Travelling from Washington DC to Brussels: what you need to know
Planning your flight from Washington DC to Brussels begins with finding the best airport to start your vacation. 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.
When planning your arrival in Brussels, Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are the major entry points.
A direct flight from Washington DC to Brussels takes an average of 7 hours 40 minutes. The timezone in Brussels is UTC+1, making it 5 hours ahead of Washington DC.
To ensure you get on your flight from Washington DC to Brussels, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like July and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
If you hold a passport from United States and are travelling to Belgium for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may vary based on your reason for visiting and are subject to change. For the latest information, contact your destination's nearest consulate or embassy before booking a cheap flight from Washington DC to Brussels.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from Washington DC to Brussels. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
DCA is around 8 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 16 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 43 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to Brussels or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Rather start your trip at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This popular hub also offers direct flights from Washington DC to Brussels — you can travel straight to Brussels Airport (BRU).
United Airlines has direct flights from Washington DC to Brussels leaving from IAD. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination in a single hop.
Break up your flight from Washington DC to Brussels with a stop so you can recharge or tick another place off your list. Popular stopovers between Ronald Reagan National Airport and Brussels include:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in around 3 hours and 26 minutes. The terminal is roughly 56 kilometres away, and making the journey by car will take approximately 51 minutes.
You're going on vacation, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your flight from Washington DC to Brussels:
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) to central Brussels is roughly 14 kilometres. It takes about 21 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It'll take around 39 minutes to get there using public transport.
If you have a late flight from Washington DC to Brussels, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near BRU:
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) is around 56 kilometres from the centre of Brussels. After your flight from Washington DC to Brussels, expect a drive time of approximately 56 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
If you're travelling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour and 37 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to CRL. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Washington DC to Brussels:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Brussels
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Brussels is C$393. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$839. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
It's usually best to book early if you're hoping to get cheap flights from Washington DC to Brussels. That's because flight prices are based on demand, which tends to rise closer to departure.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest tickets from Washington DC to Brussels throughout the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll notify you straight away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from looking for cheap flights from Washington DC to Brussels every day.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Washington DC to Brussels.
Best time to go to Brussels
July is the most popular month for flights from Washington DC to Brussels. To skip the crowds, visit Brussels in February.
Book your flight from Washington DC to Brussels for August if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Brussels to range from 12ºC to 27ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Washington DC to Brussels in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -2ºC and 8ºC on average.
More about Brussels
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Brussels right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Washington DC to Brussels:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Grand Place, Atomium and Manneken Pis are must-visits when exploring Brussels.
Complete your Brussels trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Washington DC to Brussels to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Brussels, from the most popular car type to the average daily price.