Travelling from Washington DC to Houston: what you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Check out your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Houston departing from either of these.
The primary hubs where you can touch down in Houston are George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
3 hours 21 minutes is the time it takes on average for a direct flight from Washington DC to Houston. Following the UTC-5 timezone, Houston is 1 hour behind Washington DC.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 62 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Washington DC to Houston is with United Airlines at 19:55. Choose the first DCA to IAH departure with United Airlines at 06:00 to maximize your time in Houston.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your flight from Washington DC to Houston.
Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You don't need a visa or passport to travel within United States. You will need a valid identity document though, like a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing checklist once you've booked your cheap flights from Washington DC to Houston.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Washington DC to Houston, you can catch one from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Fly from DCA to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in one continuous trip.
You can travel on a direct flight from Washington DC to Houston with United Airlines. This well-known airline operates services from DCA.
We make it a cinch to plan a flight from Washington DC to Houston that includes a stopover. To see the options leaving from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Located around 8 kilometres from central Washington DC, DCA can be reached in approximately 16 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The same journey on public transport is roughly 43 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Washington DC to Houston? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Ronald Reagan National Airport:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can catch a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Houston departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Start your travels at IAD and disembark at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Take a direct flight from Washington DC to Houston with United Airlines. This is one of the main airlines that operates this route out of IAD.
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Washington DC to Houston, check out these options when heading out from Ronald Reagan National Airport:
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY)
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You can reach IAD from central Washington DC in about 51 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey on public transport takes roughly 3 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 56 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Washington DC to Houston? Kick back in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your vacation officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Arriving in Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to the centre of Houston is around 20 minutes by car. It's approximately 27 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 49 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near IAH if you're catching a late flight from Washington DC to Houston. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
The centre of Houston is around 19 kilometres from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). After your flight from Washington DC to Houston has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 22 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable stays ready to welcome you near HOU. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Washington DC to Houston at one of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Houston
Currently, C$60 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Houston. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$128. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from Washington DC to Houston, book your trip 9 months before your departure.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Washington DC to Houston. If you're flexible with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a better deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from checking for cheap flights from Washington DC to Houston every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Washington DC to Houston.
Best time to go to Houston
February is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Houston, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to go to Houston based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Houston is August, with the temperature ranging between 24ºC and 40ºC. Lock in your flights from Washington DC to Houston in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Washington DC to Houston in January when temperatures average between 5ºC and 19ºC.
More about Houston
After booking your flight from Washington DC to Houston, think about where you'd like to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Houston:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building and Hermann Park are popular attractions which should feature on any good Houston itinerary.
Complete your Houston trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Washington DC to Houston to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Houston, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.