An airport terminal with a control tower, a covered walkway, and multiple jet bridges.

$255 Cheap Flights from Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA)

View $255 flight on Sun, Sep 6, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

  • Be in the know

    Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*

  • Book smarter

    Save up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*

  • Earn twice

    Earn your airline miles on top of our OneKeyCash
    Learn about One Key

Cheap Flights from Rapid City to Washington (RAP-DCA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $255 for one-way flights and $281 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Wed, Oct 28 - Tue, Nov 3
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$281 Roundtrip, found 2 hours ago
$281
Roundtrip
found 2 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 28 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Tue, Nov 3, priced at $281 found 2 hours ago
American Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$310 Roundtrip, just found
$310
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $310 just found
American Airlines
Tue, Aug 25 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$326 Roundtrip, found 5 hours ago
$326
Roundtrip
found 5 hours ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 25 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $326 found 5 hours ago
American Airlines
Sat, Oct 31 - Wed, Nov 4
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$329 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$329
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Oct 31 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $329 found 6 days ago
Delta
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$330 Roundtrip, just found
$330
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $330 just found
United
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$330 Roundtrip, just found
$330
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $330 just found
United
Fri, Oct 2 - Wed, Oct 7
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$337 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$337
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select United flight, departing Fri, Oct 2 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Wed, Oct 7, priced at $337 found 3 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$339 Roundtrip, just found
$339
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $339 just found
American Airlines
Thu, Aug 27 - Sat, Aug 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$340 Roundtrip, just found
$340
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 27 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Sat, Aug 29, priced at $340 just found
Delta
Tue, Sep 22 - Tue, Sep 29
RAP
Rapid City
DCA
Washington
$345 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$345
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Tue, Sep 22 from Rapid City to Washington, returning Tue, Sep 29, priced at $345 found 6 days ago

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 $488
BWI
Baltimore Washington Intl. Thurgood Marshall
Cheapest
Average driving time to city center40 min
Flights from $488
Select flight to Washington Dulles Intl. IAD. Average driving time to city center is 36 minutes. Flights from $598
IAD
Washington Dulles Intl.
Average driving time to city center36 min
Flights from $598

What you need to know for your flight from Rapid City Regional to Ronald Reagan Washington National

Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Travel from Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA) with a selection of airlines on this domestic short-haul route. Explore various options from full-service airlines to find the best flights from Rapid City that suit your budget and schedule, all while planning your visit to Washington's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. Discover essential information for flights to Washington from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 15m in-flight, plus roughly 1h 15m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
  • Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $135–$505, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Based on recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for one-stop flights from Rapid City to Washington. Common layover options include Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) with a layover of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) also around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN) for the same duration. These choices offer you the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create your ideal travel itinerary.

  • Delta: This full-service airline provides convenient one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $135 and $540. Delta operates about 51% of the flights along this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and an overall travel time of around 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
  • United: Another full-service option, United offers one-stop services with one-way fares usually ranging from $135 to $645. Representing about 32% of departures on this route, travelers can expect a flight time of 4 hours and 15 minutes, with total journey duration close to 5 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
  • American Airlines: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fare prices typically between $145 and $465. American Airlines accounts for roughly 17% of the flights on this route, maintaining a flight duration of 4 hours and 15 minutes, and a total travel time of approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.

Travelers have the option to upgrade their flight from Rapid City to Washington, with Delta providing first-class service on this route for a more luxurious experience.

Best time to fly from Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Rapid City to Washington are March, July, and October, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 79.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 47.8°F. For better deals, July usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $232. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 10 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

  • Cheapest time to fly: July usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $232, roughly 24% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $236.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Rapid City to Washington, with approximately 10 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)Average8$315
February38.3°F (3.5°C)Average8$357
March45.7°F (7.6°C)High8$321
April56.3°F (13.5°C)Average9$287
May65.7°F (18.7°C)Average9$292
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Average8$295
July79.5°F (26.4°C)High10$232
August77.4°F (25.2°C)Average8$236
September71.1°F (21.7°C)Low9$421
October59.9°F (15.5°C)High8$317
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Low8$282
December40.6°F (4.8°C)Low8$317

*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 Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA)

  • Rapid City to Washington (RAP-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 $145 and $525, influenced by the season and how far in advance you make your reservation. This journey is often available as a one-stop flight, with common layover points at Denver International Airport (DEN) and Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP). Major airlines operating on this route include United and Delta, with first-class service also being an option.

How to find the best prices for flights from Rapid City (RAP) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Rapid City 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 typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12pm-6pm) usually offer lower prices, although Morning flights (5am-12pm) remain the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday provides both better prices and is the most favored 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 Rapid City Regional Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from Rapid City 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, offering easy access to metro services, while Alexandria Station (a train station) is about 3.8 miles away by car, and Washington Seaport (a seaport) is approximately 4.8 miles away by car for those looking to travel by sea.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $255 and cheap return flights from $281 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $224 to $841, and return flights typically cost between $482 and $1397. 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The cheapest month to fly from RAP 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Enter RAP to DCA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Delta is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Rapid City Regional (RAP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), with round-trip tickets starting from around $826 with a layover in Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP). 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
To find a cheap flight from Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The earliest flight from Rapid City Regional (RAP) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) typically departs at 5:00 AM, operated by United Airlines. An early departure like this allows you to make the most of your day in Washington, DC. This service operates seasonally in March and April. 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Rapid City (RAP) to Washington, DC (DCA) are from 6am to 9am. About 34% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, operate flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in DC by midday.
How long does it take to fly from Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
Flying from RAP to DCA with a connection usually takes about 5 hours 30 minutes, traveling roughly 1,388 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
First class seats are offered on the RAP to DCA route. First class cabins are available on:

  • United Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • American Airlines

How do I earn miles on a Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City Regional (RAP)?
When traveling from Rapid City Regional (RAP) to Washington, you can fly into Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Denver Intl. (DEN), Minneapolis - St. Paul Intl. (MSP), O'Hare Intl. (ORD) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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 Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) to Washington, DC (DCA-Ronald Reagan Washington National)?
If you booked your Rapid City, SD (RAP-Rapid City Regional) 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
Rapid City Regional
Destination airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National
Airlines serving
American Airlines, Delta, United
Roundtrip price
$280
Distance
1387 mi

Book with confidence

Rapid City to Washington Flights

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

 

The best time to book a flight from Rapid City to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Rapid City 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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $255 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 Rapid City 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 Rapid City 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.

 

Rapid City to Washington Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

Explore a world of travel with Expedia