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Washington, D.C. is more than just a seat of government – it’s a living drama of heroic monuments, amazing museums, hip nightlife and powerful personalities. Whether you tour the White House, check out the scene in Georgetown or enjoy the cherry trees along the National Mall, you’ll find something special to see and do in the nation’s capital.

Washington D.C. Travel Guide: What to See, Do, Eat and More

First you need to get to D.C. and that’s where FareCompare comes in.

Cheap Flights to Washington: Best Days to Fly and Other Tips

The key to getting a good deal is knowing when to fly and when to shop. The best day to shop for flights to Washington, D.C. and other U.S. cities is Tuesday at 3 p.m. eastern time.

Cheapest Days to Fly: In general, the cheapest days to fly to Washington are Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday; Fridays and Sundays tend to be more expensive. Note: Hotels in Washington can be pricy but several websites offer last-minute hotel deals to D.C. (and when the economy is down, managers are more willing to deal).

Cheapest Time of Day to Fly: The cheapest times to fly to Washington are often the most unpopular times, meaning at dawn and late at night (the dinner hour is often cheaper, too).

Cheapest Time of Year to Fly: Washington is popular with tourists in summer (despite its sometimes notorious humidity), and visitors flock there in the spring when the cherry trees are in bloom. Look for deals in fall and winter (except during the December holidays) but year-round deals are available for shoppers who sign up for our airfare alerts.

Washington DC Area Airports: What You Need to Know

There are three airports serving the greater D.C. area, giving travelers the opportunity to compare prices and find the cheapest gateway.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): This United hub is D.C.’s largest airport and is served by carriers from around the world, including discount airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest. The facility is located about 45 minutes from downtown Washington.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Located just minutes from D.C., this airport features many U.S. carriers including a handful of discount airlines and Air Canada.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Located just south of Baltimore and 30 miles from D.C., this airport is served mostly by U.S. airlines including low-cost carriers JetBlue and Southwest, plus British Airways.

Airport Wi-Fi and Transportation

Free Wi-Fi is available at Dulles and Reagan, while there is a fee for this service at the Baltimore airport.

All three airports have taxis, limos, rental cars, shuttle buses and public transportation. Reagan also bike racks as well as its own Metro station which many travelers swear by it for ease-of-use and economy.