Route guide
Cheap Flights from Washington, DC to London: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 3,670 mi
- Typical flight time
- 7 h 30 min – 8 h 30 min
- Airports
- 3 × 5
- Time difference
- 5 h ahead
This page covers the practical side of flying between Washington, DC and London: 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 London is about 3,670 miles (5,910 km) and a typical flight takes 7 h 30 min to 8 h 30 min. London is 5 hours ahead of Washington, DC. Washington, DC has 3 airports to compare and London has 5.
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. London has several airports, and the right one depends on where you are staying and which airline you fly. Heathrow is the largest and handles most long-haul routes.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DCA to LHR | Ronald Reagan Washington National | Heathrow |
| DCA to LGW | Ronald Reagan Washington National | Gatwick |
| DCA to STN | Ronald Reagan Washington National | Stansted |
| DCA to LTN | Ronald Reagan Washington National | Luton |
| DCA to LCY | Ronald Reagan Washington National | London City |
| IAD to LHR | Washington Dulles International | Heathrow |
| IAD to LGW | Washington Dulles International | Gatwick |
| IAD to STN | Washington Dulles International | Stansted |
| IAD to LTN | Washington Dulles International | Luton |
| IAD to LCY | Washington Dulles International | London City |
| BWI to LHR | Baltimore/Washington International | Heathrow |
| BWI to LGW | Baltimore/Washington International | Gatwick |
| BWI to STN | Baltimore/Washington International | Stansted |
| BWI to LTN | Baltimore/Washington International | Luton |
| BWI to LCY | Baltimore/Washington International | London City |
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. - LHR · Heathrow
The largest airport, west of the city, with the Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express to central London. - LGW · Gatwick
South of London, with direct trains to central stations. - STN · Stansted
North-east of London, used heavily by low-cost carriers. - LTN · Luton
North of London, also used heavily by low-cost carriers. - LCY · London City
Close to Canary Wharf and the financial district, with a smaller set of routes.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
- At London: British Airways
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.
London
Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays.
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 London?
At about 3,670 miles, Washington, DC to London 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
London is 5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, so you land at a local time 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.
London: The Elizabeth line and Heathrow Express connect Heathrow with central London. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton have direct train services as well.
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.
- A valid passport is required. The UK uses an Electronic Travel Authorisation system for many visa-free visitors, so check the official UK government site before you book.
- 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 London to Washington, DC?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Washington, DC or all flights from London.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Washington, DC from London?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 3,670 miles (5,910 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Washington, DC to London?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 7 h 30 min to 8 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 Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). At London: LHR (Heathrow), LGW (Gatwick), STN (Stansted), LTN (Luton), LCY (London City). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
London is 5 hours ahead of Washington, DC.
When is the best time to fly from Washington, DC to London?
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 London: Late spring through early autumn brings the mildest weather and the longest days. Winter is darker and wetter but often cheaper, with a price spike around the December holidays. 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 London?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines, American Airlines and British 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.
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.