Direct flights from Washington (DCA) to Columbia (CAE): 7 nonstop departures observed each week across 1 airline. 23% of the last 22 operated flights arrived within 15 minutes of schedule. The median arrival is 29 minutes late. No cancellations were recorded across the 22 tracked flights. The nonstop covers 657 km, an estimated 1 hour 21 minutes in the air. Measured by Pro Flight Search from live flight boards at Washington and Columbia. Updated 13 September 2026 at 19:18 UTC.
DCAWashingtonheavy · +35
CAEColumbiatracking
657 km · ~1h 21m est.
dep bank 08:20–21:227x weekly
Runs rough · 1 airline · 7x weekly · nonstop
23% on time
of the last 22 operated DCA → CAE flights arrived within 15 minutes
How the Washington to Columbia route actually runs
Pro Flight Search records official board updates for nonstop DCA to CAE flights through the day: schedules, estimates, gate pushes and actual departures. The verdict above comes from operated flights, so it reflects what this route does rather than what the timetable promises.
Some delays possible. The departure side at DCA is the weaker end, route health score 54/100. The airports section above carries the live status and delay window at both ends.
Morning or evening flight on DCA–CAE?
Operators schedule evening departures around 21:15 from DCA. Earlier flights typically land before destination-airport delays accumulate later in the day; check the CAE delay card to confirm conditions when you'd arrive.
How long is the flight from DCA to CAE?
Great-circle distance is 657 km. With typical jet cruise speed plus taxi, climb and descent, expect roughly 76–86 min gate-to-gate on this route.
How often does DCA–CAE fly?
American Airlines runs the route with about 19 flights a week (daily). Since one carrier owns the route, a single disruption tends to ripple through the day.