Southwest® flights from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin from $181
expand_more
1 Passenger
expand_more
Promo Code
expand_more
today
today
Low fares from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin
$
Fare Type Select...
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 09/05/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$181*
Seen: 2 hrs ago
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 09/11/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$181*
Seen: 16 hrs ago
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 09/23/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$189*
Seen: 21 hrs ago
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 08/22/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$189*
Seen: 10 hrs ago
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 09/03/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$189*
Seen: 11 hrs ago
Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) (DCA)to
Austin (AUS)
Depart: 09/24/2026
One-way
/
Basic
From
$189*
Seen: 9 hrs ago
Flights from Washington D.C. - Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Austin, TX (AUS)
A flight from Washington, D.C. to Austin connects you with one of Texas' most vibrant cities. Whether you’re traveling for a conference, a university visit, a live event, a weekend getaway, or just a look at the world’s largest urban bat colony (it’s here!), Southwest welcomes you with convenient routes from DCA to Austin that fit your schedule.
Washington D.C. (DCA) to Austin, TX (AUS) flight duration, distance, and route details
It helps to know what to expect from your DCA to AUS flight, whether you're finalizing a business presentation on the way to a tech conference or planning your South By schedule for a long weekend. Here are the details for your flight from Washington D.C. to Austin:
Average flight time: About 3.5 to 4 hours
Miles traveled (approximate): 1,300 to 1,500
Time zone change: one hour (Eastern to Central Time)
Remember to claim your Southwest Rapid Rewards points on qualifying flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Austin—and if you’re not already a Rapid Rewards member, activate your free membership today to enjoy perks like complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi.
Business and event travel between Washington, D.C. and Austin
DC to Austin flights are common for government, tech, startup, university, and conference travel. Major events like SXSW, Austin City Limits, and Formula 1 weekends also significantly increase flight and hotel demand throughout the year, so book ahead, especially if you're flying close to a major event. If you travel this route often, make sure to grab your Rapid Rewards points and check out our Business Travel page for ways to save more.
Getting from AUS to Austin and nearby areas
When your flight from Washington D.C. to Austin lands at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), getting downtown is straightforward. Trips by car typically take about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic, but you’ve got a variety of transportation choices:
CapMetro public transit: Take the airport bus route for an affordable, direct ride into downtown from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, with stops near major hotels and attractions.
Rideshares and taxis: Follow signs to the designated pickup area just outside baggage claim to request an Uber, Lyft, or taxi for a quick, door-to-door trip.
Private car services and hotel shuttles: Book a ride in advance with a private car service, or check with your hotel ahead of time to see if they offer scheduled airport shuttle pickups.
Rental cars: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility if you’re planning to explore areas beyond downtown like The Domain, Round Rock, or the Hill Country. Reserve your car ahead to make sure your wheels are good to go when you land.
How to find cheap flights from Washington D.C. (DCA) to Austin (AUS)
These insider tricks can help you find cheap flights from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Austin. Here are some actionable tips to get your fare-hunting started:
Use the Low Fare Calendar: If you have flexible travel dates, use the Southwest Low Fare Calendar to compare pricing and find the best deals.
Book early: Try to book early, especially around major Austin events, festivals, and university events.
Travel midweek: Heavy business travel tends to make this route more expensive at the beginning and end of the week, so cheaper flights from Washington, DC to Austin are often available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
What’s the best time to travel from Washington D.C. to Austin?
Peak Periods: Late spring and early fall tend to offer the best mix of events, manageable crowds, pleasant temps, and solid flight and hotel availability.
Festivals & Game Days: Major festivals like SXSW (March) and Austin City Limits (October) draw huge crowds, as do college sports in the spring and fall. Book earlier than normal if your travel dates are around festivals or game days.
Best value: If your travel dates are flexible, consider visiting outside major festivals, holidays, and game weekends. You'll often find better availability, lower fares, and a more relaxed experience around the city.
Outdoor experiences: Austin's parks, lakes, and trails are a big part of its appeal. If activities like paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, swimming at Barton Springs, or exploring the Texas Hill Country are on your list, plan your trip around the outdoor experiences you want to enjoy most.
What to do in Austin after you land
Live music and barbecue: Catch a show on Red River Street or East 6th, then head out for a plate of smoky Texas brisket.
Get outside:Rent a car for easy transportation, then cool off at Barton Springs, paddle Lady Bird Lake, or head into the Hill Country for a scenic hike.
South Congress strolls: Wander past vintage shops, food trucks, and murals in a classic Austin stretch, with plenty of spots to stop and snack.
Austin’s food scene: Go beyond barbecue with breakfast tacos, food trucks, and chef-driven spots that make the city a destination for casual, creative dining.
Two happy travelers riding a scooter at sunset, promoting low-fare flights.
Looking for more low-fare flights?
Check out the Low Fare Calendar to find a fare that works for you. Just choose the month you want to depart and return, and we’ll show you the best fares available.
*Fares displayed have been collected within the last 24 hours and may no longer be available at time of booking. Additional fees and charges for optional products and services may apply. Modifying this information may result in a different fare. To find the most updated fare, please visit Southwest.com. Fares listed are Basic, which are subject to additional terms and conditions.
Flight Details
Departing from:
Ronald Reagan National Airport
Arriving at:
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
Average flight time:
3 hours 34 minutes
Distance:
1315 miles
Route Information
156†Weekly flights
1‡Nonstop flight per day Monday through Friday
1‡Nonstop flight on Saturday
1‡Nonstop flight on Sunday
† Weekly flights based on DOT published scheduled average flights Monday through Sunday between 9/1/2025 and 9/30/2025. Note: route may not operate every day of the week.
‡ Nonstop flights based on DOT published scheduled average flights Monday through Sunday between 9/1/2025 and 9/30/2025.
Questions we hear the most
The average flight time from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin is 3 hours 34 minutes.
There are 156 weekly flights from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin on Southwest Airlines.
Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin once per day from Monday through Friday.
Yes, Southwest flies nonstop from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin once per day on Saturdays and Sundays.
To find the lowest fares by day and time to fly Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin with Southwest, check out our Low Fare Calendar.
Yes! Flights from Washington, D.C. (Reagan National) to Austin—or from here or there to anywhere—can be changed with no change fees. Fare difference may apply.