$109 Cheap Flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA)
Popular airlines from General Mitchell Intl. Airport (MKE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
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UnitedUnited
DeltaDelta
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Milwaukee to Washington (MKE-DCA)
Alternative airports near Washington
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA)
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Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA) at a glance
Explore a range of airlines providing service from Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Washington's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on this convenient domestic route. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from Milwaukee or the cheapest flights from Milwaukee to Washington, you can evaluate options from full-service and budget carriers. Compare itineraries to find the best fit for your travel plans as you set out to discover Washington's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods.
- Fastest flight duration: around 2 hours non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
- Flights per week: around 15+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $100–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Milwaukee to Washington are often selected for their non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with about a 1-hour layover, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offering around 55 minutes, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) featuring a roughly 50-minute layover. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class while crafting your ideal travel itinerary.
- American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $100 and $420. It represents around 43% of departures on this route, and non-stop flights typically take about 2 hours.
- Southwest Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Southwest offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $100 to $405. It makes up approximately 41% of the departures for this route, with non-stop travel averaging 2 hours.
- Delta: A full-service airline that provides one-stop service, Delta's one-way ticket prices typically range from $100 to $400. It accounts for around 9% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of about 3 hours and a total journey time of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
- United: This full-service carrier offers one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $100 and $340. United makes up about 7% of the departures for this route, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and a total travel duration of roughly 4 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover time.
Travelers flying from Milwaukee to Washington can opt for an upgrade, as American Airlines provides first-class service on this route.
Best time to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Milwaukee to Washington are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 79.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 71.1°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $162. Flight availability peaks in May and July, with approximately 23 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January and February have the fewest flights, with approximately 14 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $162, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $182.
- Most flight options: May and July have the highest number of flights from Milwaukee to Washington, with approximately 23 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) | Moderately Low | 14 | $216 |
| February | 38.3°F (3.5°C) | Average | 14 | $208 |
| March | 45.7°F (7.6°C) | Moderately High | 18 | $223 |
| April | 56.3°F (13.5°C) | Moderately High | 20 | $213 |
| May | 65.7°F (18.7°C) | Average | 23 | $186 |
| June | 74.3°F (23.5°C) | Average | 21 | $211 |
| July | 79.5°F (26.4°C) | Moderately High | 23 | $210 |
| August | 77.4°F (25.2°C) | Average | 19 | $162 |
| September | 71.1°F (21.7°C) | Moderately Low | 20 | $182 |
| October | 59.9°F (15.5°C) | Average | 22 | $218 |
| November | 47.8°F (8.8°C) | Average | 21 | $216 |
| December | 40.6°F (4.8°C) | Moderately Low | 17 | $235 |
*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 Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA)
- Milwaukee to Washington (MKE-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located approximately 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy ticket prices on this route generally vary between $110 and $415, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Typically, this route features one-stop flights, with common layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Major airlines operating on this route include United and Delta. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.
How to find the best prices for flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington (DCA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Milwaukee 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 usually available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures between 5 AM and 12 PM generally offer lower prices and are also the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday is typically cheaper, while Thursday is the most favored 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 General Mitchell International Airport
Washington welcomes travelers from Milwaukee 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. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 4.8 miles from the airport, typically reached by car.
Milwaukee to Washington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Washington are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Milwaukee to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Milwaukee to Washington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $109 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $109 and cheap return flights $217 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $129 and $1059, and return flights often range between $283 and $937. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
September is typically the cheapest month to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA), with average round-trip fares around $281. This is about 12% lower than the average price throughout the year, as travel demand tends to decrease after the summer season. Other cheap months to fly from Milwaukee to Washington, DC include May and August.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
You can fly direct from MKE to DCA on American Airlines, with around 14 flights per week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $151. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 airline to fly with from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The best airline to fly with from Milwaukee, WI (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA) 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, WN typically offers the lowest fares. Delta offers the most daily flights from MKE 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The ideal time to fly from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA) is in September or August. September is particularly affordable, with return flights averaging around $281. August is also a popular month for travel, providing a good balance of price and options. This information is based on booking data from the past year.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
There are approximately 4 nonstop flights per day from General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in December, allowing you to start your day early 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Milwaukee (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in DC with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A nonstop flight from MKE to DCA typically takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, covering approximately 633 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 3 hours 10 minutes to your travel time. 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the MKE to DCA route. First class cabins are available on:
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
How much is a business class flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Milwaukee, WI (MKE) to Washington, DC (DCA) typically costs between $904 - $1,361. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 General Mitchell Intl. (MKE)?
When traveling from General Mitchell Intl. (MKE) to Washington, you can fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) and Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like O'Hare Intl. (ORD), Nashville Intl. (BNA), Lambert-St. Louis Intl. (STL) 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Milwaukee, WI (MKE-General Mitchell 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 | General Mitchell Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
Distance | 633 miles away |
Airlines serving | American Airlines, United, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines |
Popular airline | American Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $217 |
Average flight time | 2 hours |