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$194 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Dayton (DAY)

View $194 flight on Sat, Oct 17, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Dayton (DCA-DAY)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $194 for one-way flights and $299 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sun, Oct 18
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$299 Roundtrip, just found
$299
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Washington to Dayton, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $299 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 17 - Sun, Oct 18
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$309 Roundtrip, just found
$309
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Washington to Dayton, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $309 just found
American Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$314 Roundtrip, just found
$314
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Washington to Dayton, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $314 just found
Delta
Fri, Nov 20 - Tue, Dec 1
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$319 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$319
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Washington to Dayton, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $319 found 10 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Sun, Oct 11
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$324 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$324
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Washington to Dayton, returning Sun, Oct 11, priced at $324 found 19 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Sun, Oct 4
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$329 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Washington to Dayton, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $329 found 4 hours ago
American Airlines
Fri, Nov 20 - Tue, Dec 1
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$332 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$332
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Washington to Dayton, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $332 found 10 hours ago
Delta
Fri, Nov 20 - Tue, Dec 1
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$334 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$334
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Fri, Nov 20 from Washington to Dayton, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $334 found 10 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 3 - Sun, Oct 4
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$339 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$339
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 3 from Washington to Dayton, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $339 found 4 hours ago
United
Tue, Nov 24 - Tue, Dec 1
DCA
Washington
DAY
Dayton
$435 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$435
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Nov 24 from Washington to Dayton, returning Tue, Dec 1, priced at $435 found 1 day ago

Alternative airports near Dayton

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

Select flight to James M. Cox Dayton Intl. DAY. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $334
DAY
James M. Cox Dayton Intl.
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $334

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

June is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $189 - $359 per traveler.

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

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

Travel from Washington (DCA) to Dayton (DAY) with a range of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Evaluate your choices among full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule while you enjoy the attractions and neighborhoods of Dayton. Find essential information for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 400 miles (645 km)
  • Flights per week: around 10 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$365, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Dayton, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include O'Hare International Airport, ORD (approximately 1 hour), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, ATL (around 1 hour), and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, CLT (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes). These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to craft the ideal itinerary for your journey.

  • American Airlines: This major carrier provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, boasting one-way fares that usually fall between $95 and $390. It dominates the route with about 97% of departures, and the average non-stop flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • United: Another established full-service airline, United offers one-stop options with one-way fares typically ranging from $130 to $330. It represents around 2% of flights for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
  • Delta: Delta also provides one-stop service, with one-way prices generally between $150 and $220. Holding about 1% of departures on this route, passengers can expect an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of roughly 4 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.

Travelers flying from Washington to Dayton can opt to enhance their journey with an upgrade; American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Dayton are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Dayton reach up to 62.4°F in May. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 66.2°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $159. Flight availability peaks in May and July, with approximately 12 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $159, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: November, September, and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $173.
  • Most flight options: May and July have the highest number of flights from Washington to Dayton, with approximately 12 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January27.9°F (-2.3°C)Average9$197
February30.9°F (-0.6°C)Average9$190
March41.2°F (5.1°C)Moderately High11$216
April51.3°F (10.7°C)Moderately High10$193
May62.4°F (16.9°C)Moderately High12$174
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Moderately Low10$185
July73.4°F (23.0°C)Average12$207
August71.8°F (22.1°C)Average9$159
September66.2°F (19.0°C)Moderately Low9$172
October54.9°F (12.7°C)Average11$204
November42.4°F (5.8°C)Average10$172
December34.5°F (1.4°C)Moderately Low9$191

*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 Washington (DCA) to Dayton (DAY)

  • Washington to Dayton (IAD-DAY): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The cost of one-way economy tickets for this journey generally falls between $95 and $365, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Passengers can choose from both direct and connecting flights on this route. Major airlines servicing this route include United and Delta, with first-class service also available.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Dayton 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book within two to eight weeks. Departures in the afternoon, between 12 PM and 6 PM, are often less expensive and the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally results in lower prices, while 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.* Find Dayton hotel and flight deals.
  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 James M. Cox Dayton International Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Dayton welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly a 10-minute drive (covering about 5 miles) from central Washington. Dayton city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Dayton efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Dayton, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from James M. Cox Dayton International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at James M. Cox Dayton International 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 James M. Cox Dayton International Airport, Dayton Northwest Transit Center, a bus station, is located about 6.1 miles away, providing convenient access for travelers heading to the area.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $194 and cheap return flights from $299 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $155 and $680, and roundtrip flights usually range from $300 to $1018. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton, OH (DAY), with average round-trip fares around $299. This is about 13% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand typically decreases in the spring. Other affordable months to consider are January and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
American Airlines operates around 21 direct flights from DCA to DAY every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton (DAY), with round-trip tickets starting from around $179. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.), 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton, OH (DAY) 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 Washington to Dayton, 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
The ideal time to fly from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton, OH (DAY) is in May, with average return flight prices around $299. This month is popular for travelers, providing a good mix of reasonable fares and convenient flight schedules. January is another economical option, making it a great time to secure lower prices.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
On average, there are around 3 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to James M. Cox Dayton International (DAY) typically departs at around 5:00 AM. This seasonal service is available in August, allowing you to maximize your time in Dayton. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
When flying from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton, OH (DAY), the most popular departure times are in the morning, from 6am to 9am. This time frame accounts for about 34% of total traffic. Major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United Airlines operate during this window. Many travelers prefer this timing to maximize their day in Dayton.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
Direct flights from DCA to DAY usually take about 1 hour 50 minutes, traveling roughly 390 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 3 hours 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from DCA to DAY. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
A non-stop, one-way business class flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to Dayton, OH (DAY) is usually around $483 - $633 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) 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 Dayton from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into James M. Cox Dayton Intl. (DAY) to reach Dayton. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Liberty Intl. (EWR), Charleston Intl. (CHS), Savannah - Hilton Head Intl. (SAV) before reaching Dayton. 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) flight and hotel package 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.) 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
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Destination airport
James M. Cox Dayton Intl.
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$299
Distance
390 mi
Average flight time
1 hour 41 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Dayton Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Dayton

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Dayton

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

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 Washington to Dayton in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $194 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 Washington to Dayton 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 Washington to Dayton 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.

 

Washington to Dayton Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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