Flying from Vancouver to Washington DC: what you need to know
When searching for your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC, there's a nice range of airports you can take off from. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are among Vancouver's main options.
Washington DC has a range of airports you can jet into. Hop off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) or Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
Around 5 hours 10 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Vancouver to Washington DC flight.
Washington DC is three hours ahead of Vancouver and observes the UTC-4 timezone.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are four weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Vancouver to Washington DC is with United Airlines at 22:35. Opt for the first YVR to IAD departure operated by Air Canada at 08:30 to maximise your time in Washington DC.
To ensure you catch your Vancouver to Washington DC flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
Flying during a peak time such as August? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer queues and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
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 leave from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Get from YVR to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) without making any stops.
Reserve your Vancouver to Washington DC plane tickets with United Airlines. This carrier is a popular option for direct flights from YVR.
Travelling from central Vancouver to YVR takes around 35 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a convenient hotel near Vancouver International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Vancouver to Washington DC, these stays will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
71.77% of flights that depart Vancouver International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
From the centre of Vancouver, YXX is around 64 kilometres away. It'll take you roughly 1 hour to get there by car and 1 hour 30 minutes or so if you're on public transport.
Skip the rush on your departure day — stay close to Abbotsford Airport and know you'll be at your boarding gate with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Vancouver to Washington DC flight:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights arrive at their destinations as expected. At YXX, that figure is 67.97%.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is approximately 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 15 minutes.
Getting there by public transport typically takes 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near DCA if you have a late flight from Vancouver to Washington DC. Select one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
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 providers to choose from here.
Lock in the best rate by booking your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is approximately 40 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
After your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC, tuck yourself in at a hotel near IAD. These are some great options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from IAD one week in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC has landed. Central Washington DC is about 40 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the journey time is around 1 hour 30 minutes.
If you don't want to make the journey to the centre, choose a hotel close to BWI. Settle in at one of these options after your Vancouver to Washington DC flight:
Whether you want a zippy compact for a solo escape or an SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Check out the types of wheels available from providers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
About two weeks before your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC is the ideal time to secure your vehicle from BWI. You're more likely to get a better rate or get access to early bird discounts.
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 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF). Look for cheap flights from Vancouver to Washington DC around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from Vancouver to Washington DC, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are top attractions which should be on every 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 322 kilometres 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 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without experiencing Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.