Travelling from New York to Washington DC: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point 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.
When it comes to arriving in Washington DC, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a major gateway. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is another.
Around 1 hour 30 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct New York to Washington DC flight.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as New York.
The busiest route for flights from New York to Washington DC is from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). You can choose from 53 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from JFK to DCA is the 06:00 JetBlue Airways option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last available departure is at 21:57 with American Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your New York to Washington DC flight.
If you're heading away during a peak month like July, arrive at the terminal even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Security lines will be longer during peak periods like Christmas and New Year.
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 54 €. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 109 €. 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)
Depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on a direct flight from New York to Washington DC. You can touch down at these Washington DC airports from JFK:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can choose from a range of airlines offering direct New York to Washington DC plane tickets with departures from JFK, including:
The journey from central New York to JFK takes about 1 hour 20 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 19 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your break? Stay near John F. Kennedy International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from New York to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
74.1% of flights that leave from John F. Kennedy International Airport reach their destination on time.
JFK is located at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Direct flights from New York to Washington DC operate out of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), so consider taking off from this hub. EWR offers nonstop services 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.
You can reach EWR from the centre of New York in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
Kick off your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from New York to Washington DC, take it easy in one of these hotels near Newark Liberty International Airport:
73.3% of flights leaving Newark Liberty International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
You'll find EWR at Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Take the fastest route with a direct flight from New York to Washington DC. From LaGuardia Airport (LGA), you can travel nonstop to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Glide above the clouds 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 reach the airport by car and 1 hour or so on public transport.
Wake up, take it easy and still make your New York to Washington DC flight with plenty of time to spare. These accommodation options near LaGuardia Airport make it a breeze to get to the terminal if you're flying out first thing:
LGA has an on-time performance rating of 80.0%. This means most of its flights arrive at their destination as expected and your travel plans stay on track.
LaGuardia Airport is located at Hangar 7 Centre.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 6 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
Getting there on public transport typically takes 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from New York to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and see more of Washington DC and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks ahead of your New York to Washington DC flight.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 40 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. Following your flight from New York to Washington DC, it'll take you approximately 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near IAD. Kick back after your New York to Washington DC flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt make picking up a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Score the best price by securing your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You'll also have access to a bigger selection of vehicles.
You can find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from New York to Washington DC has touched down. Central Washington DC is about 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
The journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes using public transport.
Find a hotel close to BWI and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're catching a late New York to Washington DC flight or just want a hassle-free arrival, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Whether you're searching for a budget-friendly compact for a solo adventure or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Browse wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're looking for a specific make or model, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks ahead of your flight from New York to Washington DC. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you prefer, 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
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from New York to Washington DC, check out our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are leading attractions which should feature on every Washington DC itinerary.
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.