Cheap flights to Washington, D.C., DC

Washington D.C. Travel Guide

Washington, D.C., formally known as the District of Columbia and often referred to as “Washington” or “D.C.”, was founded in 1791 to serve as the new national capital. The country’s capital is home to the President of the United States, the Senate, the House of Representatives and hundreds of memorials paying homage to the country’s vibrant, and often turbulent, past. It also has some of the nation’s most important historic monuments.

There’s more than politics to this city, however. Its museums and art galleries are famed around the world. Entertainment gurus will awe at the sight of Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Fonzie’s leather jacket at the Smithsonian American History Museum. Take a walk through the First Ladies exhibition and admire the inaugural gowns of Lady Bird Johnson, Jackie Kennedy and more. The National Mall – a green park stretching from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial – is a common ground for protests and demonstrations. Other attractions include the National Zoo, the International Spy Museum, and check out the National Museum of Health and Medicine if you have time. It’s a museum you won’t soon forget. Of course you also have the White House, the Jefferson Memorial, the Library of Congress, the National Archives, and much more.

You will discover some great seafood restaurants, steak houses, sushi bars, Italian restaurants and nearly any cuisine you crave. Some of the world’s best chefs have restaurants in the D.C. area. If you like sports, the Washington Nationals baseball team and the Washington Redskins football team are the two prominent professional franchises in the city. There are numerous discos and nightclubs in the Georgetown area. There are also intimate comedy clubs featuring some terrific political comedians.

So, whether you’re here for a business trip, checking out the museums and monuments, or cheering on the Nationals, there is an endless supply of activities that await you when you book flights to Washington, D.C. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy the smoothest possible trip.

Getting to and around Washington, D.C.

Flights to the Washington, D.C. area land at either Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is the closest commercial airport to the capital (about 3 miles), or Dulles International Airport (IAD) 26 miles west of the city, which is the larger of the two. Most international flights arrive at Dulles. To reach Washington, D.C. from Dulles, the quickest way is to catch the Silver Line Express Bus to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, an adult fare costs just a few dollars each way. Taxis are available on the lower level of the main terminal outside of the baggage claim to provide transportation to your lodging accommodations. Shuttle van services are also available. If renting a car from the Main Terminal companies provide free shuttles to the rental lot. The Fairfax Connector shuttle bus also picks up passengers from the second curb next to the baggage claim and stops at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum, the Herndon-Monroe Park and Ride, and L’Enfant Plaza in D.C. The city center from Ronald Reagan airport is much closer, and you can either use the Metrorail (subway), bus or a taxi to get there in a short amount of time. Here are some in-depth guides to both of these airports in Washington, D.C. for your reference.

Washington is an easy city to get around: the center is the area around the National Mall. This area is easily accessible on foot, with most museums and monuments within easy walking distance. The streets in Washington are laid out in a grid, with numbered streets going in one direction and alphabetized streets going the other. The city is divided into four quadrants, with the Capitol building centering them all. Most of the major sights are within walking distance, but you can easily take the bus or Metrorail if you get tired of walking. Bicycling is also very popular in the city; both locals and tourists cycle. Washington can get very hot in the summer months, so light clothes and plenty of water are recommended, especially if you plan on doing a lot of walking.

Tips for your stay in Washington, D.C.

• Visit the fantastic and intriguing National Museum of the American Indian, one of many museums in the city.
• Take a trip to U Street Corridor, or Washington’s “Black Broadway”, and watch a show at the Lincoln Theatre.
• Find time to head down the Historic Georgetown waterfront which is now a bustling haven for keen shoppers.
• Go and wander around the National Mall which houses the vast majority of America’s most famous monuments.
• Explore the National Archives library, home to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
• Have a look at the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and a number of America’s war memorials, including the National World War II Memorial.
• Discover the division of power in U.S. Government by visiting the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court and the White House.
• Security concerns mean that many Washington, D.C. attractions won’t let visitors bring their bags or cameras in with them. Storage is sometimes available, but don’t count on it; it’s best not to carry too much that won’t fit into a pocket while visiting.

Finding Flights from Washington, D.C.

Interested in extending your vacation once your D.C. trip ends, or traveling to a new destination outside of D.C? Washington Dulles International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport accommodates a wide selection of airlines, including American Airlines, Jet Blue, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, making it easy to book an outbound flight.

Here are some common U.S. flight routes, along with some amazing flight deals:

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To get yourself to the Washington Dulles International Airport, the city offers both taxi services and ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. The Silverline express bus also offers direct service between the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station and Dulles Terminal. The express bus ride takes approximately fifteen minutes to arrive at the airport, so be sure to plan your time accordingly. Shuttle services such as Super Shuttle, DC Car and Limo Service, and DC Airport Shuttle offer convenient shuttle service to Washington Dulles Airport as well. If you plan to take a shuttle, it’s always a good idea to contact your preferred service twenty-four hours in advance and schedule your ride to ensure a stress-free trip to the airport. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is much closer to the capital but depending on the time of the day the area can be quite busy so it’s likely a good idea to plan ahead for some traffic and a bustling terminal.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Washington, D.C. airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.