Route guide · 2,306 miles
Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Washington
LAX → DCA · Nonstop 5h 11m · Live round-trip fares
If Washington is next on your list, here's the honest picture on fares from Los Angeles. The trip covers about 2,306 miles and takes roughly 5h 11m in the air. Prices on this route reward planners: booking 4–8 weeks ahead is the sweet spot, and the lowest fares tend to sell out fast.
Live fares for LAX → DCA are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Updated daily
Flight time
5h 11m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
2,306 mi
LAX → DCA
Cheapest month
November 2026
Fares from $132
Nonstop airlines
3
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines & more
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Washington
Nonstop service links Los Angeles and Washington directly — flights are flown by American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Expect roughly 5h 11m in the air. If a nonstop is what you want, don't wait too long: booking 4–8 weeks ahead is when these seats are priced most kindly.
Booking insights: Los Angeles → Washington
- Distance: 2,306 miles · nonstop flight time: 5h 11m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Nov 12, with fares from $132.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, November 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $132.
- Rule of thumb for this route: the sweet spot is usually 4–8 weeks before departure.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- Set a free Airfare Deal alert instead of checking daily — the best fares can sell out in hours.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Departing around Nov 12 is currently the cheapest window — about $46 less than the nearest weeks. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Los Angeles → Washington
November 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$132
Cheapest: Wed, Nov 18 — $132 · Priciest: Nov 9 — $147
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in November 2026. Blank days had no recent fare in our data — ask our team and we'll check them for you.
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Flying from Los Angeles to Washington: what you need to know
The flight
Los Angeles to Washington is a transcontinental trip — 2,306 miles, roughly 5h 11m nonstop. Eastbound flights benefit from tailwinds and run shorter; westbound trips home fight headwinds and take longer, so pad your plans accordingly. Red-eyes are popular eastbound: you trade a short night of sleep for a full first day at your destination.
Airlines on this route
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines fly this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Los Angeles (LAX)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Los Angeles airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in Washington (DCA)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The Washington airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Washington to Los Angeles fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
Of the months we're currently tracking, November 2026 is coming in cheapest for this route, with fares from $132. As a rule, booking 4–8 weeks ahead lands you in the sweet spot — leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb. If you see a fare that works, don't wait around: set a fare alert on this page and we'll watch the price for you.
Good to know before you go
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
- November 2026 is currently the cheapest tracked month on this route — check those dates first if you're flexible.
- Morning flights are delayed less often than evening ones — earlier departures have the best on-time record.
- Basic economy fares often exclude checked bags and seat selection. Price the whole trip, not the headline fare.
- Get to the airport two hours before departure; security, not the flight, is the part that runs late.
Los Angeles to Washington flight FAQs
How long is the flight from LAX to DCA?
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Washington take about 5h 11m and cover roughly 2,306 miles. One-stop itineraries add 2–4 hours depending on the layover city.
Are there nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Washington?
Yes — look for American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines on this route. Nonstop seats are usually priced best 4–8 weeks before departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Washington?
Of the months we're tracking right now, November 2026 has the lowest fares from Los Angeles to Washington, starting at $132. Fares update as new data comes in, so it's worth setting a free alert for your dates.
How much are last minute flights from LAX to DCA?
Last-minute flights from LAX to DCA (booked within 7 days of departure) typically cost noticeably more than fares booked 4–8 weeks out. Booking early is the smarter move.
What is a good round-trip deal from Los Angeles to Washington?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Washington?
The main carriers on this route are American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines. Comparing all of them on the live search below usually surfaces the lowest fare for your dates.
How early should I get to Los Angeles airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
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