Traveling from Washington DC to Seattle: what you need to know
Your next exciting journey begins 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 Seattle departing from either of these.
When it comes to where you'll land, Seattle's major arrival point is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Around 5 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Washington DC to Seattle flight.
Seattle is three hours behind Washington DC and observes the UTC-7 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Washington DC to Seattle is from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Choose from 20 services every week between these two airports. If you want to be on your way as soon as possible, the earliest flight from DCA to SEA is the 08:00 Alaska Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last available departure is at 17:55 with Alaska Airlines.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your Washington DC to Seattle flight.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Seattle
AED 262 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Seattle. A return flight starts at AED 524. These fares may change depending on demand.
Book five months before flying. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Washington DC to Seattle flights.
August is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Washington DC to Seattle. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Getting a cheap flight from Washington DC to Seattle is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when a better deal is available.
Save money on your Washington DC to Seattle flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
If you're after a direct flight from Washington DC to Seattle, you can depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Fly from DCA to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in one seamless trip.
Alaska Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Washington DC to Seattle plane tickets from DCA.
Traveling from central Washington DC to DCA takes around 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 6 kilometers in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Washington DC to Seattle or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
76.44% of flights departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport reach their destination on schedule.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can take a direct flight from Washington DC to Seattle departing from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Start your journey at IAD and step off the plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
IAD has a range of airlines that offer direct Washington DC to Seattle plane tickets. Hop on board with any of these carriers:
You can reach IAD from central Washington DC in about 50 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to travel the 40 kilometers or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Washington DC to Seattle? Check in to a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 74%.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) has convenient direct flights from Washington DC to Seattle. Your trip from BWI will have you disembarking at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Get set for takeoff with Alaska Airlines. It offers direct Washington DC to Seattle plane tickets from BWI.
From the center of Washington DC, BWI is around 40 kilometers away. It takes roughly 50 minutes to reach the airport by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so if you use public transport.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay near Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and know you'll get to your gate with time to spare. Settle in at one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Washington DC to Seattle flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights get to their destinations without delays. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle takes around 20 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 19 kilometers away.
Getting to the center on public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Washington DC to Seattle, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near SEA:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget and experience more of Seattle and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your vehicle from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport about one week before your departure date.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Central Seattle is about 3 kilometers from Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE). After your flight from Washington DC to Seattle has hit the runway and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 10 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city center in 25 minutes or so.
After your flight from Washington DC to Seattle, unwind at a hotel near LKE. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Seattle
May is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Seattle, while July is the busiest. Find the best time to go to Seattle based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Seattle is August, with temperatures ranging between 12ºC (54ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your Washington DC to Seattle ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
February sees average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Washington DC to Seattle around that time if you like traveling in cooler conditions.
More about Seattle
Start your Seattle trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Washington DC to Seattle, explore our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Greyhound: Bus Station, LMN Architects and Boeing Radiation Effects Lab are major attractions which should be on any well-planned Seattle itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Portland is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen Seattle. Around 241 kilometers to the south, popular attractions include Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion.
Around 370 kilometers east of Seattle, Spokane is another essential stop in United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Manito Park, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Spokane Falls.