Travelling from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): What you need to know
The first chapter of your trip begins at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Check out your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) leaving from either of these bases.
Expect to be travelling for 1 hour 40 minutes. That's the average duration of a direct Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport flight.
Columbia's timezone is UTC-5, which is the same as Washington DC. Columbia Metropolitan Airport is located in Columbia.
With 22 direct flights a week between the two airports, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) is the busiest route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 8:10am. If you prefer to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from DCA to CAE is with American Airlines at 10:36pm.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your flight from Washington DC to CAE.
July is a busy time to fly out. If you're heading away then or around a major holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas, be there even earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international journeys.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
You can find a direct flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) leaving from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
When jetting out of DCA, you can take a direct flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport with American Airlines.
The majority of passengers prefer to book seats with American Airlines from DCA to CAE.
American Airlines is the leading carrier for punctuality on this route.
Located around 6 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC, DCA can be reached in about 10 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 25 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the ideal choice:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Consider beginning your travels from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). You can book a direct Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) plane ticket with departures from this hub.
United Airlines operates direct flights from Washington DC to CAE out of IAD. Book your favourite seat and get to your destination in one go.
United is the top choice for bookings on the IAD to CAE route.
Fly with United for the most punctual service. Its flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and Columbia Metropolitan Airport land as scheduled 80.0% of the time.
On public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in about 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 45 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an extra night away from home. Before your Washington DC to CAE flight, stay in one of these hotels close to Washington Dulles International Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 77%.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
The trip to BWI from the centre of Washington DC is around 50 minutes by public transport. If you're in a car, it'll take you about 40 minutes to cover the 48 kilometres or so.
Relax in bed for a little longer and still make your Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport flight without having to rush. These hotels near Baltimore Washington International Airport make getting to the terminal a breeze if you're jetting off early:
The on-time performance rate of BWI is 77%. In other words, that's how often flights departing this airport arrive within the expected time frame.
About Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Have a late flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport? Don't let it end in exhaustion. Stay at one of these hotels near CAE and be in snooze mode sooner:
Booking your ride around one week ahead of your Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport flight can help you score a better rate.
CAE is located at 125-A Summer Lake.
Getting from Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) to central Columbia
From Columbia Metropolitan Airport, central Columbia is around 19 kilometres away. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the city centre by car.
It takes roughly 45 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Currently, 123 € is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is 217 €. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Lock in cheap flights from Washington DC to CAE by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport tickets is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Snapping up a cheap plane ticket from Washington DC to CAE is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a lower fare pops up.
Find an affordable flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport by using filters. Choose your preferred departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)
Think about the pace you're looking for when planning your trip dates. January is the quietest month to visit Columbia. October is when most people book flights from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), which may be ideal if you'd rather travel when it's busy.
Book a Washington DC to CAE plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Columbia to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 35ºC (95ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 0ºC (32ºF) and 16ºC (61ºF).
More about Columbia
Once you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Columbia Metropolitan Airport, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Columbia:
South Carolina African American History Monument and 701 Centre for Contmporary Art are just the start of the top-rated attractions to add to your Columbia must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out South Carolina State Museum.
Explore more of the United States
Charlotte is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be explored after you've experienced Columbia. Around 145 kilometres away to the north, top sights here include Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place and NASCAR Hall of Fame.
Around 306 kilometres northeast of Columbia, Raleigh is another essential stop in the United States. Start your sightseeing at North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and Dorothea Dix Park.