Flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Around 6 hours is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4. The city is three hours ahead of San Francisco, where San Francisco International Airport is located.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most traveled route, with 61 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from SFO to IAD is with United Airlines at 23:59. Opt for the first departure operated by United Airlines at 00:20 if you want to fly out earlier.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your SFO to Washington DC flight.
If you're travelling during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow for even more time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Book a direct San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC ticket and make it to your destination faster. SFO offers nonstop flights to these Washington DC airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can choose from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC, including:
Located around 18 kilometres from central San Francisco, SFO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near SFO. Whether you have an early flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are worth a look:
Of all flights leaving San Francisco International Airport, 77.36% arrive on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Washington DC
The best price we've found for a one-way San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC flight is Rs26,942. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs58,213. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book one month before you want to fly. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from SFO to Washington DC.
The best month for scoring cheap San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC tickets is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
You don't need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as there's an updated deal for cheap flights from SFO to Washington DC.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is around 8 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. If you're opting for a ride-share or a cab, the drive will take roughly 15 minutes.
Travelling by public transport takes around 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC. Reserve one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Grab a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are top outlets to choose from here.
Lock in the best possible rate by booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your flight from SFO to Washington DC.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 56 kilometres from central Washington DC. Following your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Following your SFO to Washington DC flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make collecting a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Get the lowest price by reserving your ride from IAD one week in advance. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 48 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to reach the city centre by cab or ride-share once you've hopped off your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your break by staying at a hotel near BWI after your SFO to Washington DC flight. Recover from your travel day or simply give yourself time to find your footing in a new city at:
Whether you want a compact for solo travel or a spacious SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
About two weeks ahead of your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC is a good time to book your ride from BWI. You're more likely to get a better rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Visit Washington DC during the high season if you like a bustling atmosphere, but remember that prices are typically higher. Alternatively, book flights from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC in the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Book your San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC and 10ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from SFO to Washington DC around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from San Francisco International Airport to Washington DC, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are top attractions which should feature on every Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Washington DC. Around 322 kilometres away to the north-east, its best attractions include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.