Flying from Orlando to Washington DC: what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of Orlando's main airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Check out your options for booking a flight from Orlando to Washington DC departing from either of these.
When it comes to landing in Washington DC, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a major hub. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is another.
The average time for a direct Orlando to Washington DC flight is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Orlando.
With 79 flights a week between the two airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. Board the earliest flight from Orlando to Washington DC with JetBlue Airways at 05:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from MCO to DCA is with Southwest Airlines at 21:30.
Give yourself enough time to catch your Orlando to Washington DC flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like July or holiday periods such as Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year will mean longer queues at check-in and security. If you're travelling then, play it safe and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is wise.
How to find the cheapest flights from Orlando to Washington DC
$60 is the best price for a one-way ticket from Orlando to Washington DC. Return flights start from $120. These fares may change based on demand.
To snag cheap Orlando to Washington DC flights, book your trip two months ahead of your departure date.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Orlando to Washington DC. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Orlando to Washington DC is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Orlando to Washington DC flights.
Flying from Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
You can travel directly to Washington DC leaving from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Here are some airports you can get to in one go when searching for a flight from Orlando to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
These are some of the popular airlines offering direct Orlando to Washington DC plane tickets from MCO:
To reach MCO from central Orlando, it'll take about 20 minutes if you're planning to drive. It's roughly 14 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Need a handy hotel near Orlando International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Orlando to Washington DC, these accommodation options will put you moments from your check-in counter:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Orlando International Airport, 78.28% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
MCO is located at One Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Orlando to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Travel at your own pace with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and experience more of Washington DC and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks in advance of your Orlando to Washington DC flight.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Central Washington DC is located around 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). As soon as your flight from Orlando to Washington DC has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 50 minutes.
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Orlando to Washington DC, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be on your way in a flash.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Orlando to Washington DC has touched down. Central Washington DC is about 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to get there in a car.
The journey takes around 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
If you don't want to make the trip into the centre, head for a hotel close to BWI. Get settled at one of these options after your Orlando to Washington DC flight:
Start your trip without worrying about how to reach your destination with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable names here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Orlando to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the busiest month for flights from Orlando to Washington DC. To skip the crowds, visit Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Orlando to Washington DC ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Orlando to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Washington DC right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Orlando to Washington DC:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are must-do's during your Washington DC adventure.
Explore more of United States
You've done Washington DC, now it's time to explore more of United States. Journey around 322 kilometres north-east to New York to tick off its must-visit sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you're eager to discover another major stop in United States, head for Philadelphia, about 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art are the start of reasons to visit.