Route guide
Cheap Flights from Dallas to Washington, DC: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 1,170 mi
- Typical flight time
- 2 h 30 min – 3 h 30 min
- Airports
- 2 × 3
- Time difference
- 1 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Dallas 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: Dallas to Washington, DC is about 1,170 miles (1,880 km) and a typical flight takes 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min. Washington, DC is 1 hour ahead of Dallas. Dallas has 2 airports to compare and Washington, DC has 3.
Airport pairs to compare
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has two major airports: DFW sits between the two cities, and Love Field is much closer to downtown Dallas. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| DFW to DCA | Dallas/Fort Worth International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| DFW to IAD | Dallas/Fort Worth International | Washington Dulles International |
| DFW to BWI | Dallas/Fort Worth International | Baltimore/Washington International |
| DAL to DCA | Dallas Love Field | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| DAL to IAD | Dallas Love Field | Washington Dulles International |
| DAL to BWI | Dallas Love Field | Baltimore/Washington International |
About the airports
- DFW · Dallas/Fort Worth International
A very large hub located between the two cities, with a rail link on the DART network. - DAL · Dallas Love Field
Closer to downtown Dallas and generally quicker to move through. - 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 Dallas: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
American Airlines has a base at both ends, which can make nonstop service more likely. Schedules change, so a specialist confirms what actually operates on your dates.
When to go and what to expect
Dallas
Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Spring can bring severe storms, and summer heat is intense.
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 Dallas to Washington, DC?
At about 1,170 miles, Dallas to Washington, DC is a short-to-medium flight. Fares on routes this length are sensitive to the day of the week and the time of day, so check a few departure times before you settle.
Time zones and timing
Washington, DC is 1 hour ahead of Dallas, so you land at a local time 1 hour later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
Getting between the airport and town
Dallas: DART rail serves DFW. Between Love Field and downtown, a short taxi or ride-hail trip is the simplest option.
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.
- Check both airports when you compare fares. Schedules and airline options can differ between them.
- 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 Dallas?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Dallas or all flights from Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Dallas from Washington, DC?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 1,170 miles (1,880 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Dallas to Washington, DC?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 2 h 30 min to 3 h 30 min 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 Dallas: DFW (Dallas/Fort Worth International), DAL (Dallas Love Field). 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?
Washington, DC is 1 hour ahead of Dallas.
When is the best time to fly from Dallas to Washington, DC?
In Dallas: Spring and fall are the most comfortable. Spring can bring severe storms, and summer heat is intense. 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 Dallas to Washington, DC?
Airlines with a major base at either end include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United 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.