Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city steeped in history and political significance. Home to iconic monuments, world-class museums, and diverse neighborhoods, Washington offers visitors a unique blend of governmental grandeur and vibrant urban culture.
Choose your destination, travel dates, number of passengers and click Search
Flight prices for a month from Philadelphia to Washington, one way
| Departure at | Stops | Find tickets |
|---|---|---|
| 18 May 2025 | 1 Stop | 146 |
Flight Information: Several airlines operate frequent flights between Philadelphia and Washington:
- American Airlines: Offers multiple daily flights to Reagan National Airport (DCA)
- United Airlines: Operates flights to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Southwest Airlines: Provides service to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Flight frequency is high, with approximately 20-30 daily flights between the two cities. American Airlines typically offers the most frequent service to DCA, which is closest to downtown D.C. Prices are generally competitive due to the short distance and high frequency. Southwest often provides the most budget-friendly options, especially to BWI.
Year-round Festivals in Washington:
- National Cherry Blossom Festival – March/April
- Smithsonian Folklife Festival – June/July
- DC Jazz Festival – June
- Capital Pride – June
- H Street Festival – September
- DC Beer Week – August
- National Book Festival – September
Shopping and Prices:
Washington offers diverse shopping experiences:
- Georgetown: Historic area with upscale boutiques and mainstream retailers
- CityCenterDC: Luxury shopping destination in downtown
- Union Market: Indoor market with local vendors and artisanal goods
- Eastern Market: Historic public market on Capitol Hill
Prices in Washington tend to be higher than in Philadelphia, particularly for housing and dining. The sales tax in D.C. is 6%, lower than Philadelphia’s 8%.
Employment Comparison:
Both cities have strong job markets, but with different focuses:
- Washington: Dominated by government, politics, and related industries (lobbying, think tanks, NGOs)
- Philadelphia: More diverse, with strengths in healthcare, education, and finance
Washington typically has a lower unemployment rate due to the stability of government jobs, but Philadelphia offers a broader range of industries.
Airports and Transportation:
Washington is served by three major airports:
- Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): • Closest to downtown, accessible by Metro • Metro fare: $2.25-$6 depending on time and distance
- Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): • Located in Virginia, connected to D.C. by the Silver Line Metro (opening soon) • Current transport options include shuttles and taxis
- Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI): • Located near Baltimore, connected to D.C. by MARC train • MARC train to D.C.: $7 one-way
Public transportation in D.C.:
- Metrorail: $2-$6 per trip depending on distance and time
- Metrobus: $2 per trip
- DC Circulator: $1 per ride, connects major attractions
- Capital Bikeshare: $8 for 24-hour membership, first 30 minutes free
Flight Details:
- Distance: Approximately 135 miles (217 km)
- Flight duration: Around 40-50 minutes
Interesting facts:
The flight from Philadelphia to Washington is one of the shortest regularly scheduled commercial flights in the U.S.
Some travelers opt for Amtrak train service between the two cities, which takes about 2 hours and offers a scenic route
Washington, D.C. is renowned for its free Smithsonian museums, including the National Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. Visitors can also explore iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial, the White House, and the U.S. Capitol. The city’s diverse neighborhoods, from historic Capitol Hill to trendy Adams Morgan, offer unique dining and cultural experiences.