Flying from Washington DC to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the departure points for your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Explore the options for taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), two of the city's main airports.
The chief entry points to Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Take a direct Washington DC to Los Angeles flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours 40 minutes.
Los Angeles is three hours behind Washington DC and follows the UTC-7 timezone.
With 27 weekly flights between the two airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles with American Airlines at 08:00. If you prefer to make the most of your day before leaving, the last departure from DCA to LAX is with American Airlines at 17:38.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like February or high seasons such as Christmas and New Year will mean longer queues at security and check-in. Travelling then? Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of an international departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles
Currently, R 780 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Los Angeles. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 1,839. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap Washington DC to Los Angeles flights, reserve your journey five months before your departure.
Plan your trip for August. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Finding a cheap flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when the price has dropped.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, you can leave from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Get from DCA to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in one continuous trip.
Popular airlines that offer direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane tickets from DCA include:
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes around 45 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
76.44% of flights that leave from Ronald Reagan National Airport land at their destination on time.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Rather start your trip at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This popular hub offers direct flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles, seamlessly connecting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Book your direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane ticket with one of these popular airlines that operate this route from IAD:
With public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The airport is roughly 40 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 50 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles? Kick back in a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your holiday officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time performance of 74.39%. This figure sheds light on how often flights departing from this airport land on time.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can take a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles setting off from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Book a ticket and fly nonstop to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Take your pick from these popular airlines offering direct Washington DC to Los Angeles plane tickets from BWI:
The trip to BWI from the centre of Washington DC is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you prefer to travel by car, it'll take you about 50 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay close to Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and know you'll be at your boarding gate with time to spare. Get settled at one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Washington DC to Los Angeles flight:
Flights that leave from BWI reach their destination within the scheduled time frame 77.13% of the time.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Book one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz to explore Los Angeles and beyond.
To get the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport about one week in advance of your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight.
The street address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Central Los Angeles is located around 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). As soon as your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 40 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near VNY. Settle in and get cosy after your Washington DC to Los Angeles flight at one of these well-located options:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make collecting a Van Nuys Airport rental car simple. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better the deals and selection of vehicles. Lock in your ride from VNY as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
It's time to pick your dates for your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. July is the busiest month for a trip to Los Angeles. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Book your Washington DC to Los Angeles ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF).
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Los Angeles right here. Check out these options after you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Los Angeles.
Explore more of United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres to the south-east, top sights here include San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
Around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles, San Jose is another favourite stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.