Route guide
Cheap Flights from Boston to Washington, DC: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 410 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h – 2 h
- Airports
- 1 × 3
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between Boston and Washington, DC: which airports to compare, how long the trip takes, and when it is busy. It works for either direction. For a price on your dates, ask a specialist.
Quick answer: Boston to Washington, DC is about 410 miles (660 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h to 2 h. There is no time difference. Boston has 1 airport to compare and Washington, DC has 3.
Airport pairs to compare
Boston's Logan airport is unusually close to downtown, separated from the center only by the harbor. The Washington area has three airports. Reagan National is closest to the city, Dulles handles more long-haul traffic, and BWI sits between Washington and Baltimore.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| BOS to DCA | Boston Logan International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| BOS to IAD | Boston Logan International | Washington Dulles International |
| BOS to BWI | Boston Logan International | Baltimore/Washington International |
About the airports
- BOS · Boston Logan International
Minutes from downtown across the harbor, with subway and Silver Line bus access. - DCA · Ronald Reagan Washington National
Closest to downtown and served by Metrorail. - IAD · Washington Dulles International
Farther out in Virginia, with the larger share of long-haul flights and a Metrorail Silver Line station. - BWI · Baltimore/Washington International
Between Baltimore and Washington, often competitive on price.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Boston: Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
Airlines with a base at one end often connect through their hub. A specialist can compare nonstop and connecting options on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Boston
Fall foliage season (late September through October) is popular and tends to be expensive. Winter storms can disrupt travel.
Washington, DC
Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid.
How long is Boston to Washington, DC?
At about 410 miles, Boston to Washington, DC is a short hop. On a route this short the trip to the airport, security and boarding can take as long as the flight itself, so compare total door-to-door time and pick the airport that is easiest for you to reach, not only the cheapest fare.
Getting between the airport and town
Boston: The Blue Line subway and the Silver Line bus connect Logan with downtown.
Washington, DC: Metrorail serves Reagan National directly and Dulles through the Silver Line, which avoids a lot of traffic.
Planning ground transport too? See our car rental guide.
Good to know
- Check every airport pairing when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- Book earlier for fall weekends and graduation season in late spring, when hotels and flights fill up.
- Reagan National has a perimeter rule that limits most nonstop flights to a certain distance, so longer routes often use Dulles or BWI.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Washington, DC to Boston?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Boston or all flights from Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Boston from Washington, DC?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 410 miles (660 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Boston to Washington, DC?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h to 2 h in the air, depending on winds, the aircraft and the airports. Connecting itineraries take longer, and nonstop availability depends on the airline and dates.
Which airports can I use?
At Boston: BOS (Boston Logan International). At Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
There is no time difference.
When is the best time to fly from Boston to Washington, DC?
In Boston: Fall foliage season (late September through October) is popular and tends to be expensive. Winter storms can disrupt travel. In Washington, DC: Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Boston to Washington, DC?
Airlines with a major base at either end include Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines and American Airlines. A specialist compares them with other carriers on your dates, since schedules and availability change.
Do you show fares on this page?
No. Fares change constantly, so we do not publish prices that might be out of date. A specialist checks live availability and confirms the full total, including taxes and bags, before you pay.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.