Flying from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 5 hours 30 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC.
San Diego International Airport is located in San Diego. Following the UTC-4 timezone, Washington DC is three hours ahead of San Diego.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most traveled route, with 28 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from SAN to IAD is with United Airlines at 22:00. Choose the first departure operated by United Airlines at 07:55 if you want to get on your way earlier.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your SAN to Washington DC flight.
Heading away during a peak period like a bank holiday? Expect longer queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Begin your trip at SAN and go straight to Washington DC without any stops. When booking a direct San Diego International Airport to Washington DC ticket, these are your arrival options:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Popular carriers that operate direct flights from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC include:
Located around 3 kilometres from central San Diego, SAN can be reached in about 10 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport will take roughly 20 minutes.
Looking for a hotel near SAN? If you've booked an early flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC, these stays will put you moments from your departure lounge:
71.38% of flights that depart San Diego International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Washington DC
The best price we've found for a one-way San Diego International Airport to Washington DC flight is $101. The cheapest price for a return flight is $203. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To snag cheap flights from SAN to Washington DC, reserve your journey one month before your departure.
May is the best month for nabbing an incredible deal on San Diego International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you need to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from SAN to Washington DC couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll get in touch as soon as a deal gets even better.
Find an affordable flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is around 8 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes about 15 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Go where the road takes you with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and find adventure across Washington DC and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from SAN to Washington DC.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Central Washington DC is located around 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Once your flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 50 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Following your SAN to Washington DC flight, kick back at a hotel near IAD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Snap up the best price by reserving your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater range of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 48 kilometres from central Washington DC. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the city centre by cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC.
Public transport can take you there in roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Check in to a hotel near BWI and get from baggage claim to your bed in a snap. Whether you have a late SAN to Washington DC flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays offer a quick route to a good night's sleep:
Be in control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget make getting on the road effortless.
If you're looking for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from BWI about two weeks before your flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC. This improves your chances of getting the car you want, along with a better deal.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Carefully consider your trip dates before booking your flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC. The city comes alive during peak season, but rates are generally higher and attractions can be crowded. Go to Washington DC in low season for a more relaxed vibe.
Before booking a San Diego International Airport to Washington DC flight ticket, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from SAN to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Washington DC right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from San Diego International Airport to Washington DC:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to start. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be discovered. About 322 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep you on the move. Don't miss top attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without visiting Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.