Flying from Melbourne to Washington DC: what you need to know
Planning your trip starts with working out where you'll leave from in Melbourne. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the city's main base, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Melbourne to Washington DC taking off from here.
When arriving in Washington DC, get off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another gateway to this city.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, making Washington DC 15 hours behind Melbourne.
Allow plenty of time to catch your Melbourne to Washington DC flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Washington DC
To pick up cheap Melbourne to Washington DC flights, book as early as you can. Airlines usually offer lower prices when tickets first go on sale.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across every month when searching for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Washington DC.
There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Melbourne to Washington DC.
Save money on your Melbourne to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even explore another city. When browsing Melbourne to Washington DC flights leaving from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
MEL is about 12 miles from central Melbourne. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 40 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Melbourne to Washington DC or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
When it comes to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport's on-time performance, data shows 67.71% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC takes about 15 minutes by car. The center is roughly 3 miles away.
Traveling to the center on 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 Melbourne to Washington DC. Check in to one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's main sights.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks in advance of your Melbourne to Washington DC flight.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 25 miles from central Washington DC. Once you've hopped off your flight from Melbourne to Washington DC, it'll take you approximately 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the center takes 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near IAD. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Melbourne to Washington DC:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Get first dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from IAD one week ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater range of vehicles.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 25 miles from the center of Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to reach the city center by car after your flight from Melbourne to Washington DC.
Public transport will take you there in about 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make your way to the center, choose a hotel close to BWI. Get comfortable at one of these stays after your Melbourne to Washington DC flight:
Whether you're after a zippy compact for a solo adventure or a roomy SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the perfect Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for your needs. Explore wheels available from suppliers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Plan ahead and get the perks. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Melbourne to Washington DC for the lowest prices.
Best time to go to Washington DC
May is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Washington DC, while February is the most popular. Find the best time to visit Washington DC based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Washington DC is July, with temperatures ranging between 66ºF and 91ºF. Lock in your Melbourne to Washington DC ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Melbourne to Washington DC in January when temperatures average between 21ºF and 50ºF.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Washington DC right here. Explore these options once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Washington DC:
Every great vacation has to 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
Washington DC has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of United States just waiting to be discovered. About 200 miles north-east of Washington DC, a trip to New York will keep you on the go. Start with attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without visiting Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
