Can I fly direct from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?

Direct flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are available, historically making up approximately 16.9% of all observed routes. For flights that include stopovers, travelers typically encounter one stop. This indicates that while direct options exist, a significant portion of routes will involve at least one connection.

How long does it take to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?

A direct flight from San Diego to Washington, D.C. typically takes about 5 hours and 11 minutes. This duration is based on a median direct flight time of 311 minutes. For flights with one stop, the median travel time increases to approximately 7 hours and 53 minutes, or 473 minutes. The distance covered on this route is 3618 kilometers.

Should I set a price alert for San Diego to Washington, D.C. flights?

Historically, deals for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are classified as frequent. This suggests that price fluctuations and opportunities for good fares occur regularly. Setting a price alert can be beneficial to capture these frequent deals as they emerge. Travelers may find it advantageous to monitor prices due to the consistent availability of competitive offers.

Flights From San Diego

To Washington, D.C.

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

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Deals from

San Diego

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Washington, D.C.

Prices updated 1 day ago

457 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Sep 7, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Explore current cheapest deals departing from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

2026-10-05 – 2026-10-19
SAN - Washington, D.C.
68% AI deal score
$248
$273
Round trip
2026-09-23 – 2026-09-30
SAN - Washington, D.C.
70% AI deal score
$294
$278
Round trip
2026-10-15 – 2026-10-19
SAN - Washington, D.C.
74% AI deal score
$335
$278
Round trip
2026-10-15 – 2026-10-21
SAN - Washington, D.C.
73% AI deal score
$319
$278
Round trip
2026-10-01 – 2026-10-10
SAN - Washington, D.C.
72% AI deal score
$308
$278
Round trip
2026-10-03 – 2026-10-10
SAN - Washington, D.C.
73% AI deal score
$323
$280
Round trip
2026-10-20 – 2026-10-22
SAN - Washington, D.C.
73% AI deal score
$335
$285
Round trip
2026-10-28 – 2026-10-31
SAN - Washington, D.C.
73% AI deal score
$335
$285
Round trip
2026-10-05 – 2026-10-15
SAN - Washington, D.C.
68% AI deal score
$256
$288
Round trip
2026-10-19 – 2026-10-28
SAN - Washington, D.C.
68% AI deal score
$261
$290
Round trip

San Diego to Washington, D.C.: Overview

Insights for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

For travelers planning cheap flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C., the data indicates that April is typically the cheapest month to fly, with a median fare of $243. Other cost-effective options include January, with a median fare of $259, and March, where the median fare is $271. These months offer the most favorable prices for this route.

Fares for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. typically range from $305 to $502, with a median of $388. Right now, current fares are above the typical level for this route. Only 4% of recent fares were classified as a good price, suggesting that finding a significantly discounted fare can be challenging.

When flying from San Diego to Washington, D.C., most itineraries connect at least once, with only 16.9% of recent fares being non-stop. For the majority of flights that include connections, the typical number of stopovers is one. This means you should generally expect a layover on your journey.

A typical journey from San Diego to Washington, D.C. takes about 9h 36m, including connections. This duration reflects the common need for at least one stopover given the prevalence of connecting itineraries on this route. The overall travel time accounts for both flight segments and layovers.

The distance between San Diego and Washington, D.C. is approximately 3655 kilometers. This classifies the route as a medium-haul flight, meaning it's a significant distance that typically involves several hours in the air.

How much is a round trip from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Regular price: $216 - $649

Prices for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is between $216 and $649. The current lowest deal is $273 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Oct 5-Oct 19.

now $273

Low $216

High $649

The cheapest time to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

The cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Washington is April, with a median price of $243. The most expensive month is November, with a median price of $490. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

April

Cheapest

Flights from $243

November

Most Expensive

Flights from $490

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Last-minute flights going from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Tue, Sep 1

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (BWI)

American Airlines

$499

$470

One-way

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$556

$430

One-way

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$685

$466

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$540

$411

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$539

$430

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$655

$440

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

2 nights

Sep 10 - Sep 12

$663 → $430

35%

3 nights

Sep 9 - Sep 12

$655 → $430

34%

4 nights

Sep 11 - Sep 15

$651 → $429

34%

7 nights

Mar 2 - Mar 9

$463 → $323

30%

Popular Airports to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

San Diego - Washington, D.C. route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares for San Diego to Washington, D.C. are above the typical level at $481.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in April for the best prices

Historically, April is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C. at $243.

⏱️ Flight duration

Flights typically take 9h 36m

The median flight duration from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is 9h 36m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Only 16.9% of recent flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are direct.

🏆 Airline highlight

Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers direct flights

Alaska Airlines, Inc. is one airline offering direct flights on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are frequent, appearing every 30 days.

San Diego main airports to depart from

San Diego International (SAN)

Cheapest

San Diego International (SAN) is a convenient departure airport for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~3 km from San Diego city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$216

McClellan–Palomar (CLD)

McClellan–Palomar (CLD) is an alternative departure airport for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~47 km from San Diego city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$480

Washington, D.C. main airports to arrive at

Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Cheapest

Washington Dulles International Airport is a good option for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~36 km from Washington, D.C. city center

💸 Flights from ~$264

Airports nearby Washington, D.C. used as alternative

Philadelphia International (PHL)

Philadelphia International offers extensive domestic and global routes, often with lower fares due to carrier competition.

📍 ~220 km from Washington, D.C. (reachable by car or Amtrak).

💸 Flights from ~$232

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Washington, D.C.

Discover luxury on the budget with premium cabin class on flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C..

Elite

Best Elite deals to Washington, D.C.

Exclusive daily First Class, Business Class, and Premium Economy flight deals, refreshed every 24 hours.

From SAN

Elite

Nov 03

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,036

$1,137

Save $899

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 02

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,090

$1,157

Save $933

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 12

Washington, D.C., United States

91% AI deal score

$2,241

$1,157

Save $1,084

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Nov 17

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$1,963

$1,157

Save $806

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 12

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$2,027

$1,157

Save $870

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 12

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$2,027

$1,157

Save $870

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 12

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$2,027

$1,157

Save $870

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 12

Washington, D.C., United States

90% AI deal score

$2,027

$1,177

Save $850

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 05

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,816

$1,147

Save $669

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 02

Washington, D.C., United States

89% AI deal score

$1,769

$1,157

Save $612

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Dec 05

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$1,717

$1,127

Save $590

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Business Class

From SAN

Elite

Oct 20

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$2,062

$1,167

Save $895

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Washington, D.C.

Historically, the optimal booking window for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is typically between 28 and 59 days prior to departure. During this period, the average price observed was around $290. Prices tend to increase significantly closer to the departure date, with flights booked 0-6 days out averaging $692. Conversely, booking more than 60 days in advance also shows higher average prices, around $466.

Across the trailing quarter, a flight from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is considered a good deal if it is priced at or below $305. The median price for this route historically stands at $388. Prices above $502 typically fall into the higher end of the spectrum for this route. By comparing potential fares to these benchmarks, travelers can better assess the value of a ticket.

Historically, the cheapest months to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C. include April, with a median price of $243, and January, with a median price of $259. March also offers competitive pricing, with a median of $271. The annual median price for this route is $388, indicating that these months offer significant savings compared to the yearly average.

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San Diego to Washington, D.C.: Overview

Insights for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

How much is a round trip from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Regular price: $216 - $649

Prices for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are currently within the regular range.

The regular price range for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is between $216 and $649. The current lowest deal is $273 with Frontier Airlines for travel from Oct 5-Oct 19.

now $273

Low $216

High $649

The cheapest time to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

April

Cheapest

Flights from $243

November

Most Expensive

Flights from $490

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Last-minute flights going from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Tue, Sep 1

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (BWI)

American Airlines

$499

$470

One-way

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$556

$430

One-way

Wed, Sep 2

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$685

$466

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$540

$411

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$539

$430

One-way

Thu, Sep 3

⌛ Last-Minute

SAN - Washington, D.C.

San Diego (SAN) - Washington, D.C. (DCA)

Frontier Airlines

$655

$440

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

2 nights

Sep 10 - Sep 12

$663 → $430

35%

3 nights

Sep 9 - Sep 12

$655 → $430

34%

4 nights

Sep 11 - Sep 15

$651 → $429

34%

7 nights

Mar 2 - Mar 9

$463 → $323

30%

Popular Airports to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

San Diego - Washington, D.C. route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Recent fares for San Diego to Washington, D.C. are above the typical level at $481.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in April for the best prices

Historically, April is the cheapest month to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C. at $243.

⏱️ Flight duration

Flights typically take 9h 36m

The median flight duration from San Diego to Washington, D.C. is 9h 36m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Only 16.9% of recent flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are direct.

🏆 Airline highlight

Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers direct flights

Alaska Airlines, Inc. is one airline offering direct flights on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Deals are frequent on this route

Deals from San Diego to Washington, D.C. are frequent, appearing every 30 days.

San Diego main airports to depart from

San Diego International (SAN)

Cheapest

San Diego International (SAN) is a convenient departure airport for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~3 km from San Diego city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$216

McClellan–Palomar (CLD)

McClellan–Palomar (CLD) is an alternative departure airport for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~47 km from San Diego city center (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$480

Washington, D.C. main airports to arrive at

Washington Dulles International (IAD)

Cheapest

Washington Dulles International Airport is a good option for flights to Washington, D.C.

📍 ~36 km from Washington, D.C. city center

💸 Flights from ~$264

Airports nearby Washington, D.C. used as alternative

Philadelphia International (PHL)

Philadelphia International offers extensive domestic and global routes, often with lower fares due to carrier competition.

Washington, D.C., United States

88% AI deal score

$2,062

$1,167

Save $895

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Washington, D.C.

Cheap Flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Today’s best flight deals from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

San Diego to Washington, D.C.: Overview

Insights for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

How much is a round trip from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

The cheapest time to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Direct flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Last-minute flights going from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Popular Airports to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

San Diego - Washington, D.C. route insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Fly in April for the best prices

Flights typically take 9h 36m

Connecting flights are dominant

Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers direct flights

Deals are frequent on this route

San Diego main airports to depart from

Washington, D.C. main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Washington, D.C. used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Washington, D.C.

Best Elite deals to Washington, D.C.

Nov 03

Dec 02

Dec 12

Nov 17

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 05

Dec 02

Dec 05

Oct 20

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Washington, D.C.

When should I buy San Diego to Washington, D.C. tickets?

How do I know if a San Diego to Washington, D.C. flight is a good deal?

What's the best month to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?

Can I fly direct from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?

How long does it take to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?

Should I set a price alert for San Diego to Washington, D.C. flights?

Related routes

More routes from San Diego

Flights to Washington, D.C. from other cities

San Diego to Washington, D.C.: Overview

Insights for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

How much is a round trip from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

The cheapest time to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Direct flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Last-minute flights going from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

Popular Airports to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.

San Diego - Washington, D.C. route insights

Recent fares are above the typical level

Fly in April for the best prices

Flights typically take 9h 36m

Connecting flights are dominant

Alaska Airlines, Inc. offers direct flights

Deals are frequent on this route

San Diego main airports to depart from

Washington, D.C. main airports to arrive at

Airports nearby Washington, D.C. used as alternative

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Washington, D.C.

Best Elite deals to Washington, D.C.

Nov 03

Dec 02

Dec 12

Nov 17

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 12

Dec 05

Dec 02

Dec 05

Oct 20

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Washington, D.C.

When should I buy San Diego to Washington, D.C. tickets?

How do I know if a San Diego to Washington, D.C. flight is a good deal?

What's the best month to fly from San Diego to Washington, D.C.?