Washington Flights and Travel Guide

As the seat of American government, Washington, DC is chock-full of associated landmarks, symbols and monuments. It is the capital of the United States and as such home to the President, Senate and House of Representatives.

However, there is more to Washington than politics. It is also where you can find countless museums - including the Smithsonian American History Museum with its display of items as varied as Dorothy’s ruby slippers and Fonzie’s leather jacket as well as the Natural Air and Space Museum. The fashion-conscious will not want to miss the Hall of the First Ladies where the inaugural gowns of the likes of Lady Bird Johnson, Jackie Kennedy and others are on display.

Among Washington’s landmarks, the best-known is the National Mall, a park linking the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, that serves as a stage for various protests and demonstrations. No matter what your reason for taking cheap flights to Washington, your stay will also allow you to experience fine dining at any of the restaurants on Capitol Hill and world-class shopping facilities in the DuPont Circle’s shopping district.

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Washington Climate

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When to Fly to Washington

Peak Season:

Mid-March through June is when most visitors take cheap flights to Washington, DC. The local streets are full of sightseeing families and students on school tours resulting in long lines to see the most popular attractions. Needless to say, the hotel and flight costs are at their steepest at this time of year.

Off Season:

While spring attracts crowds, the four-week period starting in late August is among the quietest as is the time between late November and mid-January.

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Getting Downtown Washington

There are a number of airports servicing the city, which means cheap flights to Washington, DC should be easy to find.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 6km south of Washington

Drive time: a matter of mere minutes

Also known as National, the airport is just across the Potomac River from Washington which can be reached by car or Metro.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is 42km west of Washington

Drive time: 25-35 minutes

Dulles airport may suffer from a limited choice but the services on offer are excellent. It is one of the most popular airports for cheap flights to Washington, DC. The Washington Flyer Coach Service is a regular service to the Metro Station in Falls Church, Virginia where the Metrorail or subway can be used to complete your journey. Alternatively, Washington Flyer Taxicabs may be the only taxi firm in operation but they provide a 24-hour service.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) is 50km north of Washington

Drive time: 45 mins

It may be the most distant option, but Baltimore/Washington International is serviced by the Metro which provides an economical service to the city.

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Getting Around Washington

After taking cheap flights to Washington, DC, travellers will discover that it  is one of the easiest cities for visitors to navigate. Its streets follow a grid layout and utilise numerical and alphabetical sequences for names. However, the city is also divided into quadrants – all meeting at the Capitol building – so it is important to take note of the directional designations such as NW (for north west).

The majority of Washington’s attractions are within walking distance of one another but either the bus or metro network can be used to reach more out-of-the-way destinations.

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Washington Insider Information

• Perhaps the best-known residence in the world, travellers planning on taking cheap flights to Washington, DC should pencil in a visit to the White House. The White House visitor centre is located at the southeast corner of 15th and E Streets and features detailed background on its architecture, furnishings, first families, social events and more.
• Though not short of historic sites, a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Washington is not complete without checking out the white neoclassical Federal Embassy Gulf Service Station. It was built in 1936 and intended to fit in with the elegance and style of the local architecture.
• Perched on one of the highest points in the city, the Washington National Cathedral was started in 1907 though not completed until 1980. Though officially an Episcopal Church, it was intended for use by all of the nation’s religions and, as such, has hosted a variety of services including Jewish and Serbian Orthodox ones. Twice a week the cathedral puts on lunchtime recitals on the Aeolian-Skinner organ and also features regular concerts in a variety of styles including classical, jazz and folk.
• The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is an imposing combination of theatres and concert halls. Both the National Symphony Orchestra and the Washington National Opera call it home and regularly stage world-class performances in a variety of genres and styles. 

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Washington Airports

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