Travelling from San Diego to Washington DC: what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Check out your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Washington DC departing from either of these.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are the major arrival points in Washington DC.
The average length of a direct San Diego to Washington DC flight is 5 hours.
Washington DC is three hours ahead of San Diego and follows the UTC-4 timezone.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 28 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from San Diego to Washington DC is with United Airlines at 21:55. Opt for the first SAN to IAD departure operated by United Airlines at 08:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Washington DC.
For a relaxed travel experience, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your San Diego to Washington DC flight.
If you're flying during a popular month like July, get to the terminal even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Check-in and security lines are longer during peak periods like Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Washington DC
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Washington DC is C$72. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$142. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Get cheap San Diego to Washington DC flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for finding the biggest deals.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from San Diego to Washington DC. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from San Diego to Washington DC.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your San Diego to Washington DC flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
You can fly directly to Washington DC leaving from San Diego International Airport (SAN). Here are some airports you can jet right into when searching for your flight from San Diego to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Pick from a variety of airlines that offer direct San Diego to Washington DC plane tickets out of SAN. Book your journey with one of these:
SAN is about 3 kilometres from central San Diego. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 20 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from San Diego to Washington DC? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near San Diego International Airport:
When it comes to San Diego International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 71.38% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 6 kilometres. It'll take you about 15 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego to Washington DC. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Explore without limits with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and discover more of Washington DC and beyond.
Booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance can help you get the best possible rate.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. After your flight from San Diego to Washington DC, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near IAD. Kick back after your San Diego to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and set off in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD can get you a lower rate.
You can find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from San Diego to Washington DC and head straight for your hotel or start sightseeing right away. The centre of Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and typically takes 50 minutes to reach by car.
If you travel by public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Find a hotel close to BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're catching a late San Diego to Washington DC flight or just want an easier arrival, these accommodation options put comfort right within reach:
Whether you're looking for a zippy compact for solo travel or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available here from names such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
About two weeks before your flight from San Diego to Washington DC is the ideal time to book your vehicle from BWI. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or even snap up an early bird discount.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the busiest month for flights from San Diego to Washington DC. To avoid the crowds, visit Washington DC in May.
Book a San Diego to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from San Diego to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Washington DC right here. Check out these options once you've locked in your flight from San Diego to Washington DC:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are highlights which should feature on any good Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Washington DC, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Travel around 322 kilometres north-east to New York to check off its top sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, your itinerary will be busy.
If you want to check out another side of United States, head for Philadelphia, roughly 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are among its highlights.