Cheap Flights to Washington D.C.
If you've ever wanted to visit the capital of the United States, this is your chance. Skyscanner's online search program can help you find the cheapest airfare, book the perfect hotel room and even arrange for that car rental. Then it's off to walk in the footsteps of George Washington, stand at the feet of the Abraham Lincoln Memorial and walk the length of the National Mall. Time to book that dream vacation.
Best Time to Book a Flight to Washington D.C.
Washington DC is a year-round destination. There is a constant influx of VIPs, politicians and international leaders visiting for business or personal reasons. One of the busiest times is in early spring, when the Japanese cherry trees are covered with pink blossoms. Another is around the 4th of July, when concerts and fireworks celebrate the nation's birthday. It's usually less expensive to fly midweek, but Skyscanner's Whole Month Search program can let you check a whole month's worth of fares at once. You might even find a bargain on the weekend. Book early, be flexible and you'll make those vacation dollars stretch.
What to Expect When Arriving at Washington DC Airports
Only five kilometres from downtown Washington DC, the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient. It is a hub for American Airlines, which operates several shuttle flights daily to New York and Boston. Other carriers flying into DCA include Air Canada, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United and Virgin. With the exception of flights from Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto, Canada, all flights are domestic. All other international flights go to its sister airport, Washington Dulles International (IAD).
The single terminal leads to three concourses. Flights from Canada arrive at Concourse A, while the domestic carriers use Concourses A, B and C. Each concourse has its own baggage claim, restaurants, shops and ATMs. Wi-Fi is free. The rental car counters and vehicles are in parking Garage A, an easy walk via an elevated passageway from Concourse A. Or, take the rental car shuttle, which stops at each concourse, for your ride to the car rental location. Another airport shuttle connects all three concourses and also stops at the Metro Station. The Metrorail will take you anywhere downtown for about $8.00 CAD. Purchase your fare card at station ticket machines. You'll need US dollars or a credit/debit card. A Taxicab Dispatcher, also located outside arrivals, flags down your cab. A ride into downtown Washington DC runs between $20.00 and $25.00 CAD, not including the tip.
Washington Dulles International is about 37 kilometres from downtown Washington and is considerably larger than Reagan Airport. It has one main terminal, two satellite terminals, an International Arrivals building and an Aero Train people mover to connect the various locales. Most of the airlines flying into Reagan Airport also use Dulles. Additional international carriers include Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air China, Lufthansa, KLM and Saudia Airlines, to name a few.
Rental car companies provide shuttles from each terminal to the rental car facility. Stops are just outside Doors 2, 4 or 6. In the same area you'll find taxi dispatchers. A ride into downtown DC can run about $85.00 CAD. Another option is the Washington Flyer Silver Line Express Bus. It stops outside Arrivals Door 4 and makes the trip for about $7.50 CAD. Wi-Fi is free also free at this airport.
What to See and Do in Washington DC
- The National Mall, with its rectangular reflective pond fronted by the Washington Monument on one end and the Lincoln Memorial on the other, is the number one attraction in Washington DC. It's all managed by the National Park Service. Even the White House is part of this National Park. Tours of the U.S. Capitol and the White House must be pre-arranged, but the Supreme Court may be self-toured when they aren't in session. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where they print the money, and the National Archives, which houses originals of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, are both free. Tour them on your own or take a guided tour.
- If you're a museum lover, you'll love Washington DC. Most of the museums on the National Mall are free. That includes the famed National Museum of Natural History where the movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed. At the National Air & Space Museum, you'll find the Wright Brother's Flyer, the first plane to take to the skies, the command module from the Apollo 11 moon mission, and parts and models of the different Space Shuttles. A touchable moon rock is also on display. Other museums on the mall include the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of American History and the Hirshhorn Museum, known for its Picasso collection. The U.S. Botanic Garden, also nearby, was created in 1820 by the founding fathers. It's a living biological museum, complete with a butterfly garden and a hothouse conservatory dating back to the 19th century.
