Travelling from Los Angeles to Washington DC: what you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of Los Angeles's main airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Explore your options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC departing from either of these.
The major arrival points in Washington DC are Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Hop on a direct Los Angeles to Washington DC flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 5 hours.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which makes Washington DC three hours ahead of Los Angeles.
The busiest route for flights from Los Angeles to Washington DC is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Take your pick of 52 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from LAX to IAD is the 00:10 United Airlines service. If you prefer travelling later, the last scheduled departure is at 23:59 with United Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to catch your Los Angeles to Washington DC flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer lines in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Washington DC
To secure cheap Los Angeles to Washington DC flights, book your journey four months before your planned departure.
July is the best month for landing an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Los Angeles to Washington DC. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Finding a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Los Angeles to Washington DC flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
You can fly directly to Washington DC leaving from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Here are some airports you can reach on a nonstop connection when searching for your flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
These are some of the top airlines offering direct Los Angeles to Washington DC plane tickets out of LAX:
The journey from central Los Angeles to LAX takes around 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Los Angeles International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Los Angeles International Airport has an excellent on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from LAX land at their destination as scheduled 81.05% of the time.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 5 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
Getting to the centre on public transport typically takes 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Grab a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and explore Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are top providers to choose from here.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
As soon as your flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Public transport will get you there in around 1 hour 10 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near IAD. Tuck yourself in after your Los Angeles to Washington DC flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and make a speedy getaway.
Get the lowest price by booking your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC has landed. Central Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by car.
If you use public transport, the journey will take you about 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip into the centre, head for a hotel near BWI. Make yourself comfortable at one of these options after your Los Angeles to Washington DC flight:
Be in the driver's seat of the next leg of your trip with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget make getting on the road effortless.
If you're after a specific kind of vehicle, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks ahead of your flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC. This gives you a higher chance of getting your preferred car, along with a better deal.
Best time to go to Washington DC
May is the quietest month for flights from Los Angeles to Washington DC, while February is the most popular. Figure out the best time to visit Washington DC based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Los Angeles to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 19ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Washington DC, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just a couple of the major attractions to add to your Washington DC travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC has plenty going for it, but there are so many other parts of United States waiting to be explored. Around 322 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without visiting Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.