.5°C) | Average | 30 | $160 |
| March | 45.7°F (7.6°C) | High | 33 | $186 |
| April | 56.3°F (13.5°C) | High | 30 | $183 |
| May | 65.7°F (18.7°C) | Average | 36 | $187 |
| June | 74.3°F (23.5°C) | Average | 37 | $189 |
| July | 79.5°F (26.4°C) | Average | 31 | $167 |
| August | 77.4°F (25.2°C) | Low | 33 | $160 |
| September | 71.1°F (21.7°C) | Low | 31 | $159 |
| October | 59.9°F (15.5°C) | Average | 35 | $165 |
| November | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | Average | 34 | $188 |
| December | 40.6°F (4.8°C) | Low | 28 | $188 |
*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 routes from Denver (DEN) to Washington (DCA)
- Colorado Springs to Washington (COS-DCA): Located roughly 73 miles from Denver International Airport (DEN), Colorado Springs Airport (COS) offers one-way economy tickets that generally fall between $115 and $480, influenced by the time of year and how early you make your reservation. Flights on this route usually feature one-stop options, with common layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Major airlines servicing this route include United and American Airlines, and first class is an available option.
- Denver to Washington (DEN-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares for this journey typically range from $90 to $435, depending on the season and advance booking. This route provides both non-stop and one-stop flight options. United and Southwest Airlines (a low-cost carrier) are the leading airlines for this route, with first class service also offered.
How to find the best prices for flights from Denver (DEN) to Washington (DCA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Denver to Washington is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures (5am-12pm) tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday often provides cheaper rates, even though Friday remains the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 Denver International Airport
Washington welcomes travelers from Denver 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 just a short 0.2 miles away on foot, providing convenient access to the metro. For further travel, Alexandria Station (a train station) is located about 3.8 miles from the airport by car, while Washington Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 4.8 miles away by car.
Denver to Washington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Denver 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 Denver to Washington are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Denver to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Denver to Washington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $125 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 Denver 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 Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $125 and cheap return flights $243 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $119 and $875, and roundtrip flights usually range from $276 to $1124. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from DEN to DCA is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from DEN to DCA:
- Frontier Airlines operates around 20 direct flights from DEN to DCA every week
- United operates around 7 direct flights from DEN to DCA every week
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) with round-trip tickets starting from around $50. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Denver, CO (DEN) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Frontier Airlines offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from DEN 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can find approximately 3 nonstop flights per day from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) typically departs at around 12:15 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in November and December, allowing you to start your trip to Washington, DC early. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 32% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, offer flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to maximize your day in Washington, DC after arriving.
How long does it take to fly from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Direct flights from DEN to DCA usually take about 3 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 1,472 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 50 minutes to your journey. 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can fly first class between DEN and DCA. First class cabins are available on:
- Delta Air Lines
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
How much is a business class flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Denver (DEN) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $1,825 - $2,844. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $734 - $1,198. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver Intl. (DEN)?
When traveling from Denver Intl. (DEN) to Washington, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Portland Intl. (PDX), San Diego Intl. (SAN) 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 Denver, CO (DEN-Denver Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Denver, CO (DEN-Denver 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 | Denver Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
Distance | 1,471 miles away |
Airlines serving | Frontier Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue Airways |
Popular airline | Frontier Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $243 |
Average flight time | 5 hours 5 mins |