$288 Cheap Flights from McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA)
Popular airlines from Miller Intl. Airport (MFE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
American AirlinesAmerican Airlines
UnitedUnited
DeltaDelta
Cheap Flights from McAllen to Washington (MFE-DCA)
Alternative airports near Washington
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA) at a glance
Travel from McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA) with a selection of airlines operating this domestic short-haul route. Explore various options and compare full-service carriers to find the best itinerary that aligns with your budget and schedule as you prepare to experience the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Washington. Check out the essential details for flights from Miller International Airport (MFE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
- Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,500 miles (2,410 km)
- Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $130–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Miller International Airport (MFE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from McAllen to Washington, often featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover points include George Bush Intercontinental Airport, IAH (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes), and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, DFW (also about 1 hour and 15 minutes). These choices allow you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary for your journey.
- United: As a comprehensive service airline, United provides a convenient one-stop option. Its one-way ticket prices typically range from $135 to $400. This carrier represents about 55% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layovers.
- American Airlines: Offering both one-stop and multi-stop services, American Airlines is a full-service option with one-way fares generally between $130 and $475. It accounts for around 41% of departures on this route, featuring a typical one-stop flight time of 4 hours and 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 5 hours and 45 minutes.
- Delta: Delta serves as a full-service airline providing multi-stop itineraries, with one-way fares usually spanning from $135 to $395. It represents roughly 3% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes and a total travel time of approximately 9 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layovers.
Best time to fly from McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA)
The most popular months for travelers flying from McAllen to Washington are January, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 79.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider May, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 65.7°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $221). Flight availability peaks in May, June, August, October, and December, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. April and September have the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $221, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
- More budget-friendly months to fly: August, November, and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $235.
- Most flight options: May, June, August, October, and December have the highest number of flights from McAllen to Washington, with approximately 10 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 35.1°F (1.7°C) | Slightly High | 9 | $289 |
| February | 38.3°F (3.5°C) | Average | 8 | $244 |
| March | 45.7°F (7.6°C) | Average | 9 | $313 |
| April | 56.3°F (13.5°C) | Average | 7 | $268 |
| May | 65.7°F (18.7°C) | Slightly Low | 10 | $221 |
| June | 74.3°F (23.5°C) | Slightly High | 10 | $284 |
| July | 79.5°F (26.4°C) | Slightly High | 8 | $239 |
| August | 77.4°F (25.2°C) | Average | 10 | $231 |
| September | 71.1 °F (21.7°C) | Slightly Low | 7 | $272 |
| October | 59.9°F (15.5°C) | Slightly Low | 10 | $276 |
| November | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | Average | 9 | $239 |
| December | 40.6°F (4.8°C) | Average | 10 | $273 |
*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 McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA)
- Harlingen to Washington (HRL-DCA): Valley International Airport (HRL) is approximately 36 miles from Miller International Airport (MFE). On this route, one-way economy fares generally vary from $120 to $400 based on the season and booking timing. Travelers usually encounter one-stop flights, with common layovers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The leading airlines for this journey include United and Southwest Airlines, a popular low-cost option.
- McAllen to Washington (MFE-IAD): Located about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the destination for this route. One-way economy fares typically range from $120 to $535, influenced by the time of year and advance booking. This route predominantly features one-stop flights with favored layovers at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Major airlines on this route include American Airlines and United, with first-class service also offered.
- Harlingen to Washington (HRL-IAD): Valley International Airport (HRL) is about 36 miles from Miller International Airport (MFE), while Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies around 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares for this route usually range from $125 to $455, depending on the season and booking timeframe. One-stop flights are common, featuring popular layovers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Major airlines for this route include United and American Airlines.
How to find the best prices for flights from McAllen (MFE) to Washington (DCA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from McAllen 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is also when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures (6 PM to 12 AM) tend to offer lower prices, though morning flights (5 AM to 12 PM) are more popular. Additionally, flying on Thursday generally provides cheaper options, while Friday remains 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 Miller International Airport
Washington welcomes travelers from McAllen 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, 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 away by car, and Washington Seaport (a seaport) is about 4.8 miles away by car, providing convenient options for both train and sea travel.
McAllen to Washington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from McAllen 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 McAllen to Washington are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from McAllen to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from McAllen to Washington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $288 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 McAllen 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 McAllen 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $288 and cheap return flights $379 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $225 and $846, and roundtrip flights usually range from $385 to $1740. 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
May is the cheapest month to fly from McAllen, TX (MFE) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average return fares around $310. This fare is about 31% lower than the average price throughout the year, as May typically experiences lower travel demand. Other budget-friendly months to fly from MFE to DCA include January and March.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter MFE to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from McAllen, TX (MFE) to Washington, DC (DCA) with a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), starting from around $773. 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best time to fly from McAllen (MFE) to Washington, DC (DCA) is in January or May. Return flights during these months average around $310, making them budget-friendly. January is ideal for avoiding the holiday rush, while May offers pleasant spring weather in the capital.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
What is the earliest flight from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Miller International Airport (MFE) in McAllen, Texas, 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 March. 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from McAllen, TX (MFE) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the early morning, from 3am to 6am. About 30% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Washington, DC with a full day ahead to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flights from MFE to DCA with one stop typically take around 5 hours 50 minutes, covering approximately 1,508 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class is available on flights from MFE to DCA. First class cabins are available on:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
How do I earn miles on a McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 Miller Intl. (MFE)?
From Miller Intl. (MFE), you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) in Washington. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Austin-Bergstrom Intl. (AUS), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW), George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) 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 | Miller Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
Distance | 1,507 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, United, Delta |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $379 |