Travelling from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Around 1 hour 20 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC.
Washington DC and Durham (where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located) share the UTC-4 timezone. This means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most traveled route, with 58 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from RDU to DCA is with American Airlines at 20:46. Opt for the first departure operated by American Airlines at 05:30 if you want to get on your way earlier.
Allow plenty of time to catch your RDU to Washington DC flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
Start your journey at RDU and fly straight to Washington DC without layovers. When booking a direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC ticket, these are your arrival options:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC are available from a good selection of airlines. Fly with any of these:
RDU is around 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Searching for a hotel near RDU? If you're boarding an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC, these stays will get you from your pillow to the plane in no time:
Raleigh-Durham International Airport maintains a strong on-time performance, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from RDU make it to their destination as scheduled 80.09% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Washington DC
The best price we've found for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC flight is ₹ 6,135. The cheapest price for a return flight is ₹ 11,306. Remember fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book three months before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from RDU to Washington DC.
July is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Picking up a cheap flight from RDU to Washington DC is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a deal gets even better.
Find an affordable flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is around 8 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're grabbing a taxi or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 15 minutes.
It typically takes 45 minutes to get there by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Pick up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are popular outlets you can book with here.
Reserving your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from RDU to Washington DC can help you get the best possible rate.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is roughly 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to park your luggage (and yourself) near IAD. Kick back and get cosy after your RDU to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport timetables or cab lines. Pick up a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the availability and rates from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC has landed. Central Washington DC is around 48 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to get to by car.
Public transport can get you there in around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Book a hotel near BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late RDU to Washington DC flight or just want a hassle-free arrival, these accommodation options bring comfort closer to you:
Start your travels without worrying about how to reach your destination with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book your wheels with reliable companies here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel rates are generally higher and attractions can be crowded. Plan your trip to Washington DC in low season if you like a quieter vibe.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Book your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC flight ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC and 10ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from RDU to Washington DC around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Washington DC right here. Explore these hotels after locking in your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Washington DC:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are must-do's during your Washington DC adventure.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Washington DC, now it's time to explore more of United States. Travel around 322 kilometres north-east to New York to check off its must-visit sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Philadelphia is another standout destination in United States and is around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without seeing Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
