Distance

about 2,280 mi

Typical flight time

4 h 45 min – 5 h 45 min

Airports

5 × 3

Time difference

3 h ahead

This page covers the practical side of flying between Los Angeles 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: Los Angeles to Washington, DC is about 2,280 miles (3,670 km) and a typical flight takes 4 h 45 min to 5 h 45 min. Washington, DC is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles. Los Angeles has 5 airports to compare and Washington, DC has 3.

Airport pairs to compare

Los Angeles spreads across a vast basin, so the best airport depends on where you are staying. LAX is the main gateway, but several smaller airports sit within driving distance. 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.

About the airports

• LAX · Los Angeles International
  The main gateway, on the west side near the coast.
• BUR · Hollywood Burbank
  A smaller airport that is convenient for Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley.
• SNA · John Wayne (Orange County)
  A good option if you are staying in Orange County.
• LGB · Long Beach
  A small, easy airport near the southern part of the region.
• ONT · Ontario International
  An inland airport that suits trips to the eastern suburbs.
• 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 Los Angeles: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines
• At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines

United Airlines and American Airlines have 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

Los Angeles

Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season.

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 Los Angeles to Washington, DC?

At about 2,280 miles, Los Angeles to Washington, DC is a long domestic-style flight of several hours. Meal options, seat choice and baggage rules matter more on a trip this long, so compare the full total rather than just the base fare.

Time zones and timing

Washington, DC is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles, so you land at a local time 3 hours later than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination. Check the arrival date on any overnight itinerary, since it can differ from the departure date.

Getting between the airport and town

Los Angeles: Freeway traffic can turn a short distance into a long trip at rush hour, so allow generous time between the airport and your destination.

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.
• If you are flexible about airports, ask for prices into more than one of them. Fares and schedules can differ noticeably.
• 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 Los Angeles?

This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Los Angeles or all flights from Washington, DC.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Los Angeles from Washington, DC?

The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 2,280 miles (3,670 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.

How long is a flight from Los Angeles to Washington, DC?

A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 4 h 45 min to 5 h 45 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 Los Angeles: LAX (Los Angeles International), BUR (Hollywood Burbank), SNA (John Wayne (Orange County)), LGB (Long Beach), ONT (Ontario 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?

Washington, DC is 3 hours ahead of Los Angeles.

When is the best time to fly from Los Angeles to Washington, DC?

In Los Angeles: Spring and fall are comfortable. May and June often bring a coastal marine layer of morning cloud, and summer is a busy season. 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 Los Angeles to Washington, DC?

Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Alaska 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.

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