Cheap Flights from Springfield to Washington (SPI-DCA)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $281 for one-way flights and $377 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Travel from Springfield (SPI) to Washington (DCA) with a full-service airline on this quick domestic route. Discover the best itinerary that aligns with your travel plans as you delve into Washington's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Here, you'll find essential information for flights departing from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
Route distance: roughly 700 miles (1,130 km)
Flights per week: around 7 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $145–$480, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Recent traveler bookings highlight the top airlines flying from Springfield to Washington, primarily favored for their one-stop services, with a common layover at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), typically lasting about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This route allows you to compare prices, total travel times, and cabin classes to create your ideal travel itinerary.
American Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides a one-stop option, dominating the departures for this route. One-way ticket prices generally fall between $145 and $480. Expect an in-flight duration of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, with the total travel time, including layover, being approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Alternative routes from Springfield (SPI) to Washington (DCA)
Springfield to College Park (SPI-CGS): College Park Airport (CGS) lies approximately 11 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), making it a convenient option for travelers.
Springfield to Washington (SPI-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located roughly 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), providing another viable route for passengers.
How to find the best prices for flights from Springfield (SPI) to Washington (DCA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Springfield 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 generally found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. tend to offer lower prices and are the most popular flight times, while flying on Friday provides both affordable rates and is 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 Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport
Washington welcomes travelers from Springfield 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.
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 about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is located approximately 3.8 miles away by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is around 4.8 miles from the airport, both typically accessible by car.
Springfield to Washington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Springfield 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 Springfield to Washington are during the month of December. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Springfield to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Springfield to Washington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $281 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 Springfield 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 Springfield 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $281 and cheap return flights $377 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $347 and $535, and roundtrip flights usually range from $516 to $1258. 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from SPI to DCA is December 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter SPI to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Springfield (SPI) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $354.59 with a layover in O'Hare Intl. (ORD). 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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 time to fly from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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.
What is the earliest flight from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (SPI) in Springfield, Illinois, to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early departure like this allows you to arrive in Washington, D.C., with plenty of time to explore the city. This service operates seasonally in February. 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
For flights from Springfield, IL (SPI) to Washington, DC (DCA), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 42% of total traffic. American Airlines is a key carrier offering flights during this period. Many travelers prefer this timing to make the most of their day in Washington, DC.
How long does it take to fly from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A flight from SPI to DCA with a layover takes around 4 hours, with the route covering approximately 678 miles. 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the SPI to DCA route with American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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 Abraham Lincoln Capital (SPI)?
From Abraham Lincoln Capital (SPI), 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) 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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 Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Springfield, IL (SPI-Abraham Lincoln Capital) 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.