13 Stunning & Affordable Places to Fly from DC Right Now

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Looking to escape the District? I just spent hours hunting through flight deals from DCA, Dulles, and BWI, and I found some prices that seriously made me question my math skills. When I spotted tickets to Miami going for less than a fancy dinner in Georgetown, I knew I had to share these finds with fellow DC travelers.

After researching the best places in DC to fly from, I discovered some total steals. Want to trade the National Mall for Central Park or swap politics for pristine beaches? From quick flights to Boston (often under $100 round trip) to surprisingly affordable trips to Cancun’s Hotel Zone, these 13 destinations prove you don’t need a government salary to escape the Beltway. Let me show you exactly where your money can take you from the capital region.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from DC

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. DCA or IAD) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $279 roundtrip fare from DC to Paris. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Cheap Getaways from Washington, DC

Looking for the best cheap getaways from DC? Fly to Fort Lauderdale for stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and scenic boat tours. Visit Orlando to experience world-famous theme parks, exciting attractions, and family-friendly entertainment. Head to Atlanta for rich history, diverse cuisine, and vibrant arts and culture. Escape to Miami for sunny beaches, Latin-inspired nightlife, and a tropical getaway. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or culture, these affordable destinations from DC offer something for every traveler.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Washington DC to Fort Lauderdale ($89 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, Spirit, American, United (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, boating enthusiasts ⛵, winter escapees ☀️

Fort Lauderdale is where you go when DC winter has you questioning your life choices. It’s got palm trees, turquoise water, and fewer tourists than Miami, even though it’s just 30 minutes away.

Las Olas Boulevard is lined with shops, art galleries, and restaurants perfect for patio drinks in January while your friends back home are shoveling snow. The beach stretches for miles and is bordered by a signature wavy wall that separates it from the palm-lined promenade, where people treat fitness like a public performance. Everglades Holiday Park offers airboat rides through gator-filled swamps, and the city’s canals are best explored by hopping on the water taxis.

For the cheapest flights from DC, watch for Spirit sales that sometimes drop below $100 roundtrip if you can pack light and don’t need fancy service. JetBlue costs more but actually treats you like a human and includes free WiFi.  And for the best weather and lowest humidity, plan your trip between November and April when South Florida is sunny, breezy, and basically showing off.

2. Washington DC to Orlando ($87–$150 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January-April & September-November 🎢 for lower humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Theme park enthusiasts 🏰, family vacations 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦, winter escapees ☀️

Orlando is where adults can legitimately act like kids again without judgment. This theme park capital delivers way more than just mouse ears with incredible attractions, surprisingly good food, and perfect weather when DC is freezing.

Disney World is obviously the big draw with four separate parks that could each eat up a full day, but Universal Studios is where the real magic happens for anyone who’s graduated from princesses to butterbeer and Harry Potter vibes. Beyond the parks, Winter Park is this gorgeous neighborhood with oak-lined streets, boat tours through canals lined with mansions, and restaurants that don’t serve food shaped like cartoon characters. 

January through March gives you perfect 70s weather without the brutal summer humidity or peak tourist crowds. For the best deals from DC, set fare alerts on Southwest which often drops prices below $100 each way and includes two free checked bags for all your souvenirs and sunscreen. Spirit and Frontier battle for the ultra-budget crowd with base fares sometimes dipping to $39 one-way if you can travel light midweek. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in Orlando

3. Washington DC to Atlanta ($94–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Delta, Southwest, American (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍗, history buffs 🏛️

Atlanta is basically the capital of the South with a perfect mix of urban energy and laid-back vibes. This sprawling city offers incredible food, rich history, and neighborhoods that each feel like their own little universe.

The BeltLine is this awesome urban trail that connects the coolest neighborhoods in the city where you’ll find locals jogging, biking, and hopping between breweries and restaurants all day long. Ponce City Market is housed in a massive converted Sears building with food stalls serving everything from perfect fried chicken to authentic ramen, plus a rooftop with carnival games and killer skyline views.

Getting to Atlanta from DC is ridiculously easy with Delta running flights practically every hour since it’s their biggest hub. Southwest typically offers the best value with free checked bags included. Spring brings perfect temperatures and blooming dogwoods throughout the city, while fall offers football season and outdoor festivals without summer’s brutal humidity. 

• Read Next: Beautiful Places in Georgia

4. Washington DC to Miami ($87–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, Spirit, JetBlue, United (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to April 🌴 for perfect beach weather without humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, nightlife enthusiasts 🕺, art scene explorers 🎨

Miami is basically DC’s polar opposite in every way possible. This vibrant city serves up Cuban-influenced culture, stunning beaches, and a 24/7 energy that makes even New York seem sleepy by comparison. 

South Beach is the obvious first stop with its perfect sand, Art Deco buildings in pastel colors, and people so attractive they seem computer-generated. But the real Miami is in neighborhoods like Wynwood with massive street art murals covering entire buildings and warehouses converted into galleries, breweries, and food halls. 

The flight scene from DC is stacked with options making Miami one of the easiest weekend escapes year-round. Spirit and Frontier battle for the lowest fares with deals sometimes dropping below $100 roundtrip, but JetBlue offers a way better experience for just a bit more cash. For the best weather, go between November and April when the skies are clear, the humidity stays low, and beach days feel like you’re cheating winter.

5. Washington DC to Chicago ($100–$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, American, Southwest (20+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🌆 for outdoor activities and lake fun
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture fans 🏙️, food lovers 🍕, big city explorers 🚶

Chicago is that perfect mix of big city energy with Midwest friendliness. This place serves up world-class everything from architecture to food without the attitude or prices you’d find in coastal cities.

Millennium Park is home to the famous Bean (officially called Cloud Gate but literally no one calls it that) where you’ll definitely take the same tourist selfie as everyone else. The Riverwalk offers that perfect urban escape with bars, restaurants, and boat tours along the water. For the best views in America, step out onto the glass ledge at 360 CHICAGO where you can see four states while questioning the structural integrity of transparent flooring. 

Summer brings perfect weather for architecture boat tours on the Chicago River or beach days along Lake Michigan, plus free festivals almost every weekend in neighborhoods throughout the city. 

This route is super competitive with airlines constantly battling for your business. United and American both hub out of Chicago offering tons of daily options, while Southwest typically has the best overall value with their free checked bags policy. 

6. Washington DC to Dallas ($121–$200 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: American, United, Spirit (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🍂 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban cowboys 🤠, food enthusiasts 🍖, sports fans 🏈

Dallas is where big city luxury meets Texas-sized personality. This sprawling metroplex offers way more than just cowboy stereotypes with world-class museums, incredible food, and neighborhoods that feel like completely different cities.

Deep Ellum is the city’s historic entertainment district with live music venues, street art, and trendy restaurants housed in converted industrial buildings. For culture that doesn’t involve honky-tonks, the Dallas Museum of Art is completely free and actually impressive, while the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza gives you chills walking through the exact spot where JFK was assassinated. 

Spring and fall hit that sweet spot with perfect temps for patio dining and exploring outdoor spots like Klyde Warren Park, a green space built over a freeway that hosts food trucks and free events almost daily. 

Flights from DC to Dallas are dominated by American Airlines since Dallas is their main hub, but United and budget carriers fight for their share with competitive pricing. 

7. Washington DC to Denver ($154-$230 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 4 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, Frontier (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-October 🏔️ for outdoor adventures and April for skiing deals ⛷️
• 🏆 Perfect for: Mountain lovers 🏔️, craft beer enthusiasts 🍺, outdoor adventurers 🥾

Denver is where mountain vibes meet city life. This mile-high playground sits right at the base of the Rockies with amazing weather, outdoor activities for days, and a downtown scene that’s seriously blown up in recent years.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is this incredible outdoor concert venue carved into massive red rock formations where the acoustics are so perfect you’ll question why anyone builds indoor venues at all. RiNo (River North Art District) is packed with street art, breweries, and food halls in converted warehouses where you can sample dozens of local beers in a single afternoon. 

Flying from DC to the mountains is super straightforward with multiple daily options. United runs the most flights, but Southwest typically offers better value with their free checked bags policy which is clutch if you’re bringing hiking gear or ski equipment. Frontier occasionally drops fares below $150 roundtrip if you can travel light. 

8. Washington DC to Tampa ($91–$160 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October to May 🌴 for perfect weather without extreme humidity
• 🏆 Perfect for: Beach lovers 🏖️, sports fans ⚾, outdoor enthusiasts 🌊

Tampa is Florida’s chiller, less flashy Gulf Coast gem. This bay city offers pristine beaches, Cuban-influenced culture, and a booming food scene without the South Beach prices or attitude.

Tampa Riverwalk stretches along the water connecting cool museums, parks, and restaurants with killer waterfront views. Ybor City is the historic district with brick streets, old cigar factories turned into shops, and some serious nightlife energy. The nearby beaches are the real stars though—Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach regularly rank among America’s best with powder-white sand and sunset views that make your Instagram followers jealous.

The winter months here are why Northeasterners flock to Florida. Tampa enjoys sunny 70-75°F days perfect for beach hopping and outdoor dining. Southwest typically offers the most flight options and best overall value with their free checked bags policy. Spirit battles for the budget crowd with occasional fare sales under $100 roundtrip if you can travel light.

9. Washington DC to Las Vegas ($129–$220 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: Spirit, Frontier, United, American (8+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & October-November 🎲 for milder temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎭, pool partiers 🏊, gambling enthusiasts 🎰

Las Vegas is basically an adult theme park on steroids. This desert playground is all about excess with mega resorts, world-class shows, and party vibes that make DC’s political happy hours seem like kindergarten.

The Strip is lined with those iconic themed hotels each trying to outdo each other with attractions like the dancing fountains at Bellagio or the mini Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. Beyond gambling, the entertainment here is next level with resident performers like major music artists and shows like Cirque du Soleil where impossibly flexible humans do things that seem to defy physics. 

The flight scene from DC is packed with options despite being cross-country. Spirit and Frontier battle for the budget crowd with basic fares sometimes dropping below $150 roundtrip if you can travel super light. Spring and fall hits just right with perfect pool weather without the brutal summer heat when temperatures regularly hit 110°F. 

• Read Next: Best Airports in Las Vegas

10. Washington DC to Boston ($77–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: JetBlue, American, Delta, United (15+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May-June & September-October 🍂 for comfortable temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, seafood lovers 🦞, college town explorers 🎓

Boston feels like America’s ultimate college town supersized into a major city. This compact, walkable metropolis packs centuries of history alongside cutting-edge innovation, creating the perfect weekend escape from DC.

The Freedom Trail is this brilliant 2.5-mile path marked by a simple brick line that connects 16 key historic sites, making it impossible to get lost even after multiple Sam Adams at historic pubs along the way. Fenway Park isn’t just a baseball stadium but a historic landmark where even non-sports fans appreciate the iconic Green Monster wall and the electric atmosphere of Red Sox games.

For flights, JetBlue typically offers the best combination of price and comfort with free WiFi and more legroom, while budget carriers sometimes drop fares below $100 roundtrip. Fall brings perfect weather and stunning foliage that transforms the city’s many parks into a photographer’s dream. 

• Read Next: Affordable Flights from Boston

11. Washington DC to Los Angeles ($210–$320 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: American, United, Delta, JetBlue (12+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May & September-November 🌴 for mild weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Entertainment seekers 🎬, beach lovers 🏖️, food enthusiasts 🌮

Los Angeles is this massive sprawl of neighborhoods each with their own distinct personality. The city offers everything from perfect beaches to mountain hikes to celebrity sightings all under reliable sunshine that makes DC’s weather seem bipolar.

Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach give you that classic SoCal beach experience with boardwalk performers and prime people-watching, while Griffith Observatory offers those iconic city views with the Hollywood sign in the background. Silver Lake and Echo Park are where the cool kids hang with vintage shops, craft coffee, and indie music venues in areas that used to be sketchy but now have one-bedroom apartments renting for your entire DC paycheck.

Cross-country flights from DC run multiple times daily with all major airlines competing for your dollars. JetBlue typically offers the best overall experience in economy with free WiFi and more legroom, but watch for fare wars when prices can drop below $250 roundtrip. Visiting in spring or fall lets you have the LA experience in perfect temperatures without summer smog or winter rains. 

• Read Next: Budget-Friendly Flights from LAX

12. Washington DC to San Francisco ($229–$350 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 6 hours
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Alaska, JetBlue, American (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September-November & March-May 🌉 for clearest weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Foodies 🍷, outdoor enthusiasts 🌲, tech enthusiasts 💻

San Francisco is basically like DC if it had hills, tech money, and year-round mysterious fog with its own Instagram account. This compact city packs incredible diversity into 7×7 miles of peninsular paradise.

The Golden Gate Bridge obviously makes it onto everyone’s photo reel, but viewing it from Baker Beach gives you that perfect shot without the tourist crowds. Mission District serves up the best burritos you’ll ever have at places like La Taqueria where the line is worth it, plus colorful murals and hipsters who were there “before it was cool.” 

Scoring flight deals requires planning since this cross-country route stays in high demand. United dominates with the most options since SFO is their major hub, but Alaska and JetBlue often offer better service for similar prices. Fall is the absolute best time to visit with perfect weather and fewer tourists, plus harvest season in nearby Napa Valley if wine is your thing. 

13. Washington DC to Houston ($165–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Airlines: United, Southwest, Spirit (10+ daily flights)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: October-April 🌞 for pleasant temperatures
• 🏆 Perfect for: Food enthusiasts 🍽️, space nerds 🚀, museum lovers 🖼️

Houston is seriously underrated and way more diverse than people expect. This sprawling Texas metropolis combines Southern hospitality with international vibes and actually has a food scene that rivals cities twice its size.

Space Center Houston lets you geek out over actual NASA mission control and touch real spacecraft that have been to space and back. The Museum District packs 19 different museums into a walkable area, with the Menil Collection housing world-class art in a building so gorgeous you’ll want to move in. For outdoor fun, Buffalo Bayou Park offers kayaking right through downtown with skyline views that will make you forget you’re in a city known for oil and humidity.

This route is dominated by United since Houston is one of their major hubs, but Southwest competes with similar prices and those two free checked bags. Avoid summer visits unless you enjoy sweating through your clothes immediately after showering.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from DC

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from DC? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from DC to anywhere.

What are some of the cheapest places to fly from DC?

Destinations like Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston frequently offer budget-friendly flight options from DC.

Which DC airports offer the best deals on flights?

Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Deals can vary, so it’s wise to check flights from all three when searching for the cheapest options.

Which airlines typically offer the cheapest flights from WAS?

Budget airlines like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier often have competitive rates. However, major carriers like United, American Airlines, and Delta also run promotions and deals from time to time.

When is the best time to book to get the cheapest flights from DC?

Generally, mid-week bookings, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, can yield better deals. Also, consider booking at least a month in advance and being flexible with your travel dates.

Are there specific months or seasons that offer cheaper flights from DC?

Off-peak seasons, like fall and late winter, often have cheaper rates. However, this can vary based on the destination.

How can I stay updated on the cheapest flights from DC to anywhere?

Consider subscribing to airline newsletters, setting up fare alerts on travel aggregator sites, and joining frequent flyer programs.

Are last-minute flights from DC cheaper?

While last-minute deals can sometimes offer significant savings, they’re not guaranteed. It’s often less risky to book in advance.

How do layovers affect the cost of flights from DC?

Non-stop flights are usually more convenient but might be pricier. Flights with layovers, especially longer or multiple layovers, can be cheaper but also more time-consuming.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when looking for the cheapest flights?

Budget airlines might have lower ticket prices but can charge for amenities like checked bags, seat selection, and onboard refreshments. Always check the total cost, including fees, before booking.

Can I get a refund or travel credit if I find a cheaper flight after booking?

Some airlines offer price guarantees and might refund the difference or offer travel credit. Check the airline’s price guarantee policy when booking.