$120 Cheap Flights from San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA)

San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA) at a glance

Explore a range of options for your next flight from San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA) with various airlines catering to this domestic short-haul journey. Whether you're looking for cheap flights from San Antonio or prefer full-service carriers, you'll find choices that align with your budget and schedule. Check out weekly flights and the latest deals on flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as you plan your visit to Washington's iconic landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
• Flights per week: around 20+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $95–$390, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from San Antonio International Airport (SAT) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from San Antonio to Washington, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of about 1 hour, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) at roughly 1 hour, and Love Field Airport (DAL) with an estimated 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices provide the flexibility to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for your ideal travel itinerary.

• American Airlines: This comprehensive airline provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally priced between $95 and $435. It represents about 35% of flights on this route, offering a typical direct travel time of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: Known for its cost-effective options, Southwest features non-stop, one-stop, and multi-stop services. One-way fares usually fall between $100 and $355, accounting for around 24% of departures on this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and an overall travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes.
• Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta provides one-stop services, with one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $355. It also makes up about 24% of flights on this route, with a 4-hour in-flight duration leading to a total journey time of approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover time.
• United: Another full-service carrier, United offers one-stop options with one-way fares generally between $125 and $505. This airline contributes to roughly 15% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 4 hours and a total journey time close to 5 hours and 15 minutes when factoring in layover duration.
• Frontier Airlines: A budget-friendly choice, Frontier provides one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $95 to $245. It accounts for around 2% of the departures on this route, with an in-air duration of 4 hours and a total travel time of about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from San Antonio to Washington by upgrading their flight. American Airlines offers first-class service, while Delta provides both first class and premium economy. United also features first-class seating for a more comfortable experience.

Best time to fly from San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from San Antonio to Washington are March, April, and May, when peak temperatures in Washington reach up to 65.7°F in May. 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 usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $183. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 30 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 17 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $183, roughly 11% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: July, June, and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $194.
• Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from San Antonio to Washington, with approximately 30 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 San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA)

• Austin to Washington (AUS-DCA): Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is located approximately 67 miles from San Antonio International Airport (SAT). One-way economy prices for this journey generally fall within the range of $105 to $535, influenced by the time of year and advance booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights, with common layover points being Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Major airlines servicing this route include Southwest Airlines and American Airlines, with first-class service also offered.
• San Antonio to Washington (SAT-IAD): Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares here usually vary from $100 to $440, depending on the season and how early you purchase your ticket. This route typically features both non-stop and one-stop travel options. Leading airlines for this route include United and Delta, and travelers can also find first-class seating available.
• Austin to Washington (AUS-IAD): Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is situated roughly 67 miles from San Antonio International Airport (SAT), while Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies around 23 miles from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). One-way economy fares on this route typically range from $95 to $545, depending on the time of year and advance booking. Both non-stop and one-stop flights are available, with United and Frontier Airlines being the most popular carriers. Additionally, first-class service is provided on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from San Antonio (SAT) to Washington (DCA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from San Antonio 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 is when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times, while flying on Wednesday generally provides cheaper options, even though Friday is 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 San Antonio International Airport

Washington welcomes travelers from San Antonio 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, several key transport links are conveniently located nearby. National Airport Station, a metro station, is about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Alexandria Station, a train station, is approximately 3.8 miles from the airport by car. Additionally, Washington Seaport, a seaport, is situated about 4.8 miles away, also accessible by car.

San Antonio to Washington Flights

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

The best time to book a flight from San Antonio to Washington

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Washington in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $120 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 San Antonio 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 San Antonio 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.