Flying from Washington DC to Orlando: what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Check out your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Orlando setting off from either of these bases.
When it comes to arriving in Orlando, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a primary hub. Another is Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
A direct flight from Washington DC to Orlando takes an average of 2 hours 25 minutes. Orlando's timezone is UTC-4 — the same as Washington DC.
The busiest route for flights from Washington DC to Orlando is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). You can select from 446 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to head off first thing, the earliest flight from DCA to MCO is the 06:00 JetBlue Airways option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 20:59 with JetBlue Airways.
Give yourself enough time to make your flight from Washington DC to Orlando. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow some extra wiggle room. A good general rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
For a domestic flight within United States, you don't need a visa or even a passport. However, you'll have to present another form of identification, like an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've found cheap flights from Washington DC to Orlando, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) on a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Orlando. From DCA, you can fly directly to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Choose from a variety of carriers operating direct flights from Washington DC to Orlando leaving from DCA. Reserve your trip with one of these:
We make it a piece of cake to find a flight from Washington DC to Orlando with a stopover. To see the options departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight offering a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY)
Albany International Airport (ALB)
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes approximately 43 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 8 kilometres in 16 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Washington DC to Orlando or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can take a nonstop flight from Washington DC to Orlando departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Start your trip at IAD and come in for landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
United Airlines operates direct flights from Washington DC to Orlando out of IAD. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
Maximize your vacation with a stopover on your flight from Washington DC to Orlando. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, check out these stops between Ronald Reagan National Airport and Orlando:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
James M. Cox Dayton International Airport (DAY)
Albany International Airport (ALB)
You can get to IAD from the centre of Washington DC in about 51 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport will take roughly 3 hours and 26 minutes to travel the 56 kilometres or so.
You're off on vacation, so why not extend it with another night away? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your flight from Washington DC to Orlando:
Arriving in Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to central Orlando is roughly 32 kilometres. It'll take you about 22 minutes to reach the centre driving.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Washington DC to Orlando. Book one of these accommodation options near MCO instead:
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Orlando has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 36 minutes by car. Central Orlando is approximately 48 kilometres from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 2 hours and 3 minutes.
There are some comfortable stays where you can make a pit stop near SFB. Tuck yourself in after your flight from Washington DC to Orlando at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Orlando
Currently, C$37 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Orlando. The cheapest price for a return flight is C$81. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book 9 months before you travel. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap flights from Washington DC to Orlando.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from Washington DC to Orlando. If your travel dates are flexible, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Set up a Price Alert for cheap flights from Washington DC to Orlando. There's no need to look every day to see if fares have dropped. We'll update you as soon as the price changes.
Play around with filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Washington DC to Orlando, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by arrival and departure times, airline, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Orlando
It's time to choose your travel dates for your flight from Washington DC to Orlando. July is the most popular month to travel to Orlando. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, go in May.
Schedule your flight from Washington DC to Orlando for July if you want to head to the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Orlando to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Washington DC to Orlando in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between 7ºC and 23ºC on average.
More about Orlando
Once you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Orlando, think about where you'll stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Orlando:
Every great vacation has to include some sightseeing. Universal Orlando Resort, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Lake Eola Park are must-visits when exploring Orlando.
Complete your Orlando trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Washington DC to Orlando isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Orlando and have more freedom to explore. We search for deals from trusted car rental companies and put them all in one place. Instantly compare rates and then book with no fees.