Traveling from Washington DC to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point 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.
When it comes to touching down in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a major hub. Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is another.
The average duration of a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles is 5 hours 38 minutes. Los Angeles's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Los Angeles 3 hours behind Washington DC.
The most popular route for flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). You can choose from 36 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going first thing, the earliest flight from DCA to LAX is the 08:00 American Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 17:38 with American Airlines.
To ensure you get on your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Delays at check-in and security are more likely if you're traveling during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Once you've found cheap flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles, get your documents ready. A visa or passport isn't necessary since you're traveling within United States. As long as you have another valid proof of identity, such as a driver's license or an ID card, you're ready to go.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, they're available from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Travel from DCA to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in one seamless journey.
Pick from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles leaving from DCA. Get on board with any of these:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Ronald Reagan National Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular airports:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
DCA is around 8 kilometers from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 16 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be approximately 43 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel near Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
It's also possible to book a direct flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles departing Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Connections from IAD will get you to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
You can pick from a variety of airlines offering direct flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles departing from IAD. Set off with any of these carriers and head straight to your destination:
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, here's where you can stop when taking off from Ronald Reagan National Airport:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
On public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in about 3 hours and 26 minutes. The airport is roughly 56 kilometers away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 51 minutes.
Start your vacation sooner with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, unwind in one of these hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport:
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles is roughly 32 kilometers. It takes around 32 minutes to get to the center driving.
Traveling to the center on public transport will take you roughly 54 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to LAX if you're taking a late flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles. Choose one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is about 32 kilometers from central Los Angeles. Following your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, expect a drive time of approximately 34 minutes to reach the heart of the city.
The journey will take about 1 hour and 41 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to VNY. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles:
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Los Angeles is AED 191. For a return flight on this route, the best price is AED 364. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles, book in advance. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when flights are first released.
Getting cheap tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles is easy if you can be flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' function to show the best prices throughout the month and score a great deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles. You don't need to look every day to see whether prices have dropped. We'll tell you when there's a change in price.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
May is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Los Angeles, while July is the busiest. Find the ideal time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Schedule your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles for August if you'd like to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Los Angeles to range from 16ºC to 32ºC.
February sees average temperatures of between 6ºC and 26ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Los Angeles around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles, browse our selection of hotels including:
Griffith Observatory and The Broad are just the start of the major attractions to put on your Los Angeles to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
Complete your Los Angeles trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Washington DC to Los Angeles to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare offers in one place. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Los Angeles, from the most popular car rental to the average daily price.
