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$118 Cheap Flights from Houston (IAH) to Washington (DCA)

View $118 flight on Wed, Aug 26, 2026Opens in a new window

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

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Cheap Flights from Houston to Washington (IAH-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $118 for one-way flights and $227 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Thu, Sep 10
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$227 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Houston to Washington, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $227 found 19 hours ago
United
Mon, Oct 12 - Mon, Oct 19
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$227 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$227
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select United flight, departing Mon, Oct 12 from Houston to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $227 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Thu, Sep 10
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$232 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$232
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Houston to Washington, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $232 found 19 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Aug 31 - Thu, Sep 10
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$232 Roundtrip, found 19 hours ago
$232
Roundtrip
found 19 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Aug 31 from Houston to Washington, returning Thu, Sep 10, priced at $232 found 19 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Mon, Aug 31
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$236 Roundtrip, just found
$236
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Houston to Washington, returning Mon, Aug 31, priced at $236 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Oct 10 - Mon, Oct 19
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$237 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$237
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 10 from Houston to Washington, returning Mon, Oct 19, priced at $237 found 21 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Sat, Oct 17
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$242 Roundtrip, found 21 hours ago
$242
Roundtrip
found 21 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 8 from Houston to Washington, returning Sat, Oct 17, priced at $242 found 21 hours ago
JetBlue Airways
Tue, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 27
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$248 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$248
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select JetBlue Airways flight, departing Tue, Oct 20 from Houston to Washington, returning Tue, Oct 27, priced at $248 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Wed, Aug 26 - Wed, Sep 16
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$315 Roundtrip, just found
$315
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Aug 26 from Houston to Washington, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $315 just found
Delta
Wed, Aug 26 - Wed, Sep 16
IAH
Houston
DCA
Washington
$335 Roundtrip, just found
$335
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Aug 26 from Houston to Washington, returning Wed, Sep 16, priced at $335 just found

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 $288
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $288
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $300
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $300

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

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

Explore a range of airlines offering flights from Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on this domestic short-haul route. Whether you're looking for low fares from Houston or a cheap ticket from Houston, you can compare options from both full-service and low-cost carriers. Check out the flight time and weekly flights available, and discover the latest deals on flights to help you plan your visit to Washington's iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 3 hours 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–$410, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Houston to Washington, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Denver International Airport (DEN) with about a 4-hour layover, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) offering around a 1-hour layover, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with a brief 45-minute layover. This variety allows you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to suit your needs.

  • United: As a major full-service airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $90 and $425. This carrier operates about 75% of flights on this route, featuring a typical non-stop travel time of 3 hours.
  • American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $425. It comprises around 19% of the departures on this route, with an average non-stop flight duration of 3 hours.
  • Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly choice, Frontier Airlines provides one-stop service, with one-way fares typically between $90 and $265. This airline accounts for roughly 4% of departures, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total travel time of about 6 hours, including layovers.
  • Delta: Operating as a full-service carrier, Delta offers one-stop routes, with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $415. It represents about 2% of the departures, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes, culminating in a total journey time of around 6 hours when factoring in layovers.

Travelers can upgrade their flight from Houston to Washington, with both United and American Airlines offering first-class service for this route.

Best time to fly from Houston (IAH) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Houston to Washington are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 56.3°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider December, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 40.6°F. For better deals, July and August usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $200. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 42 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 29 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July and August usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $200, roughly 14% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Houston to Washington, with approximately 42 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January35.1°F (1.7°C)High29$245
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Average29$253
March45.7°F (7.6°C)High39$263
April56.3°F (13.5°C)High33$255
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Average35$223
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Average38$236
July79.5°F (26.4°C)Average36$200
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Average33$200
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Low35$235
October59.9°F (15.5°C)Average42$223
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Low34$261
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Low36$231

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

  • Houston to Washington (HOU-DCA): William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is located approximately 23 miles from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The cost of one-way economy tickets for this route generally varies between $90 and $425, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Leading airlines on this route include Southwest Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares, and Delta.
  • Houston to Washington (IAH-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is situated about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). For this route, one-way economy fares typically range from $85 to $425, depending on the season and booking time. Passengers can find both non-stop and one-stop flights available. Major airlines servicing this route include United and the low-cost option Frontier Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Houston to Washington 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 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 am and 12 pm, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Tuesday is often cheaper, 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport from George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Houston 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.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ronald Reagan Washington National 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 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, travelers can easily access several transport links: National Airport Station, a metro station, is located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is about 4.8 miles away by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $118 and cheap return flights from $227 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $172 and $1219, and roundtrip flights usually range from $342 to $1416. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from IAH to DCA is August 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Choose from 2 airlines operating direct flights from IAH to DCA:

  • United operates around 60 direct flights from IAH to DCA every week
  • American Airlines operates around 23 direct flights from IAH to DCA every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
JetBlue Airways is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Houston, TX (IAH) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $210. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Houston, TX (IAH) to Washington, DC (DCA) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines also offers the most daily flights from IAH 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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.
How many flights per day from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
There are approximately 12 nonstop flights per day from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Houston, TX (IAH) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in January, November, and December, and an early departure allows you to maximize your time in the nation's capital. 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Houston, TX (IAH) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 26% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Washington, DC, with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Direct flights from IAH to DCA usually take about 3 hours, traveling roughly 1,206 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class is available on flights from IAH to DCA. First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines
  • United Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Houston (IAH) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $1,289 - $2,076. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $560 - $760. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 George Bush Intercontinental (IAH)?
From George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Portland Intl. (PDX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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 Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Houston, TX (IAH-George Bush Intercontinental) 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
George Bush Intercontinental
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, United
Roundtrip price
$226
Distance
1206 mi
Average flight time
4 hours 9 mins

Book with confidence

Houston to Washington Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Houston to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $118 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 Houston 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 Houston 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.

 

Houston to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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