Flying from Philadelphia to Washington DC: what you need to know
Start planning your trip by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC. Explore the options for taking off from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) or Trenton-Mercer Airport (TTN), two of the city's main airports.
The major entry paths to Washington DC are Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
The average time for a direct Philadelphia to Washington DC flight is 1 hour 10 minutes.
Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4, which is the same as Philadelphia.
The busiest route for flights from Philadelphia to Washington DC is from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Choose from 25 services every week between these two airports. If you want to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from PHL to DCA is the 05:43 American Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 20:26 with American Airlines.
Leave enough time to get on your Philadelphia to Washington DC flight. As a general rule, turn up two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Popular months like August or high seasons such as Thanksgiving and Christmas will mean bigger lines at check-in and security. Be on the safe side and get to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and four hours ahead of an international departure is a wise idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Philadelphia to Washington DC
At the moment, $108 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Philadelphia to Washington DC. The cheapest price for a return flight is $179. Remember fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Book three months before you want to travel. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Philadelphia to Washington DC flights.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an incredible deal on plane tickets from Philadelphia to Washington DC. If your travel dates are not set in stone, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across every month.
Getting a cheap flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Find an affordable Philadelphia to Washington DC flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Philadelphia
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
You can book a direct flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC taking off from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Set out from PHL and then make your arrival at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Reserve your Philadelphia to Washington DC plane tickets with American Airlines. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from PHL.
Located around 11 kilometers from the center of Philadelphia, PHL can be reached in about 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your vacation? Stay near Philadelphia International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Of all flights departing from Philadelphia International Airport, 78.93% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
You'll find PHL at 8500 Essington Ave.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 6 kilometers. It takes around 15 minutes to reach the center driving.
Getting to the center on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near DCA:
Follow your own route with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and venture far and wide through Washington DC and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is around 40 kilometers from central Washington DC. Once you've hopped off your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC, it takes approximately 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC, rest your head at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD can help you lock in a better rate.
Washington Dulles International Airport is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Head toward the city center after your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC has arrived. Central Washington DC is around 40 kilometers from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take you around 1 hour 30 minutes using public transport.
Enjoy a restful, unhurried start to your break by choosing a hotel near BWI after your Philadelphia to Washington DC flight. Recover from a day of travel or just take a moment to find your footing in a new place at:
Start your travels without stressing about how to reach your destination with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable suppliers here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Get a payoff by planning ahead. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC to access the best rates.
Best time to go to Washington DC
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC. February is the busiest month to visit Washington DC. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in May.
When booking your Philadelphia to Washington DC tickets, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Philadelphia to Washington DC in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Washington DC right here. Explore these options after locking in your flight from Philadelphia to Washington DC:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are attractions you won't want to skip in Washington DC.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Washington DC. Around 322 kilometers to the north-east, check out popular attractions including Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometers north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.