Travelling from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): What you need to know
Kick off your travels at one of San Diego's main airports, San Diego International Airport (SAN) or McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD). Check out your options for booking a flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) leaving from either of these.
The average time for a direct San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport flight is 4 hours 55 minutes.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4, which is three hours ahead of San Diego. Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Washington DC.
The most popular route is from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), with 28 direct weekly services. If you'd rather get moving right away, the earliest flight from SAN to IAD is the 7:55am United Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 10pm with United Airlines.
Get to the airport on time so you don't miss your flight from San Diego to IAD. Be there at least two hours ahead for international flights and an hour early for domestic departures to prevent a last-minute sprint to your gate.
In peak travel periods, allow for longer wait times and be there earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and as much as four hours for international journeys.
Airports in San Diego
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
You can take a direct flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) departing from San Diego International Airport (SAN).
You'll find a direct flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport with United Airlines. This popular airline operates services from SAN.
The most frequently booked airline between SAN and IAD is United Airlines.
With an impressive 82.78% of services arriving as planned, United Airlines leads the way in punctuality on this route.
SAN is about 5 kms (3 miles) from central San Diego. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 20 minutes.
Want a stress-free start to your break? Stay near San Diego International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to San Diego International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 71.38% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
SAN is located at N Harbour Dr.
McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD)
Using public transport, you can travel from central San Diego to CLD in about 2 hours 15 minutes. The terminal is roughly 56 kms (35 miles) away, and getting there by car will take approximately 40 minutes.
Got a crack-of-dawn departure? You might like to check in to one of these accommodation options near McClellan-Palomar Airport the day before your San Diego to IAD flight:
About Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Book a hotel close to IAD if you're catching a late flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport. Pick one of these options and call it a night faster:
Grab a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car and discover Washington DC and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Sixt are popular outlets to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle around one week in advance of your San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport flight can help you get the lowest rate.
The street address for IAD is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Getting from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to central Washington DC
The centre of Washington DC is around 25 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport. Travel times by cab or car hire will vary based on traffic conditions, so do a little research ahead of your trip.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
£66 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport. A return flight starts from £139. These prices can change depending on availability.
To pick up cheap flights from San Diego to IAD, book ahead. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when tickets are first released.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in each month when searching for your San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport ticket.
Save time looking for cheap plane tickets from San Diego to IAD by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Discover the best deal on a flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport with the help of the filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best.'
The best time to fly from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
February is the quietest month for flights from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to visit Washington DC based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
When booking your San Diego to IAD plane ticket, consider the kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport in January when temperatures are between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from San Diego to Washington Dulles International Airport, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to discover in this city, it can be tricky to work out where to start. Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial and The White House are highlights which should be on every Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Philadelphia is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered after you've seen Washington DC. Around 225 kms (140 miles) away to the north-east, well-known attractions include Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
If there's time to check out another corner of the United States, head for Virginia Beach, roughly 274 kms (170 miles) south-east of Washington DC. Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Virginia Beach Boardwalk and Resort Beach are key highlights.
