Travelling from Washington DC to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Explore your options for setting off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), two of the city's main airports.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) are the primary entry points to Los Angeles.
Jump on a direct Washington DC to Los Angeles flight and you'll be flying for an average of 5 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-7, which is three hours behind Washington DC.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 27 flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles is with American Airlines at 17:35. Opt for the first DCA to LAX departure with American Airlines at 08:01 to fit in more activities on your first day in Los Angeles.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably catch your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues during popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles
Currently, Rs19,069 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs37,576. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap Washington DC to Los Angeles flights, reserve your journey five months before your departure.
Plan your trip for August. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Finding a cheap flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
You can get a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles jetting off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Begin your journey at DCA and land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Leading carriers that offer direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane tickets departing from DCA include:
Travelling from central Washington DC to DCA takes around 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
76.44% of flights taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport reach their destination on schedule.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Prefer to jet off from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This hub offers nonstop flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles, seamlessly connecting you to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Book a direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane ticket with one of these top carriers that operate from IAD:
With public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 50 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles? Check in to a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 74%. This figure provides insight into how frequently flights that leave from this airport arrive on schedule.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can catch a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles departing from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Book a ticket from BWI and travel straight through to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Zoom through the skies with one of these carriers that offer direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane tickets from BWI:
BWI is roughly 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. Driving from the city centre to the airport takes about 50 minutes. If you're planning to take public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Wake up, take it easy and still make your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight without having to rush. These hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport make getting to the terminal a breeze if you're setting off early:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights arrive without delays. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near LAX if you're coming in on a late flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and explore beyond Los Angeles's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from Los Angeles International Airport around one week before your trip.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is around 29 kilometres from central Los Angeles. Once you've hopped off your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 40 minutes or so.
There are some great places to lay your head close to VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight at one of these well-located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Van Nuys Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare offers from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Avoid filling out forms on the spot and save time at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from VNY in advance so you can simply pick up the keys and get on your way.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. July is the busiest month for a trip to Los Angeles. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 32ºC. Book your Washington DC to Los Angeles ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Los Angeles right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles:
Griffith Observatory and The Broad are a couple of top attractions to put on your Los Angeles itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Explore more of United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the south-east, top sights here include San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
Around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles, San Jose is another favourite stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.