Travelling from Washington DC to London: what you need to know
Planning your flight from Washington DC to London begins with finding the best airport to kick off your trip. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are the main departure points in Washington DC.
London has numerous airports you can fly into. Make your landing at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Stansted Airport (STN). Alternatively, arrive at London Luton Airport (LTN) or London City Airport (LCY).
The average length of a direct Washington DC to London flight is 7 hours 20 minutes.
The timezone in London is UTC+0, which is four hours ahead of Washington DC.
Leave plenty of time to make your Washington DC to London flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Peak months like February or high seasons such as spring break and Christmas will mean bigger lines at security and check-in. Travelling then? Play it safe and get to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of international departures is a wise idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to London
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Washington DC to London flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some amazing early bird rates.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Washington DC to London across the entire month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Washington DC to London by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Washington DC to London flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing Washington DC to London flights leaving from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
DCA is around 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to London, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
76.44% of flights that take off from Ronald Reagan National Airport make it to their destination on time.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Rather fly from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This popular hub offers nonstop flights from Washington DC to London, seamlessly connecting you to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Book your direct Washington DC to London plane ticket with one of these popular carriers that operate this route from IAD:
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Washington DC to London flight. Visit family or friends or tick a new city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these stops between Washington Dulles International Airport and London:
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
You can reach IAD from the centre of Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Washington DC to London, take it easy in one of these hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport:
74.39% of flights leaving Washington Dulles International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
The address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has direct flights from Washington DC to London. Your trip from BWI will take you straight to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Fly out of BWI with British Airways. This trusted airline offers direct Washington DC to London plane tickets.
You can lock in a ticket from Washington DC to London with a stop or two departing from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). These are some of the most common stopovers between BWI and London:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
From central Washington DC, BWI is around 40 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 50 minutes to get there by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so on public transport.
Make catching an early Washington DC to London flight one of the easiest parts of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and get to the check-in counter without rushing:
The on-time performance record of BWI is 77.13%. To put it simply, that's how frequently flights that depart this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The distance from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London is roughly 26 kilometres. It'll take you about 55 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 1 hour.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Washington DC to London, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near LHR:
Follow your own route with a London Heathrow Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Surprice, U-Save or Green Motion and find adventure across London and beyond.
To get the lowest price, reserve your ride from London Heathrow Airport around one week in advance of your Washington DC to London flight.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
After your flight from Washington DC to London has landed, you can reach the city centre in around 1 hour 20 minutes by car. Central London is roughly 40 kilometres from London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 30 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to LGW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Washington DC to London:
Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia make collecting a London Gatwick Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks before your arrival at LGW will save you money.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted Airport (STN) is around 48 kilometres from central London. It takes about 1 hour to reach the city centre in a car after your flight from Washington DC to London.
Public transport can get you there in about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Enjoy a more leisurely start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near STN after your Washington DC to London flight. Unwind after a day of travel or simply give yourself time to settle into a new destination at:
Whether you want a compact for solo travel or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Stansted Airport rental car for your needs. Check out wheels available here from names such as Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Plan ahead and enjoy the payoff. Book your ride from STN four weeks before your flight from Washington DC to London for the best rates.
Best time to go to London
February is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to London, while July is the busiest. Figure out the best time to go to London based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in London is July, with temperatures ranging between 11ºC and 26ºC. Lock in your Washington DC to London ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between 0ºC and 9ºC. Look for cheap flights from Washington DC to London around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about London
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in London right here. Explore these hotels after you've booked your flight from Washington DC to London:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Big Ben, The British Museum and Buckingham Palace are must-do's during your London adventure.
Explore more of United Kingdom
You've done London, now it's time to explore other corners of United Kingdom. Journey about 161 kilometres north-west to Birmingham to tick off its popular sights. From Cadbury World to The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in United Kingdom, head for Bristol, about 177 kilometres west of London. Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park are among its highlights.