12 Cheapest Places Places to Fly From Washington D.C. That Won't Break the Bank!

Looking for cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C.? I’ve got you! D.C. is a goldmine for cheap flights. Between IAD being a major East Coast hub for international flights, and domestic options available too at DCA, there are major options. Whether you want big city vibes, tropical beaches, or a spontaneous trip abroad I’ve covered them all.

If you’re craving an affordable adventure, here are some of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C. right now. I’ve included average roundtrip prices, which airports offer the best deals, what to do once you land, and why each spot is worth it. Let’s explore the cheapest places to fly from D.C. that are worth the trip!

A shot of the Washington DC airport shows cars puling up to a building with curved roofs and flight towers, with the national airport sign on the front! People visiting know that there are some of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., so they fly out from here.

12 Cheapest Places Places to Fly From Washington DC That Won’t Break the Bank!

1. Orlando, Florida

Orlando isn’t just about Disney (though that’s a big draw)—it’s a dynamic, fun-packed destination that caters to families, solo travelers, friend groups, and even couples. Here’s why Orlando is worth a trip, especially if you’re looking for tons to do without spending a fortune: there is also tons of outdoor activities like airboat rides through the everglades, and the nightlife and entertainment is unmatched! It is one of the one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C.!

Airports: MCO (Orlando International Airport)
Cost $60-120 round-trip (depends on season)
Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, Frontier, JetBlue
Best for: Theme parks, family fun, nightlife
Top Things to Do: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, ICON Park, Kennedy Space Center nearby, and vibrant nightlife in downtown Orlando.

An skyline shot of downtown orlando shows tall buildings, lakes, parks and murals, indicating there is more to do in the city than theme parks.

2. Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta is one of the most exciting, affordable, and culturally rich cities in the U.S. to visit—especially from Washington, DC. Whether you’re into music, history, sports, food, or nightlife, Atlanta offers a ton of bang for your buck. We love the Southern soul, the pop culture-culture, and even the history of the Civil Rights movement!

Airports: ATL (Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International)
Cost: $60-110 round-trip
Airlines: Delta, Southwest, Spirit
Best For: Urban Exploration, culture, Food
Top Things to Do: Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, Piedmont Park.

A view of the Atlanta skyline at night shows the city coming alive, since it is one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C, people love to visit with the lively nature of the buildings, the attractions, the roads and more.

3. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is one of the most dynamic, exciting, and culturally rich cities in the U.S. It offers the thrill of a big city with Midwestern warmth, world-class attractions, and surprisingly affordable flights and accommodations—especially from Washington, DC. Whether you’re into architecture, music, food, sports, or museums, Chicago has it all! And don’t forget the stunning architecture alone! This is truly a top visit place since it is also one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C.!

Airports: ORD (O’Hare) or MDW (Midway)
Cost: $80-140 round-trip
Airlines: American, United, Southwest, Spirit
Best For: Architecture, museums, foodies
Top Things to Do: Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Riverwalk, Willis Tower Skydeck.

At dusk the city of Chicago begins to turn on the lights, a warm glow overcoming the buildings as they sit behind the famous bean.

4. Miami, Florida

Visiting Miami is like taking a tropical vacation without leaving the U.S.—it’s got beaches, international culture, nightlife, art, and heat (both literally and figuratively). It’s one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the country, and it’s very doable on a budget—especially from Washington, DC, with round-trip flights often under $100.

Airports: MIA (Miami International) or FLL (Fort Lauderdale)
Cost: $70-130 round-trip
Airlines: American, Spirit, Southwest, JetBlue
Best For: Beaches, nightlife, multicultural vibes
Top Things to Do: South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Everglades tours.

A shot of Miami, one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., shows a boat harbor, the blue waters, and the tall building's on the coast.

5. New Orleans, Louisiana

NOLA is unlike any other city in the U.S.—it’s a wild, soulful, historic, and deeply cultural destination that feels part Europe, part Caribbean, and entirely its own. Whether you’re into live music, food, nightlife, history, or festivals, NOLA is always buzzing—and it’s affordable to fly to from Washington, DC (often under $120 round-trip).

Airports: MSY (Louis Amstrong New Orleans)
Cost: $80-150 round-trip
Airlines: Southwest, Spirit, American
Best For: Music, food, festivals
Top Things to Do: French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Garden District, live jazz clubs.

A photo of some of the most historic and stunning buildings in NOLA shows a three story building with lush hanging plants over each window and balcony.

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville—known as “Music City”—is way more than just country tunes and cowboy boots. It’s one of the most electric, creative, and fun cities in the U.S., with live music around every corner, amazing food, southern hospitality, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Better yet, it’s affordable to get to from DC, with flights often under $130 round-trip. Visit and experience live music everywhere, killer food, and a fun vibe!

Airports: BNA (Nashville International Airport)
Cost: $80-140 round-trip
Airlines: Southwest, American, Spirit
Best for: Country music, food, Southern charm
Top Things to Do: Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Broadway street live music.

Nashville, one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., comes alive at night, with Honky tonk broadway light up with stages, clubs, pubs, bars and more.

7. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is one of the most vibrant, walkable, and history-packed cities in America—and it’s super easy to reach from Washington, DC, with frequent round-trip flights often under $120. But what makes Boston worth visiting isn’t just its accessibility—it’s the perfect mix of culture, history, sports, food, and innovation, all packed into a charming city on the water. Here American history comes alive, and the seafood is worth every experience!

Airports: BOS (Logan International)
Cost: $70-140 round-trip
Airlines: JetBlue, American, Delta, Southwest
Best for: History buffs, coastal vibes
Top Things to Do: Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, Boston Common, Harvard University tours.

A lone lighthouse stands tall against the crashing waves on a island off the cusp of Boston, Mass.

8. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly is historic, gritty, cool, and absolutely packed with culture, food, art, and history. Best part? It’s super close and cheap from Washington, DC—you can be there in under 2 hours by train or bus, or a quick flight under $100 round-trip. It gives off big city energy with its American history, famous cheesesteaks, art and culture! And don’t forget the sports!

Airports: PHL (Philadelphia International)
Cost: $60-100 round-trip
Airlines: American, Spirit, Southwest
Best for: History, food, museums
Top Things to Do: Liberty Bell, Philly Museum of Art (Rocky Steps), Reading Terminal Market.

The sun begins to set in Philly, one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., its light reflecting off a bridge that connects over the water, the skyline in the back.

9. Charlotte, North Carolina

Queen City, AKA Charlotte, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and it blends Southern charm with big-city excitement. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, vibrant neighborhoods, amazing food, or sports and nightlife, Charlotte offers a fresh, clean, and energetic city experience. Its modern, has craft breweries popping up left and right, and also offers outdoor adventures on the side of a city trip!

Airports: CLT (Charlotte Douglass International)
Cost: $60-110 round-trip
Airlines: American, Southwest, Spirit
Best For: Urban parks, banking district, NASCAR fans
Top Things to Do: NASCAR Hall of Fame, Freedom Park, U.S. National Whitewater Center.

Charlotte's skyline shows an urban city mixed with greens, compact and walkable during the sunset.

10. Columbus, Ohio

Columbus features a thriving arts and culture scene and includes world-class museums like the Columbus Museum of Art. The unique neighborhoods like German Village and the Short North Arts District that make up the city allow something for everyone! Sports fans can enjoy both collegiate and professional games, while foodies will appreciate the city’s expanding culinary scene and the popular North Market.

Airports: CMH (John Glenn Columbus International)
Cost: $70-120 round-trip
Airlines: Southwest, American
Best for: College town vibes, parks, arts
Top Things to Do: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Short North Arts District, Scioto Mile.

At sunset the skyline of Columbus, which is one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., reflects the light, showing the urban nature of the city against the forefront of the green parks, and river that cuts through it.

BONUS #1: Libson, Portugal

I know going international is going to be more expensive than domestic, but what if we can still do that on a budget?! Libson is a bustling city full of character. The colorful buildings, winding streets, and view of the Tagus River are breathtaking. Its lively culture seeps into its beaches, wild forests, and food. Plus the locals are friendly!

Airports: LIS (Libson Humberto Delgado Airport)
Cost: $350-55o round-trip
Airlines: TAP
Best for: History, coastal views, food
Top Things to Do: Belém Tower, Alfama district, Tram 28, day trips to Sintra

At sunset, the golden hour reflects on the forest outside of Libson, one of the most stunning natural places near the city, the city itself in the distnace with colored buildings.

BONUS #2 Dublin, Ireland

If you want to go to another international spot, try Dublin! This city is famous for it’s lively atmosphere, thanks to its iconic pubs. And everyone should try a Guinness in its birthplace! The cultural staples here are worth exploring, as is the rich history. Plus the nearby natural attractions are beyond worth seeing! Cliffs anyone?

Airports: DUB (Dublin Airport)
Cost: $350-550 round-trip
Airlines: Air Canada
Best for: Pubs, music, culture, literature
Top Things to Do: Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College & Book of Kells, Temple Bar, Dublin Castle.

In a dusk filled sky, the light setting, Dublin's city, which is one of the cheapest places to fly from Washington D.C., is vibrant against the river that cuts through the city, its buildings colorful and tall and green!

How to Score Cheap Flights from Washington D.C.

Here’s what I actually do when I’m trip-hunting:

Use Google Flights Explore, you can see cheap routes from your airport.
Set up price alerts on Skyscanner or Hopper.
Travel mid-week, Tuesday or Wednesday departures are almost always cheaper.
Be open to budget airlines, just double-check the baggage rules.
Book early, 4–6 weeks out for domestic, 2–3 months for international.

The key is flexibility and grabbing the offer when you find it! D.C. is seriously underrated when it comes to affordable places to travel. Whether you want beach vibes, historic charm, or a bucket-list adventure, there are so many cheap flights from D.C. that open the door to epic trips without breaking the bank. And don’t forget that this is for both international and domestic flights. So the last question is… where are you flying to next?

12 Cheapest Places Places to Fly From Washington D.C. That Won’t Break the Bank!