Are there direct flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.?

Yes, direct flights are available from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. Historically, approximately 29.8% of flights on this route have been direct. For flights that include a stopover, the median number of stopovers has been one. Travelers have options for both direct and connecting services.

What's the flight time from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.?

The typical direct flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. has a median duration of 5 hours and 21 minutes. For flights with one stop, the median flight time is considerably longer, averaging 9 hours and 26 minutes. The air distance between these two cities is approximately 3885 kilometers.

Are there frequently good prices on flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.?

Historically, good prices on flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. have been frequent. This route is classified as one with consistent opportunities for favorable pricing. Travelers can often find competitive deals when planning their trips between these two cities.

Flights From San Francisco

To Washington, D.C.

Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Browse current best options from San Francisco. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

San Francisco

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Washington, D.C.

Prices updated 6 days ago

402 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Jul 12, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Explore current cheapest deals departing from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Round trip

Sort by: Cheapest

August 11 - August 27

Cheapest

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$369

$171

Round trip

August 11 - August 26

Cheapest

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$372

$171

Round trip

August 11 - September 1

Cheapest

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$360

$171

Round trip

August 11 - August 25

Cheapest

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$378

$171

Round trip

August 11 - August 20

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$400

$172

Round trip

August 11 - August 18

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$424

$172

Round trip

August 11 - August 19

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$407

$172

Round trip

August 24 - August 26

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$438

$172

Round trip

August 24 - August 27

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$435

$172

Round trip

August 11 - August 13

Best

Earliest

SFO - Washington, D.C.

$454

$173

Round trip

Unlock all 500+ flight deals to Washington, D.C. and get alerts when great deals appear

San Francisco to Washington, D.C.: Overview

Insights for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

For cheap flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., the most affordable time to fly is typically March, with a median fare of $226. Other budget-friendly options include April and February, both with median fares of $229. Planning your trip around these months can lead to significant savings.

Fares for this route typically range from $236–$555, with a median of $369. Right now, current fares are above the typical level for this route. Approximately 18% of recent fares have been classified as a good price, indicating that finding a deal is possible if you monitor prices. New deals appear almost daily, making it worthwhile to set up a price alert.

When flying from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., most itineraries connect at least once, as only 29.8% of recent fares were for non-stop flights. For itineraries that do include connections, the typical number of stopovers is 1.

A typical journey from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. takes about 5h 21m, including connections. This duration accounts for both direct and connecting flights, with connecting itineraries often taking longer. The non-stop flight time is also 5h 21m, while connecting flights typically take 10h 43m.

The distance between San Francisco and Washington, D.C. is approximately 3922 kilometers. This classifies the route as a medium-haul journey, meaning it's a considerable distance that typically involves several hours of flight time.

How much is a round trip from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Regular price: $296 - $485

Prices for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. are currently below the regular range.

Regular prices for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. typically range from $296 to $485. The current lowest deal is $171 with Frontier Airlines, for travel from Aug 11-Aug 27.

now $171

Low $296

High $485

The cheapest time to fly from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

The cheapest month to fly from SFO to WAS is October, with a median price of $231. The most expensive month is June, with a median price of $467. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

October

Cheapest

Flights from $231

June

Most Expensive

Flights from $467

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

United Airlines

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Last-minute flights going from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Mon, Jul 27

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (BWI)

Frontier Airlines

$555

$288

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$560

$288

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$541

$288

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$581

$288

One-way

Sun, Aug 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$602

$297

One-way

Mon, Aug 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SFO - Washington, D.C.

San Francisco (SFO) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$543

$286

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

4 nights

Aug 3 - Aug 7

$592 → $233

61%

1 night

Aug 4 - Aug 5

$594 → $243

59%

5 nights

Aug 8 - Aug 13

$563 → $217

61%

6 nights

Aug 11 - Aug 17

$545 → $210

61%

Popular Airports to fly from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

San Francisco - Washington, D.C. route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are below the typical level at $171.

Recent fares from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. are below the typical level.

📅 Best time to fly

Historically, October is the cheapest month to fly at $231.

Historically, October is the cheapest month to fly from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

⏱️ Flight duration

Direct flights take 5h 21m; connecting flights take 10h 43m.

Direct flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. take 5h 21m, while connecting flights take 10h 43m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

29.8% of recent flights are direct.

Historically, 29.8% of flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. are direct.

🏆 Airline highlight

Frontier Airlines offers a recent deal for $171.

Frontier Airlines had a recent deal from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. for $171.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals appear frequently for this route.

Deals for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. appear frequently.

San Francisco main airports to depart from

San Francisco International (SFO)

Cheapest

San Francisco International is a convenient option for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~18 km from San Francisco (reachable by car or train)

💸 Flights from ~$171

Washington, D.C. main airports to arrive at

Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Cheapest

Washington Dulles International Airport is a good arrival option for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~36 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$171

Baltimore–Washington International (BWI)

Baltimore–Washington International Airport is an arrival option for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~44 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$247

Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a convenient arrival option for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~6 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$249

Airports nearby Washington, D.C. used as alternative

Philadelphia International (PHL)

Philadelphia International (PHL) is a major international hub with extensive networks, often offering lower fares.

📍 ~230 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car or train, but expect heavy traffic).

💸 Flights from ~$232

Richmond International (RIC)

Cheapest

Richmond International (RIC) is a large regional airport with robust domestic connectivity, generally less crowded.

📍 ~175 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car, but traffic can be unpredictable).

💸 Flights from ~$218

Harrisburg International (MDT)

Harrisburg International (MDT) is a convenient alternative for travelers in the northern D.C. suburbs.

📍 ~170 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$351

Norfolk International (ORF)

Norfolk International (ORF) is a major airport for Southeast Virginia, offering specific coastal routes.

📍 ~290 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car, expect potential bridge-tunnel delays).

💸 Flights from ~$259

Charlottesville–Albemarle (CHO)

Charlottesville–Albemarle (CHO) is a small, low-stress regional option for western D.C. exurbs.

📍 ~160 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$368

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Washington, D.C.

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C..

Elite

Best Elite deals to Washington, D.C.

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From SFO

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Nov 03

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$1,955

$1,211

Save $744

From SFO

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Aug 19

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$1,991

$1,234

Save $757

From SFO

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Aug 10

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,086

$1,239

Save $847

From SFO

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Jul 17

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,098

$1,279

Save $819

From SFO

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Nov 14

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,414

$1,327

Save $1,087

From SFO

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Dec 07

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$1,929

$1,247

Save $682

From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,614

$1,207

Save $407

From SFO

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Sep 16

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,697

$1,231

Save $466

From SFO

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Aug 24

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,705

$1,237

Save $468

From SFO

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Aug 06

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,720

$1,237

Save $483

From SFO

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Nov 08

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,955

$1,327

Save $628

From SFO

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Sep 03

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$2,021

$1,358

Save $663

From SFO

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Sep 03

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,717

$1,237

Save $480

From SFO

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Aug 08

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,685

$1,269

Save $416

From SFO

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Aug 08

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,688

$1,287

Save $401

From SFO

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Jul 21

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,764

$1,287

Save $477

From SFO

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Jul 13

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,950

$1,350

Save $600

From SFO

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Jul 20

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$2,277

$1,307

Save $970

From SFO

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Aug 11

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,668

$1,289

Save $379

From SFO

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Jul 11

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,761

$1,325

Save $436

From SFO

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Jul 17

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,713

$1,327

Save $386

From SFO

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Jul 18

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,728

$1,337

Save $391

From SFO

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Jul 17

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,764

$1,347

Save $417

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,905

$1,407

Save $498

From SFO

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Jul 07

Washington, D.C., United States

87% AI deal score

$1,713

$1,053

Save $660

From SFO

Elite

Oct 27

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,839

$1,327

Save $512

From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,990

$1,397

Save $593

From SFO

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Aug 19

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,600

$1,300

Save $300

From SFO

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Aug 30

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,622

$1,327

Save $295

From SFO

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Sep 04

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,707

$1,327

Save $380

From SFO

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Jul 13

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,681

$1,340

Save $341

From SFO

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Jul 12

Washington, D.C., United States

86% AI deal score

$1,681

$1,350

Save $331

From SFO

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Jul 07

Washington, D.C., United States

85% AI deal score

$1,884

$1,247

Save $637

From SFO

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Nov 07

Washington, D.C., United States

85% AI deal score

$1,757

$1,347

Save $410

From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

85% AI deal score

$1,667

$1,407

Save $260

From SFO

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Oct 10

Washington, D.C., United States

83% AI deal score

$1,546

$1,167

Save $379

From SFO

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Jul 06

Washington, D.C., United States

83% AI deal score

$2,043

$1,457

Save $586

From SFO

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Jun 22

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$2,295

$1,646

Save $649

From SFO

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Oct 07

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$1,480

$1,167

Save $313

From SFO

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Jul 20

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$1,849

$1,383

Save $466

From SFO

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Dec 24

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$2,186

$1,607

Save $579

From SFO

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Jul 22

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$2,224

$1,615

Save $609

From SFO

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Jun 19

Washington, D.C., United States

82% AI deal score

$2,469

$1,742

Save $727

From SFO

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Oct 31

Washington, D.C., United States

81% AI deal score

$1,838

$1,377

Save $461

From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

81% AI deal score

$1,890

$1,397

Save $493

From SFO

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Jul 06

Washington, D.C., United States

81% AI deal score

$1,747

$1,420

Save $327

From SFO

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Nov 14

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,841

$1,397

Save $444

From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,809

$1,397

Save $412

From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,846

$1,397

Save $449

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,803

$1,397

Save $406

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,849

$1,397

Save $452

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,763

$1,397

Save $366

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,763

$1,397

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From SFO

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Nov 17

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,757

$1,382

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,601

$1,407

Save $194

From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,672

$1,407

Save $265

From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,613

$1,407

Save $206

From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

80% AI deal score

$1,709

$1,407

Save $302

From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,627

$1,397

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,595

$1,397

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,595

$1,397

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,773

$1,442

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,752

$1,442

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From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,630

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,643

$1,407

Save $236

From SFO

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Nov 03

Washington, D.C., United States

79% AI deal score

$1,236

$983

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,604

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,649

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,636

$1,407

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From SFO

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Aug 26

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,686

$1,527

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,216

$983

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From SFO

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Sep 08

Washington, D.C., United States

78% AI deal score

$1,214

$983

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From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,537

$1,407

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,583

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,583

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,544

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 01

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,616

$1,442

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

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$1,605

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

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$1,442

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,553

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,638

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,680

$1,527

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From SFO

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Nov 14

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,662

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,461

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,459

$1,347

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From SFO

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Aug 26

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,661

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,994

$1,597

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From SFO

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Sep 29

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,169

$983

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From SFO

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Sep 26

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,162

$983

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From SFO

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Aug 28

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,213

$1,018

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From SFO

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Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,194

$1,018

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From SFO

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Aug 28

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,177

$1,018

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From SFO

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Sep 16

Washington, D.C., United States

77% AI deal score

$1,220

$1,018

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From SFO

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Aug 25

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$1,505

$1,407

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$1,544

$1,442

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$1,568

$1,442

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From SFO

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Sep 05

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$1,544

$1,442

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From SFO

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Sep 17

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$2,052

$1,570

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From SFO

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Jul 25

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$2,131

$1,608

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From SFO

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Jul 24

Washington, D.C., United States

76% AI deal score

$2,130

$1,628

Save $502

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Washington, D.C.

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. has been 7-13 days before departure. During this period, the average price was $361. Booking 60+ days out also showed an average price of $361. Prices typically increase significantly for bookings made 0-6 days before departure, with an average price of $691.

Across the trailing quarter, a good price for a flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. was considered to be $236 or less. The median price for this route was $369. Approximately 75% of prices observed were $555 or less, indicating that prices above this amount are less common.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. have included March, April, and February, all with a median price of $229 or less. The annual median price for this route is $369. These months typically offer more favorable pricing compared to the overall annual trend.

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