$88 Cheap Flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA)

Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA) with a variety of airline options on this domestic short-haul route. Utilize a flight finder to compare prices and schedules from both full-service and low-cost carriers, ensuring you discover the best flights from Minneapolis that align with your budget and travel plans. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Washington, gather all essential details for your journey from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

• Fastest flight duration: around 2h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 900 miles (1,450 km)
• Flights per week: around 35+ 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Minneapolis to Washington, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include Midway International Airport, MDW (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes), O'Hare International Airport, ORD (around 1 hour 15 minutes), and Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, STL (close to 1 hour 15 minutes). These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you craft the ideal itinerary.

• Delta: As a prominent full-service airline, Delta provides non-stop flights with one-way ticket prices generally between $90 and $460. This carrier represents approximately 52% of all departures on this route, with the journey taking about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• American Airlines: Another full-service option, American Airlines offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with typical one-way fares ranging from $90 to $370. This airline accounts for nearly 30% of departures on this route, with non-stop flights lasting around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: Known as a low-cost carrier, Southwest provides both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way fares usually between $100 and $290. This airline makes up about 14% of this route's departures, featuring an in-flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• United: A full-service airline that offers both non-stop and one-stop options, United has one-way fares typically ranging from $100 to $330. This carrier contributes around 3% of departures on this route, with a typical one-stop journey involving 3 hours and 30 minutes of flight time and a total duration of about 4 hours and 45 minutes.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Frontier specializes in one-stop service, with one-way fares generally between $90 and $200. Representing roughly 1% of departures on this route, the in-flight duration is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, leading to a total journey time of around 4 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers flying from Minneapolis to Washington can enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Delta provides both first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines and United each offer first class options.

Best time to fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Minneapolis 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 September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 71.1°F. For better deals, May and September usually offer the lowest average one-way fares around $184. Flight availability peaks in August, with approximately 44 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 31 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: May and September usually offer good deals with average one-way fares around $184, roughly 9% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: August and July typically offer average one-way fares of around $196.
• Most flight options: August has the highest number of flights from Minneapolis to Washington, with approximately 44 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 routes from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA)

• Minneapolis to Washington (MSP-IAD): Located roughly 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers a range of one-way economy fares from about $75 to $405, influenced by the time of year and when you book your ticket. This route commonly features both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines providing service on this itinerary include Delta and United. Additionally, first-class service is available for travelers seeking a more premium experience.
• Rochester to Washington (RST-DCA): Rochester International Airport (RST) lies approximately 76 miles from Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP). One-way economy tickets on this route usually cost between $125 and $425, depending on the season and booking timing. Typically, travelers can expect one-stop flights, with popular layover points at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Leading airlines on this route include American Airlines and Delta, with both business and first-class service options available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Minneapolis 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 found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, from 5 AM to 12 PM, not only tend to be more affordable but are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Thursday usually offers lower prices, even though Friday remains the busiest 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 Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Minneapolis 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 just 0.2 miles away on foot, providing easy access to metro connections. For those traveling by car, Alexandria Station (a train station) is about 3.8 miles from the airport, while Washington Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 4.8 miles away.

Minneapolis to Washington Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from Minneapolis to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $88 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis 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.