Flying from Tampa to Washington DC: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the departure points for your flight from Tampa to Washington DC. Explore your options for setting off from Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), two of the city's main airports.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are the major entry points to Washington DC.
Around 2 hours 20 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Tampa to Washington DC flight.
Tampa and Washington DC are both in the UTC-4 timezone. This means you won't need to account for any time differences.
With 34 flights a week between the two airports, Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Tampa to Washington DC with American Airlines at 07:04. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the last departure from TPA to DCA is with American Airlines at 19:23.
To ensure you make your Tampa to Washington DC flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Getting on a plane during a peak time like July? Busy periods (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) can easily add an hour at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Washington DC
$51 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Tampa to Washington DC. A return flight starts at $101. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
Lock in cheap Tampa to Washington DC flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time for finding the biggest deals.
May is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Tampa to Washington DC. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Tampa to Washington DC is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Find an affordable Tampa to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
You can book a direct flight from Tampa to Washington DC taking off from Tampa International Airport (TPA). Begin your trip at TPA and then arrive at one of these Washington DC airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
These are some of the most popular carriers offering direct Tampa to Washington DC plane tickets from TPA:
TPA is around 5 miles from central Tampa. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 55 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Tampa International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Tampa to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to Tampa International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 78.59% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
TPA is located at 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 4 miles from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
If you're traveling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 45 minutes.
Book a hotel near DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from Tampa to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Travel at your own pace with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and venture far and wide through Washington DC and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks ahead of your Tampa to Washington DC flight.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The center of Washington DC is approximately 25 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). After your flight from Tampa to Washington DC has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
After your flight from Tampa to Washington DC, rest your head at a hotel close to IAD. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make collecting a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car simple. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from IAD one week in advance. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from Tampa to Washington DC and go directly to your hotel or jump right into exploring. The center of Washington DC is around 25 miles from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and usually takes 50 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will get you there in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Find a hotel near BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late Tampa to Washington DC flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays offer convenience when you need it most:
Begin your travels without stressing over how to reach your next stop with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable suppliers here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Around two weeks before your flight from Tampa to Washington DC is the ideal time to secure your vehicle from BWI. You're likely to snag a better deal or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the most popular month for flights from Tampa to Washington DC. To travel when it's less crowded, visit Washington DC in May.
Lock in a Tampa to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 66ºF to 91ºF.
January sees average temperatures of between 21ºF and 50ºF. Look for cheap flights from Tampa to Washington DC around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Washington DC right here. Browse these hotels after locking in your flight from Tampa to Washington DC:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are must-visits when exploring Washington DC.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Washington DC, now it's time to discover more of United States. Travel around 200 miles north-east to New York to tick off its popular sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another favorite stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.