Flying from Belfast to Washington DC: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Belfast. Explore your options departing from Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) when planning your flight from Belfast to Washington DC.
When flying into Washington DC, step off the plane at Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is another major gateway to this city.
Washington DC is four hours behind Belfast and observes the UTC-4 timezone.
For a stress-free start to your trip, arrive 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 Belfast to Washington DC flight.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Washington DC
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Belfast to Washington DC flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird rates.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Belfast to Washington DC is more likely if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across the month and walk away with a great deal.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Belfast to Washington DC.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Belfast to Washington DC flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
We make it easy to find a Belfast to Washington DC flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Belfast International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight with a stop long enough to see the sights of the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Geneve Airport (GVA)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
BFS is around 19 kms (12 miles) from central Belfast. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 2 hours.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Belfast International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Belfast to Washington DC, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
67.55% of flights that leave from Belfast International Airport land at their destination on time.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Break up your Belfast to Washington DC flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or tick a new place off your list. Some great stopovers between George Best Belfast City Airport and Washington DC include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
BHD is about 5 kms (3 miles) from central Belfast. It takes 10 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 20 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Belfast to Washington DC, kick back in one of these hotels near George Best Belfast City Airport:
68% of all departures from George Best Belfast City Airport arrive according to schedule.
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 5 kms (3 miles). It takes around 15 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from Belfast to Washington DC. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Grab a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own wheels. Thrifty, Sixt and Dollar are popular outlets to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport about four weeks in advance of your Belfast to Washington DC flight.
DCA is located at 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about 40 kms (25 miles) from central Washington DC. After your flight from Belfast to Washington DC, it takes approximately 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The trip will take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel near IAD. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Belfast to Washington DC:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be on your way in a flash.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at IAD can land you a better rate.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Step off your flight from Belfast to Washington DC and head directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. The centre of Washington DC is around 40 kms (25 miles) from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach driving.
If you go by public transport, the journey takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Choose a hotel near BWI and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late Belfast to Washington DC flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these accommodation options put comfort right within reach:
Whether you want a compact for a solo getaway or an SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Browse wheels available here from companies such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
Enjoy a payoff when you plan ahead. Book your ride from BWI two weeks before your flight from Belfast to Washington DC for the most affordable rates.
Best time to go to Washington DC
February is the most popular month for flights from Belfast to Washington DC. To escape the crowds, head to Washington DC in May.
When booking your Belfast to Washington DC tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Belfast to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from Belfast to Washington DC, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are leading attractions which should be on every Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Washington DC, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Travel around 200 miles north-east to New York to check off its top sights. From Statue of Liberty to Central Park and Empire State Building, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
Philadelphia is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 120 miles north-east of Washington DC. No trip is complete without a visit to Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.