Traveling from Washington DC to Phoenix: what you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to Phoenix taking off from either of these.
When it comes to touching down in Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is a major gateway. Another is Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
Jump on a direct Washington DC to Phoenix flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 5 hours 5 minutes.
Phoenix's timezone is UTC-7, making Phoenix three hours behind Washington DC.
The busiest route for flights from Washington DC to Phoenix is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Take your pick of 21 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DCA to PHX is the 06:59 American Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last departure is at 17:30 with American Airlines.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Washington DC to Phoenix flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Phoenix
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Phoenix is AED 312. For a return flight on this route, the best price is AED 623. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Score cheap Washington DC to Phoenix flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
May is the best month for picking up an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Washington DC to Phoenix. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
There's no need to search every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Washington DC to Phoenix.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Washington DC to Phoenix flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
You can get a direct flight from Washington DC to Phoenix leaving from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Start your trip at DCA and end it at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
American Airlines is a popular airline that offers direct Washington DC to Phoenix plane tickets from DCA.
The journey from central Washington DC to DCA takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometers in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a convenient hotel near Ronald Reagan National Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Washington DC to Phoenix, these stays will put you nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to Ronald Reagan National Airport's on-time performance, data shows 76.44% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can catch a direct flight from Washington DC to Phoenix leaving from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Start your travels at IAD and step off the plane at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
United Airlines offers direct Washington DC to Phoenix plane tickets from IAD. Book your preferred window (or aisle) seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
IAD is about 40 kilometers from central Washington DC. It'll take 50 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
You're off on vacation, so why not book another night away? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your flight from Washington DC to Phoenix:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 74%.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Direct flights from Washington DC to Phoenix are offered by Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) will be your arrival point.
Take off from BWI with Southwest Airlines. This leading carrier offers direct Washington DC to Phoenix plane tickets.
The journey to BWI from the center of Washington DC is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you about 50 minutes to cover the 40 kilometers or so.
Rest a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Washington DC to Phoenix flight with time to spare. These hotels near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport make departure day a breeze if you're setting off early:
Flights that leave from BWI land at their destination as scheduled 77.13% of the time.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
The distance from Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) to central Phoenix is roughly 24 kilometers. It takes around 35 minutes to reach the center driving.
It usually takes 1 hour 55 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Washington DC to Phoenix. Check in to one of these accommodation options near SCF instead:
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 6 kilometers from the center of Phoenix. After your flight from Washington DC to Phoenix, it'll take you approximately 10 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in about 35 minutes.
Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty make picking up a Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride one week before your arrival at PHX can help you lock in a better rate.
You'll find Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 3400 Sky Harbor Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Head to the city center after your flight from Washington DC to Phoenix has touched down. Central Phoenix is about 40 kilometers from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and takes roughly 40 minutes to get to by car.
Whether you want a mini just for you or an SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the right Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car for your needs. Browse wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Alamo and Budget.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your vehicle from AZA two weeks before your flight from Washington DC to Phoenix for the lowest prices.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport can be found at 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
Before locking in your flights from Washington DC to Washington DC, think about which time of year works best for you. High season in Washington DC offers a bustling atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the low season means you'll get cheaper deals on hotels and fewer crowds.
The warmest month in Phoenix is July, with temperatures ranging between 26ºC (79ºF) and 44ºC (111ºF). Lock in your Washington DC to Phoenix ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Phoenix in January when temperatures average between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF).
More about Phoenix
After booking your flight from Washington DC to Phoenix, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Phoenix:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Desert Botanical Garden, Heard Museum and Papago Park are leading attractions which should be on every Phoenix itinerary.
Explore more of United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Phoenix. Around 483 kilometers to the west, its top attractions include San Diego Zoo, USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego.
Around 418 kilometers north-west of Phoenix, Las Vegas is another favorite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience.