Flying from Washington DC to New York: what you need to know
Your next exciting journey begins at one of Washington DC's main airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Explore your options for booking a flight from Washington DC to New York setting off from either of these bases.
When it comes to touching down in New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is a major hub. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is another.
The average time for a direct Washington DC to New York flight is 1 hour 25 minutes.
New York's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Washington DC.
With 94 weekly flights between the two airports, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the busiest route. Hop on the first flight from Washington DC to New York with Delta Air Lines at 06:00. If you prefer to make the most of your day before you fly, the latest departure from DCA to LGA is with American Airlines at 22:35.
To ensure you get on your Washington DC to New York flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
If you're heading away during a popular month like February, get to the terminal even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer during high seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to New York
Book two months before you want to fly. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Washington DC to New York flights.
May is the best month for landing an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Washington DC to New York. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Washington DC to New York by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Washington DC to New York flights.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
You can travel directly to New York departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Here are some airports you can reach in one trip when searching for a flight from Washington DC to New York:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Choose from a variety of carriers offering direct Washington DC to New York plane tickets with departures from DCA, including:
Located around 4 miles from the center of Washington DC, DCA can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your break? Stay near Ronald Reagan National Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Washington DC to New York or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the flights that depart from Ronald Reagan National Airport, 76.44% touch down on time at their destination.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
You can fly straight to New York from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Arrive at one of these hubs on your flight from Washington DC to New York:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
From IAD, you can lock in a direct Washington DC to New York plane ticket with United Airlines.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The airport is roughly 25 miles away. Driving will take you about 50 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Washington DC to New York? Check in to a hotel near Washington Dulles International Airport before your break officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
74.39% of flights leaving Washington Dulles International Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can board a direct flight from Washington DC to New York setting off from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Book a ticket and head straight to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Delta Air Lines is one trusted airline that offers direct Washington DC to New York plane tickets from BWI.
BWI is roughly 25 miles from central Washington DC. Driving from the city center to the airport takes about 50 minutes. If you're thinking about taking public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Take the 'what ifs' out of departure day — stay close to Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and know you'll make it to the terminal with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you've booked an early Washington DC to New York flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that monitors how often flights reach their destinations without delays. At BWI, that rate is 77.13%.
Arriving in New York
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is approximately 12 miles from the center of New York. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Traveling to the center by public transport will take you roughly 1 hour 20 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near JFK if you have a late flight from Washington DC to New York. Pick one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a John F. Kennedy International Airport rental car and discover New York and beyond with your own wheels. Budget, Dollar and Sixt are well-known companies to choose from here.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from John F. Kennedy International Airport around two weeks ahead of your trip.
JFK is located at JFK Airport.
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
The center of New York is approximately 9 miles from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). As soon as your flight from Washington DC to New York has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 30 minutes.
You can expect the trip to take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Washington DC to New York, kick back at a hotel near EWR. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Newark Liberty International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Budget or Thrifty and get going in the blink of an eye.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from EWR three weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
The address for Newark Liberty International Airport is Building 1, Conrad Road.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Set off for the city center after your flight from Washington DC to New York has landed. Central New York is about 8 miles from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and takes roughly 25 minutes to get to by car.
The journey takes about 1 hour if you use public transport.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your break by staying at a hotel near LGA after your Washington DC to New York flight. Recharge after a day of travel or simply take a moment to get your bearings in a new destination at:
Put yourself in the driver's seat of the next part of your journey by picking up a LaGuardia Airport rental car. Dollar, Ace Rent a Car and Thrifty are reliable rental providers.
Plan ahead and pocket the savings. Book your vehicle from LGA two weeks before your flight from Washington DC to New York for the best deals.
LaGuardia Airport can be found at Hangar 7 Center.
Best time to go to New York
May is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to New York, while July is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit New York based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in New York is July, with temperatures ranging between 64ºF and 86ºF. Book your Washington DC to New York ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January has average temperatures of between 21ºF and 46ºF. Look for cheap flights from Washington DC to New York around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about New York
After booking your flight from Washington DC to New York, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring New York:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building are leading attractions which should be on every New York itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Philadelphia is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of New York. Around 80 miles to the south-west, its top attractions include Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Boston is another standout destination in United States and is around 190 miles north-east of New York. No journey is complete without dropping by Freedom Trail, Museum of Fine Arts Boston and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum.