Flying from Atlanta to Washington DC: what you need to know
Atlanta's main airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Check out your options for departing from this terminal when reserving your flights from Atlanta to Washington DC.
When it comes to landing in Washington DC, Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is a major hub. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is another.
A direct flight from Atlanta to Washington DC takes on average 1 hour 47 minutes. Washington DC's timezone is UTC-4 — the same as Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 174 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Atlanta to Washington DC is with Delta Air Lines at 21:59. Go for the first ATL to DCA departure operated by American Airlines at 06:54 if you want to get going early.
To ensure you get on your flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Heading away during a peak period like school or public holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
You don't need a visa or passport to fly within United States. You will need a valid form of identification though, such as a driver's licence or ID card. Put them on your packing list once you've found cheap flights from Atlanta to Washington DC.
Flying from Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You can travel directly to Washington DC departing from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Here are some airports to consider landing at when searching for a flight from Atlanta to Washington DC:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Direct flights from Atlanta to Washington DC are operated by a good number of airlines at ATL. Travel with one of these:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your flight from Atlanta to Washington DC. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these airports:
Charleston International Airport (CHS)
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Travelling from central Atlanta to ATL takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 17 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Need a handy hotel close to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, these stays will have you moments from your departure gate:
Arriving in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is approximately 8 kilometres. It'll take you about 16 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes around 43 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Atlanta to Washington DC. Book one of these accommodation options near DCA instead:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is around 56 kilometres from the centre of Washington DC. Following your flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, expect a drive time of approximately 51 minutes to get to the heart of the city.
You can also travel using public transport, which will take approximately 3 hours and 26 minutes.
After your flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, settle in at a hotel near IAD. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Atlanta to Washington DC
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Atlanta to Washington DC is $58. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $122. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares could change.
Book 9 months before flying. After crunching the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from Atlanta to Washington DC.
May is the cheapest month for flight tickets from Atlanta to Washington DC. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. We'll get in touch right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you from checking for cheap tickets from Atlanta to Washington DC every day.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Atlanta to Washington DC.
Best time to go to Washington DC
May is the quietest month for flights from Atlanta to Washington DC, while July is the busiest. Choose the ideal time to go to Washington DC based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
Before you book a flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, consider the kind of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap tickets from Atlanta to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Atlanta to Washington DC, check out our range of hotels including:
There are so many things to explore 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 any well-planned Washington DC itinerary.
Complete your Washington DC trip with a car rental
Browse our range of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Atlanta to Washington DC. Whether you're searching for an economy ride, a standard vehicle or something that makes a statement, you can easily compare companies in one go to get the best deal.