$124 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Houston (IAH)

View $124 flight on Tue, Sep 29, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Houston (DCA-IAH)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $124 for one-way flights and $247 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Wed, Oct 14
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$247 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$247
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 7 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Oct 14, priced at $247 found 10 hours ago
United
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 9
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$247 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$247
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $247 found 10 hours ago
United
Tue, Sep 8 - Wed, Sep 9
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$248 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$248
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 8 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $248 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Aug 11 - Wed, Aug 12
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$249 Roundtrip, found 15 hours ago
$249
Roundtrip
found 15 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $249 found 15 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 9
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$249 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$249
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $249 found 10 hours ago
United
Tue, Sep 1 - Fri, Sep 11
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$252 Roundtrip, found 6 hours ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 6 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Houston, returning Fri, Sep 11, priced at $252 found 6 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 11
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$252 Roundtrip, found 12 hours ago
$252
Roundtrip
found 12 hours ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Tue, Aug 4 from Washington to Houston, returning Tue, Aug 11, priced at $252 found 12 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Wed, Aug 5 - Wed, Aug 12
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$253 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$253
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Wed, Aug 5 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Aug 12, priced at $253 found 1 day ago
United
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 9
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$254 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$254
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select United flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $254 found 10 hours ago
Delta
Tue, Sep 1 - Wed, Sep 9
DCA
Washington
IAH
Houston
$258 Roundtrip, found 10 hours ago
$258
Roundtrip
found 10 hours ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 1 from Washington to Houston, returning Wed, Sep 9, priced at $258 found 10 hours ago

Alternative airports near Houston

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

Select flight to George Bush Intercontinental IAH. Cheapest option available. Average driving time to city center is 24 minutes. Flights from $413
IAH
George Bush Intercontinental
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center24 min
Flights from $413

What you need to know for your flight from Ronald Reagan Washington National to George Bush Intercontinental

Washington (DCA) to Houston (IAH) at a glance

Travel effortlessly from Washington (DCA) to Houston (IAH) with a choice of various airlines serving this domestic short-haul route. Compare flight options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to discover the itinerary that best suits your budget and schedule. As you plan your journey to explore Houston's renowned attractions and neighborhoods, be sure to check key details for flights departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,200 miles (1,930 km)
  • Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $90–$415, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Houston, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 2-hour wait, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) offering roughly a 1-hour layover, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) also with a 1-hour stop. These choices give you the flexibility to balance price, overall travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

  • United: This comprehensive airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way fares usually falling between $95 and $425. United operates around 74% of flights on this route, boasting a standard non-stop travel time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service airline, American Airlines offers non-stop and one-stop services at one-way prices typically ranging from $90 to $445. It represents about 19% of departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost option, Frontier Airlines provides one-stop service with one-way fares generally between $90 and $235. They account for roughly 5% of departures, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, bringing total travel time to about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
  • Delta: This full-service airline offers one-stop service, featuring one-way fares typically ranging from $115 to $400. Delta makes up around 2% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 5 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey time of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
  • JetBlue Airways: A budget-friendly airline, JetBlue provides one-stop service with one-way ticket prices usually between $145 and $280. Their flights have an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes, resulting in a total travel time of about 7 hours and 30 minutes when including layovers.

Travelers can enhance their journey from Washington to Houston by opting for an upgraded flight. Both United and American Airlines provide first-class seating for this route.

Alternative routes from Washington (DCA) to Houston (IAH)

  • Washington to Houston (DCA-HOU): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is located approximately 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). On this route, one-way economy prices usually fall between $90 and $425, influenced by the time of year and booking timing. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include the budget-friendly Southwest Airlines and American Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.
  • Washington to Houston (IAD-IAH): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies around 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The one-way economy fare for this journey typically ranges from $90 to $425, subject to seasonal fluctuations and advance booking. This route generally features both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Key airlines servicing this route include United and Frontier Airlines, known for their competitive pricing. First-class service is also available on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Houston (IAH)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Houston 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, coinciding with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., not only tend to offer lower prices but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Tuesday generally provides cheaper prices, while Friday remains the most popular 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 George Bush Intercontinental Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Houston 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. Here's how to reach Houston efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Houston, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from George Bush Intercontinental Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at George Bush Intercontinental 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 George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal C Station, a metro station, is located about 0.3 miles from the airport and can be reached on foot.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $124 and cheap return flights from $247 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $173 and $974, and roundtrip flights usually range from $265 to $1681. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
The cheapest month to fly from DCA to IAH 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from DCA to IAH:

  • United operates around 52 direct flights from DCA to IAH every week
  • American Airlines operates around 23 direct flights from DCA to IAH every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Houston (IAH), with round-trip tickets starting from around $253. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental), 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (DCA) to Houston, TX (IAH) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from Washington to Houston, 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
You can find approximately 11 nonstop flights per day from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to George Bush Intercontinental (IAH). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
The earliest flight from Washington, DC (DCA) to Houston (IAH) usually leaves at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. An early start like this allows you to make the most of your day in Houston. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
For flights from Washington, DC (DCA) to Houston (IAH), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 32% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Houston early and make the most of your day.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
Flying nonstop from DCA to IAH takes around 3 hours 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,206 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 40 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
First class seats are offered on the DCA to IAH route. First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Washington, DC (DCA) to Houston, TX (IAH) typically costs between $900 - $1,255. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)?
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), you can fly into George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) in Houston. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Portland Intl. (PDX) before reaching Houston. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) Houston 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 Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) to Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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
George Bush Intercontinental
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$247
Distance
1206 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 22 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Houston Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Houston

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Houston

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

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 Houston in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $124 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 Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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