Traveling from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Washington DC is four hours behind London, where London Gatwick Airport is located. Washington DC observes the UTC-4 timezone.
To avoid rushing for your LGW to Washington DC flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself some extra breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from traveling and perhaps even tick off a new city. When searching for flight tickets from LGW to Washington DC, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
LGW is about 40 kilometers from central London. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 1 hour 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 30 minutes.
Have an early flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to LGW:
Of all flights leaving London Gatwick Airport, 69.26% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Washington DC
$240 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC flight. A round-trip flight ticket right now is $378. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
Booking in advance is often the key to scoring a cheap flight from LGW to Washington DC. Fares tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer your departure date, the more you'll likely pay.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, take advantage of the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when searching for your London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC ticket.
Picking up a cheap flight from LGW to Washington DC is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a cheaper option becomes available.
Choose your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
The distance from Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC is roughly 8 kilometers. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the center driving.
It typically takes 45 minutes when traveling by public transport.
Think about booking a hotel close to DCA if you're coming in on a late flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC. Pick one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Go where the road takes you with a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and experience more of Washington DC and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks before your flight from LGW to Washington DC.
The street address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is roughly 56 kilometers from central Washington DC. Once you've disembarked your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC, it'll take you around 50 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
After stepping off your LGW to Washington DC flight, settle in at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be on your way in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD will help you stay within budget.
The address for Washington Dulles International Airport is 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Make your way to the city center after your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC has touched down. Central Washington DC is about 48 kilometers from Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and takes roughly 50 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you're traveling on public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Find a hotel close to BWI and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late LGW to Washington DC flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Begin your travels without stressing over how to reach your next stop with a Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car. You can book your wheels with trusted names here like Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're after a specific make or model, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks ahead of your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC. This gives you a better shot at getting the car you want, as well as a better deal.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Carefully consider your travel dates before locking in your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC. The city buzzes in high season, but rates are typically higher and major attractions can be busy. Go to Washington DC in the low season for a quieter vibe.
Lock in a London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC flight ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap tickets from LGW to Washington DC in January if you like traveling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
After booking your flight from London Gatwick Airport to Washington DC, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Washington DC:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Washington DC itinerary.
Explore more of United States
New York is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored after you've experienced Washington DC. Around 322 kilometers away to the north-east, top sights here include Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Around 193 kilometers north-east of Washington DC, Philadelphia is another favorite stop in United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.