Flying from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington DC: what you need to know
London Heathrow Airport is located in London. Based in the UTC-4 timezone, Washington DC is four hours behind London.
With 39 weekly flights between the two airports, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the most popular route. United Airlines operates the earliest flight at 10:25. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the last flight from LHR to IAD is with British Airways at 17:05.
For a smooth journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your LHR to Washington DC flight.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Direct London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC tickets are available for booking. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) will be where your journey ends.
Pick from a variety of carriers operating direct flights from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC. Book your journey with one of these:
We make it simple to book plane tickets from LHR to Washington DC with a stopover. To see all your options, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight offering a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located around 16 miles from central London, LHR can be reached in about 55 minutes by car. Travelling on public transport takes roughly 1 hour.
Searching for a hotel near LHR? If you're catching an early flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to London Heathrow Airport's on-time performance, 68.18% of flights complete their journey on 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 £275. The cheapest price for a return flight is £318. 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)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is around 5 miles from the centre of Washington DC. If you're grabbing a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 15 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 45 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC. Stay at one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's main sights.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from LHR to Washington DC.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Once your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC has touched down, you can get to the city centre in around 50 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is roughly 35 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
You can expect the trip to take about 1 hour 10 minutes on public transport.
Following your LHR to Washington DC flight, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport schedules or long cab lines. Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt.
Get exactly what you want. Booking your ride from IAD one week in advance often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Set your sights on the city centre after your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC has arrived. Central Washington DC is about 30 miles from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to get to by car.
If you travel by public transport, the journey time is about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to BWI and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late LHR to Washington DC flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Take the guesswork out of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. Dollar, Thrifty and Budget make getting on the road smooth sailing.
Plan ahead and put that extra money in your pocket. Book your vehicle from BWI two weeks before your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC to access the best deals.
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
Start your Washington DC trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from London Heathrow Airport to Washington DC, explore our selection of hotels including:
The White House and White House Historical Association are a couple of major attractions to add to your Washington DC to-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to 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 200 miles 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 120 miles 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.