Travelling from Washington DC to Mexico City: what you need to know
When looking for a flight from Washington DC to Mexico City, there's a range of airports you can start your trip from. Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are among Washington DC's main options.
When it comes to working out where to land in Mexico City, Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU) are the primary gateways.
Hop on a direct Washington DC to Mexico City flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 5 hours.
The timezone in Mexico City is UTC-6, which is two hours behind Washington DC.
Give yourself enough time to make your Washington DC to Mexico City flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Going away during a peak month like February? High seasons (like spring break, Christmas and New Year) can easily add an hour at check-in and security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Mexico City
To find cheap Washington DC to Mexico City flights, book ahead. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Washington DC to Mexico City across each month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
You don't need to search every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Washington DC to Mexico City.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Washington DC to Mexico City flights.
Flying from Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
We make it a cinch to find a Washington DC to Mexico City flight with a stopover. To see all the options departing from Ronald Reagan National Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, select a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
DCA is about 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Washington DC to Mexico City? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Ronald Reagan National Airport:
When it comes to Ronald Reagan National Airport's on-time performance, data shows 76.44% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Prefer to take off from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? This popular hub offers nonstop flights from Washington DC to Mexico City, seamlessly connecting to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
Book a direct Washington DC to Mexico City plane ticket with Aeromexico. This is one of the top airlines operating this route out of IAD.
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Washington DC to Mexico City flight. Visit family or friends or cross another city off your list. Whatever your plans, check out these stops between Washington Dulles International Airport and Mexico City:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Tocumen International Airport (PTY)
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Washington DC to IAD in around 1 hour 10 minutes. The terminal is roughly 40 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 50 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Think about staying at one of these hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your flight from Washington DC to Mexico City:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 74.39%.
You'll find IAD at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Searching for a ticket from Washington DC to Mexico City with one or more stops can give you more choice of departure times and access to cheaper fares. When departing from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), here's where you can make a pit stop at on your way to Mexico City:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Los Cabos International Airport (SJD)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
The journey time to BWI from the centre of Washington DC is around 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you roughly 50 minutes to cover the 40 kilometres or so.
Skip the rush on your departure day — stay close to Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport and know you'll reach your gate with time to spare. Get comfy at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early Washington DC to Mexico City flight:
Flights that depart from BWI arrive at their destination within the expected time frame 77.13% of the time.
Arriving in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
The distance from Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City is approximately 6 kilometres. It'll take you around 25 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Washington DC to Mexico City, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEX:
Pick up a Benito Juarez International Airport rental car and discover Mexico City and beyond with your own set of wheels. INFINITY RENT, MEX and America are popular outlets you can book with here.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Benito Juarez International Airport about four weeks ahead of your Washington DC to Mexico City flight.
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
Once your flight from Washington DC to Mexico City has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Mexico City is roughly 32 kilometres from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU).
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 45 minutes on public transport.
Holiday Inn & Suites Mexico Felipe Angeles Airport is a comfortable accommodation option within an easy drive of NLU. Unpack your bags here after your flight from Washington DC to Mexico City and then put up the 'Do not disturb' sign to get some rest.
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Grab a Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the availability and rates from Europcar, MEX and Keddy By Europcar.
Get exactly what you want. Securing your ride from NLU one week ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Mexico City
April is the quietest month for flights from Washington DC to Mexico City, while July is the most popular. Find the best time to go to Mexico City based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Book a Washington DC to Mexico City ticket departing in April if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Mexico City to range from 10ºC (50ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Washington DC to Mexico City in January when temperatures average between 6ºC (43ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF).
More about Mexico City
Start your Mexico City trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Washington DC to Mexico City, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Every great holiday has to include some sightseeing. Zocalo, Chapultepec Park and National Museum of Anthropology are must-do's during your Mexico City adventure.
Explore more of Mexico
Ecatepec de Morelos is just one of the many places in Mexico waiting to be explored once you've seen Mexico City. Around 21 kilometres to the north-east, its top attractions include Grupo Scout 360 Aztlan, mirador del Valle Park and Kinder casanueva.
Guadalajara is another standout destination in Mexico and is around 467 kilometres west of Mexico City. No trip is complete without a visit to Guadalajara Cathedral, Teatro Degollado and Portales Tlaquepaque Park.