Direct (nonstop) flights from Washington to San Diego

1 airline flys nonstop from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). It's 2,275 miles (3,662 km), about 5h 40m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines.

DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
Flight Time
5h 40m
Distance
2,275 mi
3,662 km
CO₂/pax
385 kg
−33 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Alaska Airlines
Time Diff
-3h
Operated by Alaska Airlines Alaska Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Alaska Airlines AS Alaska Airlines
Route
DCA → SAN
Flight Time
5h 40m
Distance
2,275 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Washington to San Diego with one stop · direct emits 385 kg CO₂ per passenger

DCA OMA (Omaha) SAN
Leg 1: 2h 55m (1,011 mi) Leg 2: 3h 13m (1,312 mi) Total: ~6h 8m 🍃 418 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → OMA
2h 55m · 1,011 mi
View DCA to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → SAN
3h 13m · 1,312 mi
View OMA to SAN flights →
DCA PIT (Pittsburgh) SAN
Leg 1: 1h 14m (205 mi) Leg 2: 4h 55m (2,105 mi) Total: ~6h 9m 🍃 419 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → PIT
1h 14m · 205 mi
View DCA to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → SAN
4h 55m · 2,105 mi
View PIT to SAN flights →
DCA MDW (Chicago) SAN
Leg 1: 2h (600 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,729 mi) Total: ~6h 15m 🍃 428 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → MDW
2h · 600 mi
View DCA to MDW flights →
Leg 2
MDW → SAN
4h 15m · 1,729 mi
View MDW to SAN flights →
DCA IND (Indianapolis) SAN
Leg 1: 2h (499 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,782 mi) Total: ~6h 15m 🍃 418 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → IND
2h · 499 mi
View DCA to IND flights →
Leg 2
IND → SAN
4h 15m · 1,782 mi
View IND to SAN flights →
DCA TUL (Tulsa) SAN
Leg 1: 3h 9m (1,049 mi) Leg 2: 3h 8m (1,237 mi) Total: ~6h 17m 🍃 411 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → TUL
3h 9m · 1,049 mi
View DCA to TUL flights →
Leg 2
TUL → SAN
3h 8m · 1,237 mi
View TUL to SAN flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Washington to San Diego?

A nonstop flight from Washington (DCA) to San Diego (SAN) takes approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes. The distance is 2,275 miles (3,662 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Washington to San Diego?

Just Alaska Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Washington to San Diego?

Yes. 1 airline: Alaska Airlines.

How far is Washington from San Diego?

The flight distance from Washington to San Diego is 2,275 miles (3,662 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Los Angeles.

What type of aircraft flies from Washington to San Diego?

At 5h 40m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Washington to San Diego?

Roughly 385 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,925 km.

Is the return flight from San Diego to Washington also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Washington to San Diego?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.