Cheap Flights from Oakland to Washington (OAK-DCA)
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $207 for one-way flights and $392 for roundtrip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Find the cheapest month to fly from Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA)
January is typically the cheapest month to flyJanuary is typically the cheapest month to fly
From $240 - $780 per traveler.
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Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA) at a glance
Travel seamlessly from Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA) with a selection of airlines catering to this long-haul domestic route. Discover cheap flights from Oakland to Washington and weigh options from both full-service and budget carriers to pinpoint the itinerary that aligns with your travel plans and budget. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Washington, find all the essential details for flights from Oakland International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Fastest flight duration: around 6h 30m non-stop
Route distance: roughly 2,400 miles (3,860 km)
Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $140–$535, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Based on the latest traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Oakland to Washington, offering both one-stop and non-stop options. Common layover points include Midway International Airport (MDW) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) with roughly a 1 hour and 15-minute layover, and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) with approximately a 1-hour layover. These choices allow you to customize your travel experience by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.
Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline provides non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices generally between $140 and $510. It represents about 74% of the departures on this route, featuring an average in-flight duration of 6 hours and an overall travel time of around 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Delta: A premium airline, Delta offers one-stop flight options, with one-way fares that typically fall between $175 and $620. It accounts for approximately 16% of the departures for this route, boasting a flight time of 6 hours and a total journey duration of about 7 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way fares usually ranging from $165 to $720. It makes up around 9% of the departures on this route, featuring a 6-hour in-flight time and a total travel duration of approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
Best time to fly from Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Oakland to Washington are January, April, and June, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 74.3°F in June. If you prefer quieter travel, consider October, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 59.9°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $238). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 9 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.
Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $238, roughly 21% cheaper than the yearly average.
Another budget-friendly time to fly: January typically offers an average one-way fare of around $255.
Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Oakland to Washington, with approximately 9 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)
High
8
$255
February
38.3°F (3.5°C)
Low
8
$285
March
45.7°F (7.6°C)
Average
9
$391
April
56.3°F (13.5°C)
High
8
$349
May
65.7°F (18.7°C)
Average
8
$269
June
74.3°F (23.5°C)
High
8
$324
July
79.5°F (26.4°C)
Average
8
$374
August
77.4°F (25.2°C)
Low
7
$311
September
71.1°F (21.7°C)
Average
8
$310
October
59.9°F (15.5°C)
Low
7
$238
November
47.8°F (8.8°C)
Average
8
$272
December
40.6°F (4.8°C)
Average
7
$268
*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 Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA)
San Francisco to Washington (SFO-DCA): Located approximately 12 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers a range of one-way economy fares from $120 to $520, influenced by the season and time of booking. This route features both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Major airlines serving this route include United and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, business and first-class service is available for travelers seeking a premium experience.
Oakland to Washington (OAK-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies around 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fall between $135 and $510, varying by season and the time of reservation. Most flights available are one-stop, with frequent layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Seattle - Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Southwest Airlines (a low-cost carrier) and Alaska Airlines are among the primary airlines operating this route, with business and first-class service options also offered.
How to find the best prices for flights from Oakland (OAK) to Washington (DCA)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Oakland 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 between two to eight weeks ahead. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM often provide lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Tuesday typically offers better prices, while Monday remains the most popular 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 Oakland International Airport
Washington welcomes travelers from Oakland 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.
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 situated approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is around 4.8 miles away by car, providing various transport options for travelers.
Oakland to Washington Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Oakland 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 Oakland to Washington are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Oakland to Washington with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Oakland to Washington
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $207 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 Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $207 and cheap return flights $392 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $303 and $1505, and roundtrip flights usually range from $428 to $1594. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from OAK to DCA is October 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter OAK to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Oakland (OAK) to Washington, DC (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $256 with a layover in Denver Intl. (DEN). 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) 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.
What is the earliest flight from Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by Southwest Airlines. This seasonal service can help you start your day early and maximize your time in Washington, D.C. 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Oakland International Airport (OAK) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This accounts for around 34% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored as it allows travelers to arrive in Washington, DC, with plenty of time to explore the city.
How long does it take to fly from Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flying from OAK to DCA with a connection usually takes about 7 hours, traveling roughly 2,426 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the OAK to DCA route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland Intl. (OAK)?
When traveling from Oakland Intl. (OAK) to Washington, you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Portland Intl. (PDX), Salt Lake City Intl. (SLC) 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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 Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland Intl.) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Oakland, CA (OAK-Oakland 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.