Flights to Washington
Best student & youth fares right now to Washington D.C.
Check out our best flights right now from the UK to Washington D.C. Not seeing anything that fits your schedule? Keep checking back as these prices update daily!
Student flights from the UK to Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. is the capital of America and where the government does its thing. Some of the country’s most iconic sights can be found here, including the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and Washington National Cathedral.
But there’s much more to D.C. (as the locals sometimes refer to it) than prestigious things made of stone. The performing arts scene is world-renowned (top venues include the Kennedy Center and the National Theatre) and the green spaces are perfect for a wander— top choices include Kenilworth Park, Constitution Gardens and United States Botanic Garden.
Search flights today from the UK to Washington D.C. and come and see the American capital for yourself.
What are the main Washington D.C. airports, and how do I get from them to central Washington D.C.?
The Washington metropolitan area is served by two international airports: Dulles International (IAD) and the catchily-named Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (or BWI, for short).
Washington Dulles International Airport / IAD: Dulles is located about 25 miles west of downtown DC. There are a couple of viable options for making your way from the airport to the city centre. The fastest is by taxi, which will take about half an hour, depending on traffic, but it’s quite expensive - expect to pay up to £55 (definitely not a good option for solo travellers!). Much cheaper is the DC Metro Bus, which departs every 30-60 minutes (depending on the time of day) and costs about £5.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport / BWI: BWI is located about 40 miles north of Washington D.C. and the most efficient (and cheapest) way to get from the airport to downtown is by train. The airport offers free shuttles to the train terminal, where you’ll find direct routes to Union Station in the city centre. Fares are about £5 for a one way trip, though can be more expensive if bought just before travel during rush hour.
How to fly from the UK to Washington D.C.
There are many direct flights from the UK to Washington, especially if you’re flying out of London. Routes are served by a number of airlines, including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta and Turkish Airlines. The flight takes around eight hours, and covers a distance of 3600 miles.
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from London
Average flight duration
8 hours, 30 mins +
Number of daily flights
10+
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Manchester
Average flight duration
10hours, 45 mins+ depending on connections
Number of daily flights
10+.
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Edinburgh
Average flight duration
11 hours+ depending on connections
Number of daily flights
10+
When is the best time to fly to Washington D.C.?
It’s generally agreed that the best time to visit Washington D.C. is either side of summer (which runs from June to August, and can be sweltering!), so either during spring (March - May) or autumn (September - November). During spring, the major draw is the cherry blossoms which emblazon the city in colour. In terms of epicness, they’re second only to Japan, though far lesser known about! Late spring (May) is a popular time for American school groups and families to visit Washington D.C. so some attractions may be a lot more crowded during this time.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the UK to Washington D.C.?
Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.
Why do British students love visiting Washington D.C.?
The seat of American power, Washington D.C. is a fascinating city with a rich history and some of the country’s most iconic sights. It’s also a lively place, with a decent student scene, and lots of cool bars and green spaces to relax in.
Washington D.C. universities and campuses
D.C. has some splendid higher educational establishments. Some of these include Georgetown University, which having been founded in 1789 makes it one of the oldest in the country; George Washington University, which has well in excess of 25,000 students, many of whom are international; and the University of the District of Columbia, which is Washington’s sole public university.
Washington D.C. lifestyle and culture
For obvious reasons, Washington D.C. is packed full of politicians and influential types, and it has an air of prestige about it - helped no doubt by grand monuments and buildings towering on the skyline. The city is a hub of culture, with some fantastic museums and galleries, and there are some great festivals on the annual calendar, too. Many in D.C. tend to be very ambitious and work long hours, so if you’re planning to study or work here, you’ll likely encounter this as a very normal lifestyle. However, if you’re simply here for a holiday, you’ll likely find the endless museums, events and things to do exciting—there’s something here for everyone!
Exploring Washington D.C. on a student budget
Washington D.C. is an expensive city to live in, but plenty easy to explore on a student budget. All of the most iconic sights are free to gaze upon (and indeed get selfies in front of) and a decent amount of green space means there’s always somewhere nice to hang out for free, especially in those warmer months. Not to mention that many of the most popular museums—the likes of which include the Smithsonians, the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery and more—are all free to explore!
Frequently asked questions about flying from the UK to Washington D.C.
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