Flights from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

3 airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Washington, D.C..

Distance: 2,435 mi
Nonstop flight: Varies
Time difference: +3h
Nonstop airlines: 3

Fares from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.

Checking today’s fares with the airlines.

Nonstop flights

Airline	From	To
Alaska Airlines	SFO San Francisco International Airport	DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Southwest Airlines	SFO San Francisco International Airport	BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
United Airlines	SFO San Francisco International Airport	BWI Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
United Airlines	SFO San Francisco International Airport	DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
United Airlines	SFO San Francisco International Airport	IAD Washington Dulles International Airport

Nonstop service as of October 2026. Airlines change schedules seasonally.

Getting from the airport into Washington, D.C.

IAD

Washington Dulles International Airport

26 miles (42 km) from the city centre. 29 million passengers in 2025

How	Route	Time	Cost
Subway	Metro Silver Line from Dulles Airport station to Metro Center	about 53m	standard distance-based Metro fare, no airport surcharge

BWI

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

31 miles (50 km) from the city centre. 27.1 million passengers in 2024

How	Route
Train	MARC Penn Line or Amtrak from BWI Rail Station (free shuttle bus from terminal) to Washington Union Station

DCA

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

5 miles (8 km) from the city centre. 26.3 million passengers in 2024

How	Route	Cost
Subway	Metro Blue and Yellow lines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station, linked to Terminal 2 by pedestrian walkways	Metro fares $2.25-$6.75 at weekday peak by distance

Before you go

This is domestic travel for US citizens: no passport or visa is needed, but travelers 18 and over need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID to fly.

Washington, D.C. is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco. Washington, D.C. uses the US dollar (USD).

Read the Washington, D.C. guide: when to go, weather, airports and tips

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.?

Nonstop flight times vary by airline and season; flights with a connection take longer.

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Francisco to Washington, D.C.?

As of October 2026, Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines fly this route nonstop.

Which airports do nonstop flights use?

Nonstop flights leave from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

How far is Washington, D.C. from San Francisco?

About 2,435 miles (3,919 km), measured between the city centres.

What is the time difference?

Washington, D.C. is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco.

What ID do I need to fly to Washington, D.C.?

This is domestic travel for US citizens: no passport or visa is needed, but travelers 18 and over need a REAL ID-compliant license or another accepted ID to fly.

How do I get from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport into Washington, D.C.?

Metro Blue and Yellow lines from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station, linked to Terminal 2 by pedestrian walkways, Metro fares $2.25-$6.75 at weekday peak by distance.

Sources

Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.