Traveling from Denver to Washington DC: what you need to know
Denver's main airport is Denver International Airport (DEN). Explore your options for departing from this terminal when searching for your flights from Denver to Washington DC.
When it comes to touching down in Washington DC, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a major hub. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is another.
The average length of a direct Denver to Washington DC flight is 3 hours 20 minutes.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, making Washington DC two hours ahead of Denver.
With 62 flights a week between the two airports, Denver International Airport (DEN) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Denver to Washington DC with United Airlines at 06:00. If you'd like to make the most of your day before flying, the latest departure from DEN to IAD is with United Airlines at 23:59.
To ensure you make your Denver to Washington DC flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Getting away during a peak month like July? High seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break) can add an hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Denver to Washington DC
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Denver to Washington DC is $72. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $87. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Score cheap Denver to Washington DC flights by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding the biggest deals.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Denver to Washington DC is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Denver to Washington DC by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Denver to Washington DC flights.
Flying from Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN)
You can fly directly to Washington DC leaving from Denver International Airport (DEN). Here are some airports you can reach without stops when searching for a flight from Denver to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Leading carriers that offer direct Denver to Washington DC plane tickets from DEN include:
DEN is about 19 miles from central Denver. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the center, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Get your flight from Denver to Washington DC off to a leisurely start. Just a short drive from Denver International Airport, stay at Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport and be well-rested for the trip ahead.
80.23% of flights leaving Denver International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule. Given its reliable on-time performance, disruptions are unlikely when jetting out of DEN.
You'll find DEN at 8500 Pena Boulevard.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 4 miles from the center of Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 15 minutes.
It usually takes 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Denver to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Pick up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are top outlets to choose from here.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your departure.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Once your flight from Denver to Washington DC has touched down, you can reach the city center in about 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 25 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The trip will take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places to call home for the night near IAD. Tuck yourself in after your Denver to Washington DC flight at one of these well-located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and get going in the blink of an eye.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
Washington Dulles International Airport can be found at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is about 25 miles from central Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to get to the city center by cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Denver to Washington DC.
If you go by public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near BWI after your Denver to Washington DC flight. Take a load off after a long travel day or simply give yourself time to get your footing in a new city at:
Whether you want an economy for a solo trip or an SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the ideal Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Check out the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks before your flight from Denver to Washington DC. This improves your chances of getting the car you prefer, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the busiest month for flights from Denver to Washington DC. To avoid the crowds, visit Washington DC in May.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 66ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Denver to Washington DC ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Denver to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between 21ºF and 50ºF.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Denver to Washington DC, check out our range of hotels including:
White House Historical Association and The White House are just the start of the major attractions to put on your Washington DC must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at National Mall.
Explore more of United States
You've done Washington DC, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Travel about 200 miles north-east to New York to check off its leading sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.