Route guide
Cheap Flights from Washington, DC to St. Louis: Book Airline Tickets
- Distance
- about 690 mi
- Typical flight time
- 1 h 45 min – 2 h 45 min
- Airports
- 3 × 1
- Time difference
- 1 h behind
This page covers the practical side of flying between Washington, DC and St. Louis: 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 St. Louis is about 690 miles (1,110 km) and a typical flight takes 1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min. St. Louis is 1 hour behind Washington, DC. Washington, DC has 3 airports to compare and St. Louis 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. St. Louis has one main airport with a light rail link to downtown.
| Pair | Departure airport | Arrival airport |
|---|---|---|
| DCA to STL | Ronald Reagan Washington National | St. Louis Lambert International |
| IAD to STL | Washington Dulles International | St. Louis Lambert International |
| BWI to STL | Baltimore/Washington International | St. Louis Lambert 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. - STL · St. Louis Lambert International
The main airport, northwest of downtown and linked to the city by MetroLink light rail.
Airlines with a major base at either end
- At Washington, DC: United Airlines, American Airlines
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.
St. Louis
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winter can bring snow and ice.
How long is Washington, DC to St. Louis?
At about 690 miles, Washington, DC to St. Louis 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
St. Louis is 1 hour behind Washington, DC, so you land at a local time 1 hour earlier than departure time plus flight time would suggest. Plan your arrival day around local time at the destination.
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.
St. Louis: MetroLink light rail runs from the airport to downtown St. Louis. Taxis, ride-hail and rental cars are also available.
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.
- Winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the usual causes of delays, so leave extra connection time in those seasons.
- Compare the total with bags included, not just the base fare. See baggage fees and taxes and fees.
Flying St. Louis to Washington, DC?
This route guide works in both directions. For other trips, see all flights from Washington, DC or all flights from St. Louis.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Washington, DC from St. Louis?
The straight-line distance between the main airports is about 690 miles (1,110 km). Routes can be longer in practice because of air traffic and weather.
How long is a flight from Washington, DC to St. Louis?
A typical scheduled flight takes roughly 1 h 45 min to 2 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 Washington, DC: DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National), IAD (Washington Dulles International), BWI (Baltimore/Washington International). At St. Louis: STL (St. Louis Lambert International). Ask for prices on more than one pairing.
Is there a time difference?
St. Louis is 1 hour behind Washington, DC.
When is the best time to fly from Washington, DC to St. Louis?
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 St. Louis: Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Summers are hot and humid, and winter can bring snow and ice. 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 St. Louis?
Airlines with a major base at either end include United Airlines and American 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.