Flying from New York to Washington DC: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the departure points for your flight from New York to Washington DC. Explore the options for leaving from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), two of the city's main airports.
The major gateways to Washington DC are Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Jump on a direct New York to Washington DC flight and you'll be flying for an average of 1 hour 30 minutes.
New York and Washington DC are in the same timezone, UTC-4.
With 53 flights a week between the two airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from New York to Washington DC with American Airlines at 06:30. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest departure from JFK to DCA is with American Airlines at 21:45.
To ensure you don't miss your New York to Washington DC flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from New York to Washington DC
The cheapest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from New York to Washington DC is P2,866. For a return flight on this route, the best price is P6,023. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares may change.
To snag cheap New York to Washington DC flights, book your trip five months before your departure.
August is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from New York to Washington DC. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Finding a cheap flight from New York to Washington DC is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Save on your New York to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Start your journey at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), which offers multiple direct flights from New York to Washington DC. From JFK, you can fly without any stops to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Choose from a range of airlines offering direct New York to Washington DC plane tickets with departures from JFK, including:
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of New York, JFK can be reached in about 50 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from New York to Washington DC? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to John F. Kennedy International Airport:
Of the departures from John F. Kennedy International Airport, 74.1% land on schedule at their destination.
You'll find JFK at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Want a direct flight from New York to Washington DC taking off from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)? You can skip the connections and fly straight from EWR to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
From EWR, you can book a direct New York to Washington DC plane ticket with United Airlines.
Using public transport, you can travel from central New York to EWR in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from New York to Washington DC? Check in to a hotel near Newark Liberty International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
73% of flights taking off from Newark Liberty International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
EWR is located at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Reach your destination quicker with a direct flight from New York to Washington DC. From LaGuardia Airport (LGA), you can head straight to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Reach new altitudes with any of these carriers that offer direct New York to Washington DC plane tickets from LGA:
From the centre of New York, LGA is around 13 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 25 minutes to get to the airport by car and 1 hour or so on public transport.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay near LaGuardia Airport and know you'll reach your boarding gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early New York to Washington DC flight:
LGA has an on-time performance rate of 80.0%. This means the majority of its flights reach their destination as expected and your trip is smooth and easy.
The street address of LaGuardia Airport is Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 5 kilometers from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
It typically takes 45 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying in a hotel near DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from New York to Washington DC. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Explore without limits with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and chase adventure across Washington DC and beyond.
Booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
DCA is situated at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The centre of Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). As soon as your flight from New York to Washington DC has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 50 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near IAD. Unwind after your New York to Washington DC flight at any of these well-located options:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be off and running.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD can land you a better rate.
You can find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from New York to Washington DC and go straight to your hotel or jump right into sightseeing. Central Washington DC is around 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and usually takes 50 minutes to drive there.
Public transport will get you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Stay at a hotel close to BWI and get from baggage claim to your bed in a snap. Whether you're coming in on a late New York to Washington DC flight or just want an easier arrival, these stays offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Whether you're after an economy for a solo trip or a full-size SUV to move the whole family, you'll find the ideal Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Browse the types of wheels available here from companies such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, book your ride from BWI around two weeks ahead of your flight from New York to Washington DC. This gives you a better shot at getting your preferred car, on top of a better deal.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from New York to Washington DC. February is the most popular month to travel to Washington DC. If you like a quieter vibe, go in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Lock in your New York to Washington DC ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Search for cheap flights from New York to Washington DC around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Washington DC right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from New York to Washington DC:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just the start of the popular attractions to add to your Washington DC travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of United States you'll want to see. Around 322 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in United States, consider Philadelphia, roughly 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are among its highlights.