Travelling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Approximately 5 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. Following the UTC-4 timezone, Washington DC is three hours ahead of Los Angeles.
With 52 weekly flights between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the busiest route. United Airlines operates the earliest flight at 00:10. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from LAX to IAD is with United Airlines at 23:59.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your LAX to Washington DC flight.
Heading off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Book a direct Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC ticket and reach your destination sooner. LAX has nonstop flights to these Washington DC airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
These are some of the most well-known carriers operating direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC:
Located around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car. The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to LAX:
Los Angeles International Airport maintains a solid on-time record, so you're less likely to experience disruptions. Departures from LAX land at their destination as scheduled 81.05% of the time.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Washington DC
C$91 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC flight. A return ticket right now is C$162. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares can change.
To score cheap flights from LAX to Washington DC, book your trip three months ahead of your departure.
July is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from LAX to Washington DC couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 8 kilometres. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's usual tourist stops.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from LAX to Washington DC.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Central Washington DC is around 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 50 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near IAD. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your LAX to Washington DC flight:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at IAD can get you a lower rate.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Find your way to the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC has touched down. Central Washington DC is about 48 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by car.
The journey takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport.
Enjoy a more relaxed start to your trip by choosing a hotel near BWI after your LAX to Washington DC flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just give yourself time to settle into a new destination at:
Start your travels without stressing over how to get to where you're going with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with trusted companies here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Around two weeks ahead of your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC is a good time to secure your ride from BWI. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Before securing your flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC, consider which time of year works best for you. Peak season in Washington DC offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of activities, while the low season means you'll get cheaper hotel rates and smaller crowds.
Before locking in your Los Angeles International Airport to Washington DC flight ticket, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Look for a cheap ticket from LAX to Washington DC around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles International Airport 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:
The White House and White House Historical Association are just two of the leading attractions to add to your Washington DC must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out National Mall.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Washington DC. Around 322 kilometres away to the north-east, popular attractions include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another favourite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.