Direct (nonstop) flights from San Diego to Washington

1 airline flys nonstop from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). It's 2,275 miles (3,662 km), about 5h 18m in the air. Operated by Alaska Airlines.

SAN
San Diego International Airport
🇺🇸 San Diego, USA
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
Flight Time
5h 18m
Distance
2,275 mi
3,662 km
CO₂/pax
385 kg
−36 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
SAN → DCA
Flight Time
5h 18m
Distance
2,275 mi

Alternative Routes

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

SAN STL (Saint Louis) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,557 mi) Leg 2: 2h (719 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 421 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → STL
3h 35m · 1,557 mi
View SAN to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → DCA
2h · 719 mi
View STL to DCA flights →
SAN MCI (Kansas City) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 10m (1,333 mi) Leg 2: 2h 25m (949 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 410 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → MCI
3h 10m · 1,333 mi
View SAN to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → DCA
2h 25m · 949 mi
View MCI to DCA flights →
SAN OMA (Omaha) DCA
Leg 1: 3h 5m (1,312 mi) Leg 2: 2h 30m (1,011 mi) Total: ~5h 35m 🍃 418 kg CO₂ (+9% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → OMA
3h 5m · 1,312 mi
View SAN to OMA flights →
Leg 2
OMA → DCA
2h 30m · 1,011 mi
View OMA to DCA flights →
SAN PHX (Phoenix) DCA
Leg 1: 1h 25m (305 mi) Leg 2: 4h 15m (1,977 mi) Total: ~5h 40m 🍃 415 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → PHX
1h 25m · 305 mi
View SAN to PHX flights →
Leg 2
PHX → DCA
4h 15m · 1,977 mi
View PHX to DCA flights →
SAN CMH (Columbus) DCA
Leg 1: 4h 20m (1,964 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (322 mi) Total: ~5h 45m 🍃 417 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
SAN → CMH
4h 20m · 1,964 mi
View SAN to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → DCA
1h 25m · 322 mi
View CMH to DCA flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A nonstop flight from San Diego (SAN) to Washington (DCA) takes approximately 5 hours and 18 minutes. The distance is 2,275 miles (3,662 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from San Diego to Washington?

Just Alaska Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from San Diego to Washington?

Yes. 1 airline: Alaska Airlines.

How far is San Diego from Washington?

The flight distance from San Diego to Washington 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 San Diego to Washington?

At 5h 18m, 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 San Diego to Washington?

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

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

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 San Diego International Airport for this flight?

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