Flying from Vancouver to Washington DC: what you need to know
You can choose from multiple airports when planning your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC. Explore your options for leaving Vancouver from Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX).
Washington DC has a good selection of airports you can fly into. Hop off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
The average time for a direct Vancouver to Washington DC flight is 5 hours 10 minutes.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, making Washington DC three hours ahead of Vancouver.
With four flights a week between the two airports, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Vancouver to Washington DC with Air Canada at 08:00. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the latest departure from YVR to IAD is with United Airlines at 22:35.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Vancouver to Washington DC flight. It's generally best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Traveling during a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Washington DC
Get cheap Vancouver to Washington DC flights by booking three months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for June. That's the best month for scoring an incredible deal on plane tickets from Vancouver to Washington DC. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Vancouver to Washington DC by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Lock in a cheap Vancouver to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Vancouver to Washington DC, you can depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Travel from YVR to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in one continuous trip.
United Airlines is a popular carrier that offers direct Vancouver to Washington DC plane tickets leaving from YVR.
The journey from central Vancouver to YVR takes about 35 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 7 miles in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Catching an early flight from Vancouver to Washington DC? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to Vancouver International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
YXX is roughly 40 miles from central Vancouver. The drive from the city center to the airport takes about 1 hour. If you're planning to take public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Take the uncertainty out of departure day — stay close to Abbotsford Airport and know you'll get to your gate with time to spare. Settle in at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early Vancouver to Washington DC flight:
Flights that leave from YXX touch down at their destination on schedule 67.97% of the time.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 3 miles from the center of Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
It typically takes 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
Book a hotel close to DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Washington DC. Select one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and explore Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
DCA is situated 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 Vancouver to Washington DC, it'll take you approximately 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near IAD. Settle in and get cozy after your Vancouver to Washington DC flight at any of these well-located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from IAD one week in advance often means lower prices and a greater selection 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 roughly 25 miles from central Washington DC. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the city center by car after your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
Choose a hotel close to BWI and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late Vancouver to Washington DC flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Start your travels without worrying about how to reach your next stop with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book your wheels with trusted suppliers here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Plan ahead and put that extra money in your pocket. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC for the best deals.
Best time to go to Washington DC
May is the quietest month for flights from Vancouver to Washington DC, while February is the most popular. Pick the best time to visit Washington DC based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Vancouver to Washington DC ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 66ºF to 91ºF.
January has average temperatures of between 21ºF and 50ºF. Look for cheap flights from Vancouver to Washington DC around that time if you like cooler conditions.
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. Check out these options after locking in your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are top attractions 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 you'll want to see. Around 200 miles north-east of Washington DC, a visit to New York will keep you busy. Don't miss top attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States and is around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without experiencing Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.