Flying from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington DC: what you need to know
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4. The city is four hours behind London, where London Heathrow Airport is located.
The most popular route is from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). You can select from 39 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from LHR to IAD is the 10:25 United Airlines option. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 17:05 with British Airways.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your LHR to Washington DC flight.
Flying over a peak time such as July? School holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
You can book a direct London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC ticket. Begin your trip at LHR and end it at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC. Get up and away with one of these:
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your trip and maybe even tick off a new city. When browsing for plane tickets from LHR to Washington DC, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
LHR is about 26 kilometres from central London. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 55 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour.
Planning to catch an early flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near LHR:
When it comes to the on-time performance of London Heathrow Airport, data shows 68.18% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington DC
The lowest price we've found for a one-way London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC flight is $504. The cheapest price for a return flight is $783. Bear in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap flights from LHR to Washington DC by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the best time for bagging a bargain.
May is the best month for landing an incredible deal on London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from LHR to Washington DC.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 8 kilometres. It'll take you about 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your flight from LHR to Washington DC.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 56 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. After your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel close to IAD. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your LHR to Washington DC flight:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Get the lowest price by booking your ride from IAD one week ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
You can find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC and head straight for your hotel or start exploring right away. The centre of Washington DC is around 48 kilometres from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and usually takes 50 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take you roughly 1 hour 30 minutes on public transport.
If you don't want to make your way to the centre, find a hotel near BWI. Settle in at one of these stays after your LHR to Washington DC flight:
Start your journey without stressing over how to reach your next stop with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Book your wheels with trusted suppliers here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Around two weeks ahead of your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC is the ideal time to secure your vehicle from BWI. You're more likely to find a cheaper rate or pick up some early bird promotions.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Travel to Washington DC during peak season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices tend to be higher. Alternatively, book flights from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC in the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Lock in a London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC plane ticket with a departure in July to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from LHR to Washington DC in January if you like travelling 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 rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Washington DC right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC:
The White House and White House Historical Association are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Washington DC itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out National Mall.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Washington DC, now it's time to explore other parts of United States. Travel around 322 kilometres north-east to New York to check off its popular sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Around 193 kilometres north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another essential stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.