Travelling from Columbus to Washington DC: what you need to know
Set off on your next big adventure from one of Columbus's main airports, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK). Explore your options for booking a flight from Columbus to Washington DC departing from either of these.
The primary gateways to Washington DC are Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Hop on a direct Columbus to Washington DC flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 1 hour 20 minutes.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Columbus.
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 37 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Columbus to Washington DC is with American Airlines at 20:06. Opt for the first CMH to DCA departure operated by American Airlines at 06:09 to make the most of your first day in Washington DC.
To ensure you board your Columbus to Washington DC flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're flying during a popular month like July, head to the airport even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Expect lines to be longer during peak periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbus to Washington DC
Right now, ج.م. 2,700 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Columbus to Washington DC. The cheapest price for a return flight is ج.م. 7,931. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To secure cheap Columbus to Washington DC flights, reserve your trip three months before your planned departure.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Columbus to Washington DC is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Columbus to Washington DC by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Columbus to Washington DC flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Columbus
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
You can fly directly to Washington DC departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Here are some airports you can reach on a nonstop connection when searching for a flight from Columbus to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can choose from a range of carriers offering direct Columbus to Washington DC plane tickets with departures from CMH, including:
Travelling from central Columbus to CMH takes around 1 hour 5 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near John Glenn Columbus International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Columbus to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of all flights departing from John Glenn Columbus International Airport, 79.5% land on time at their destination.
CMH is located at 4600 International Gateway.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to DCA if you have a late flight from Columbus to Washington DC. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are popular providers to choose from here.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your travel date.
DCA is situated at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The centre of Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from Columbus to Washington DC has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 50 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Columbus to Washington DC, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Avoid paying extra. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD will help you stay within budget.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Columbus to Washington DC has landed. Central Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
Public transport can get you there in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the journey to the centre, head for a hotel close to BWI. Get comfortable at one of these options after your Columbus to Washington DC flight:
Whether you want a budget-friendly compact just for you or a spacious SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the range of wheels available from names such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're after a specific model or make, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks before your flight from Columbus to Washington DC. This gives you a higher chance of getting your preferred car, along with a better price.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the busiest month for flights from Columbus to Washington DC. To steer clear of the crowds, go to Washington DC in May.
When booking your Columbus to Washington DC tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC to 33ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Columbus to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Columbus to Washington DC, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to start. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are top sights which should be on every Washington DC itinerary.
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 top attractions. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of United States, head for Philadelphia, roughly 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are among the biggest draws.