Route guide
Cheap Flights from Washington, DC to Delhi: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 7,490 mi
- Typical flight time
- 15 h 15 min – 16 h 15 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- 9.5–10.5 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Washington, DC and Delhi: 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: Washington, DC to Delhi is about 7,490 miles (12,050 km) and a typical flight takes 15 h 15 min to 16 h 15 min. In winter, Delhi is 10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC; in summer, Delhi is 9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC. The gap changes because of daylight saving time. Washington, DC has 3 airports to compare and Delhi has 1.
Airport pairs to compare
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. Delhi's international airport is a major gateway to northern India, with a dedicated metro line to the city center.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DCA to DEL | Ronald Reagan Washington National | Indira Gandhi International |
| IAD to DEL | Washington Dulles International | Indira Gandhi International |
| BWI to DEL | Baltimore/Washington International | Indira Gandhi International |
About the airports
- 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. - DEL · Indira Gandhi International
The main airport, southwest of central Delhi, with an Airport Express metro line.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
- At Delhi: Air India
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
Washington, DC
Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid.
Delhi
October to March is the most comfortable period. Summers are very hot, the monsoon runs from roughly July to September, and winter smog is common from November to January.
International trip: you will need a valid passport, and possibly a visa or entry authorization. Our international checklist covers what to check.
How long is Washington, DC to Delhi?
At about 7,490 miles, Washington, DC to Delhi is a long-haul trip. Itineraries can be nonstop or can connect, and a connection can add many hours, so compare total travel time as well as price. Check seat, baggage and change rules before you pay.
Time zones and timing
Depending on daylight saving time, Delhi is 9.5 to 10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, so you land at a local time 9.5 to 10.5 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. With a gap this large, many travelers plan a lighter first day.
Getting between the airport and town
Washington, DC: Metrorail serves Reagan National directly and Dulles through the Silver Line, which avoids a lot of traffic.
Delhi: The Airport Express metro line connects the airport with New Delhi station.
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.
- Reagan National has a perimeter rule that limits most nonstop flights to a certain distance, so longer routes often use Dulles or BWI.
- Visitors from many countries need a visa or an e-visa. Check the official Indian government portal for the current rules.
- International travel: check passport, visa and entry rules well before you pay. See our international checklist.
- Entry rules depend on your citizenship and can include a visa or an electronic travel authorization. Check the official guidance for the destination well before you pay.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying Delhi to Washington, DC?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Washington, DC or all flights from Delhi.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Washington, DC from Delhi?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 7,490 miles (12,050 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Washington, DC to Delhi?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 15 h 15 min to 16 h 15 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 Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). At Delhi: DEL (Indira Gandhi International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
In winter, Delhi is 10.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC; in summer, Delhi is 9.5 hours ahead of Washington, DC. The gap changes because of daylight saving time.
When is the best time to fly from Washington, DC to Delhi?
In Washington, DC: Spring is popular for cherry blossoms in late March and early April. Fall is pleasant, and summer is hot and humid. In Delhi: October to March is the most comfortable period. Summers are very hot, the monsoon runs from roughly July to September, and winter smog is common from November to January. Fares are usually highest in the busy periods described for each city, so flexible dates can help.
Which airlines should I compare for Washington, DC to Delhi?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines and Air India. 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.
What documents do I need?
A valid passport is required. Entry rules depend on your citizenship, so check the official guidance for the destination. See our international checklist.
Route details updated October 18, 2026.