$81 Cheap Flights from Chicago (MDW) to Washington (DCA)

View $81 flight on Tue, May 12, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Washington (MDW-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $81 for one-way flights and $149 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Southwest Airlines
Wed, May 6 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$149 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$149
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 6 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $149 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, May 6 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$154 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$154
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 6 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $154 found 2 days ago
Delta
Wed, May 6 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$158 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$158
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, May 6 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $158 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, May 7 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$161 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$161
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, May 7 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $161 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Thu, Apr 30 - Sat, May 2
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$161 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$161
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Thu, Apr 30 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 2, priced at $161 found 1 day ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, May 4 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$169 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$169
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, May 4 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $169 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Mon, May 4 - Sat, May 9
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$171 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$171
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Mon, May 4 from Chicago to Washington, returning Sat, May 9, priced at $171 found 2 days ago
Southwest Airlines
Tue, Apr 7 - Tue, Apr 14
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$171 Roundtrip, found 20 hours ago
$171
Roundtrip
found 20 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Tue, Apr 7 from Chicago to Washington, returning Tue, Apr 14, priced at $171 found 20 hours ago
Southwest Airlines
Wed, Apr 1 - Tue, Apr 7
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$179 Roundtrip, found 18 hours ago
$179
Roundtrip
found 18 hours ago
Select Southwest Airlines flight, departing Wed, Apr 1 from Chicago to Washington, returning Tue, Apr 7, priced at $179 found 18 hours ago
Delta
Mon, May 18 - Tue, May 19
MDW
Chicago
DCA
Washington
$181 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$181
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Mon, May 18 from Chicago to Washington, returning Tue, May 19, priced at $181 found 4 hours ago

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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. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 40 minutes. Flights from $270
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $270
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $290
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $290

Find the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (MDW) to Washington (DCA)

August is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $93 - $474 per traveler.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $81 and cheap return flights from $149 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $136 and $904, and return flights often range between $286 and $768. 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago, IL (MDW) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $270. This price is about 15% lower than the average throughout the year, as winter typically sees less travel. Other affordable months to consider are August and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter MDW to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National), with round-trip tickets starting from around $440. 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Chicago, IL (MDW) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from MDW 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best times to fly from Chicago, IL (MDW) to Washington, DC (DCA) are February and September. February offers an average price of about $270 for a return flight, making it a budget-friendly option. September is also popular, providing plenty of flight choices. These months strike a balance between cost and convenience, allowing you to plan your trip effectively.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can find approximately 6 nonstop flights per day from Midway Intl. (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Midway International Airport (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM. This seasonal service, primarily operated by Southwest Airlines, gives you a head start on your day in Washington, DC. 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (MDW) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the morning, from 9am to noon. This accounts for about 26% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this timing as it allows for a productive start to their day in Washington.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A nonstop flight from MDW to DCA typically takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, covering approximately 599 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the MDW to DCA route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Midway Intl. (MDW)?
From Midway Intl. (MDW), you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Birmingham Intl. (BHM), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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 Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway 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
Midway Intl.
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Delta, Southwest Airlines
Roundtrip price
$148
Distance
598 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 47 mins

Book with confidence

Chicago to Washington Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $81 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 Chicago 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 Chicago 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.

 

Chicago to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

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*Available to One Key members.