$165 Cheap Flights from Washington (DCA) to Portland (PDX)

Washington (DCA) to Portland (PDX) at a glance

Travel from Washington’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Portland International Airport (PDX) with a range of airlines operating on this domestic long-haul route. Evaluate various options, including full-service and budget carriers, to discover flight prices and schedules that align with your itinerary. As you plan your trip to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Portland, you'll find the essential details for your DCA to PDX journey right here.

• Fastest flight duration: around 6 hours non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $125–$525, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Portland International Airport (PDX)

Based on recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines flying from Washington to Portland, often selected for their non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover choices include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, Denver International Airport (DEN) at about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Midway International Airport (MDW) with a 1 hour and 45 minutes layover. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to secure the best itinerary.

• Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flight options, with typical one-way prices ranging from $150 to $610. It accounts for around 28% of departures on this route, offering a usual non-stop travel duration of 6 hours.
• Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares generally between $130 and $515. It represents about 18% of departures for this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 7 hours and a total journey time close to 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way tickets usually priced from $145 to $595. It constitutes roughly 17% of the departures on this route, having an in-flight time of 7 hours and a total travel time near 8 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in layovers.
• United: This full-service carrier also offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling between $160 and $585. It accounts for about 14% of the route's departures, with a flight duration of 7 hours and a total travel time of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layover times.
• Frontier Airlines: A low-cost airline, Frontier offers one-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $125 to $270. It holds around 11% of the departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 7 hours and an estimated total journey time of about 8 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.

Travelers heading from Washington to Portland have the option to enhance their flight experience. Alaska Airlines provides first class and business class services, while United and American Airlines both offer first class seating.

Best time to fly from Washington (DCA) to Portland (PDX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Portland are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Portland reach up to 49.5°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 54.7°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $245. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 32 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 15 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $245, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: July, February, and May typically offer average one-way fares of around $264.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Washington to Portland, with approximately 32 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 Portland (PDX)

• Washington to Portland (IAD-PDX): Located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers a variety of travel options. One-way economy fares along this route generally fall between $135 and $505, influenced by the season and how early you book. Flights are typically available as both non-stop and one-stop services. Major airlines operating on this route include United and Delta, and first-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (DCA) to Portland (PDX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Portland 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 typically found when booking within two weeks, although most travelers book two to eight weeks in advance. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often offer lower prices, while afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday usually results in cheaper prices, but Saturday remains the most favored 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 Portland International Airport from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Portland 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 Portland efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Portland, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Portland International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Portland 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 Portland International Airport, both the Portland International Airport Bus Stop (a bus station) and the Portland International Airport Station (a metro station) are conveniently located about 0.3 miles away on foot, making access to public transport easy. For those needing to travel by train, Portland Union Station (a train station) is situated roughly 9 miles from the airport by car.

Washington to Portland Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Portland

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

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Portland

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

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 Portland in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $165 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 Portland 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 Portland 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.