Route guide
Cheap Flights from New York to Washington, DC: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 230 mi
- Typical flight time
- 45 min – 1 h 45 min
- Airports
- 3 × 3
- Time difference
- None
This page covers the practical side of flying between New York 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: New York to Washington, DC is about 230 miles (370 km) and a typical flight takes 45 min to 1 h 45 min. There is no time difference. New York has 3 airports to compare and Washington, DC has 3.
Airport pairs to compare
New York is served by three major airports across two states, so choosing the right airport is one of the biggest levers on both price and door-to-door time. 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 |
|---|---|---|
| JFK to DCA | John F. Kennedy International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| JFK to IAD | John F. Kennedy International | Washington Dulles International |
| JFK to BWI | John F. Kennedy International | Baltimore/Washington International |
| LGA to DCA | LaGuardia | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| LGA to IAD | LaGuardia | Washington Dulles International |
| LGA to BWI | LaGuardia | Baltimore/Washington International |
| EWR to DCA | Newark Liberty International | Ronald Reagan Washington National |
| EWR to IAD | Newark Liberty International | Washington Dulles International |
| EWR to BWI | Newark Liberty International | Baltimore/Washington International |
About the airports
- JFK · John F. Kennedy International
Queens. The largest gateway for international flights, with an AirTrain link to subway and commuter rail. - LGA · LaGuardia
Queens. The closest of the three to Midtown, focused on domestic and nearby routes. - EWR · Newark Liberty International
New Jersey. Often convenient for Lower and West Manhattan, with a rail link to Penn Station. - 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 New York: United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways
- 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
New York
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid.
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 New York to Washington, DC?
At about 230 miles, New York 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
New York: Subway, commuter rail and buses link all three airports to Manhattan. Taxis and ride-hail are everywhere but depend heavily on traffic.
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.
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- 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 New York?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from New York or all flights from Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions
How far is New York from Washington, DC?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 230 miles (370 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from New York to Washington, DC?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 45 min to 1 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 New York: JFK (John F. Kennedy International), LGA (LaGuardia), EWR (Newark Liberty 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 New York to Washington, DC?
In New York: Spring (April to June) and fall (September to early November) bring the mildest weather. December fills up with holiday visitors, and late summer can be hot and humid. 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 New York to Washington, DC?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and JetBlue Airways. 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.