Flying from Frankfurt to Washington DC: what you need to know
Start your vacation planning by considering where you'll board your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC. Frankfurt Airport (FRA) and Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN) are the main airports in Frankfurt.
Hop off the plane at one of Washington DC's key hubs like Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Alternatively, make your way to this city landing at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
A direct flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC takes an average of 8 hours 50 minutes. The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4, meaning it's 5 hours behind Frankfurt.
Frankfurt Airport (FRA) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 36 weekly departures to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC is with United Airlines at 17:10. Opt for the first FRA to IAD departure operated by Lufthansa at 10:30 if you're more of an early bird.
To ensure you get on your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Heading off during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer queues at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
If you hold a passport from Germany, you will need an ETA to enter United States. This applies if you're booking a cheap flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC for tourism purposes. The rules may differ if you're travelling for work or other reasons. Always check official visa guidelines before you book and definitely before flying.
Flying from Frankfurt
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
You can book a direct flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC jetting out of Frankfurt Airport (FRA). Begin your trip at FRA, and then make your arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
You'll have your choice of airlines that operate direct flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC departing from FRA. Book your seat with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC leaving from Frankfurt Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
FRA is about 14 kilometres from central Frankfurt. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 21 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be approximately 37 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Frankfurt Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Frankfurt - Hahn Airport (HHN)
Split up your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross a new place off your list. Top stopovers between Frankfurt Airport and Washington DC are:
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Logan International Airport (BOS)
You can arrive at HHN from the centre of Frankfurt in approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport takes roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 121 kilometres or so.
You're off on vacation, so why not extend it with an extra night away? Consider kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Frankfurt - Hahn Airport the day before your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC:
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is approximately 8 kilometres. It'll take you about 16 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of about 43 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Central Washington DC is around 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 51 minutes.
The journey will take about 3 hours and 26 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable hotels to drop your things at near IAD. Kick back after your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC at one of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC
C$434 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Frankfurt to Washington DC. A return flight starts at C$648. These fares may change depending on availability and demand.
Book 9 months before you want to fly. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Frankfurt to Washington DC. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Snapping up a cheap ticket from Frankfurt to Washington DC is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Use filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by airline, departure and arrival times, and number of stops.
Best time to go to Washington DC
July is the busiest month for flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC. To escape the crowds, go to Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC and 33ºC. Lock in your flights from Frankfurt to Washington DC in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap ticket from Frankfurt to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC and 10ºC.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Washington DC right here. Explore these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just the start of the big attractions to put on your Washington DC itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at National Mall.
Complete your Washington DC trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Frankfurt to Washington DC isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Washington DC and travel at your own pace. We search for deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.