Flights to Washington
Best student & youth fares right now to Washington D.C.
Studying abroad in the US or just want to see this incredible city on your next holiday? Washington D.C. has a lot to offer for students! And luckily for you, we’ve got cheap student flights to Washington D.C to make planning your trip even easier. See what’s on offer today below!
Student flights from Australia to Washington D.C.
Although Washington D.C. isn’t quite as well-known as Los Angeles or New York, as the capital of the US, it has plenty to offer, especially for students. Washington D.C. is a hub for political change and historical monuments in the US, so it’s a great choice for history-lovers or anyone interested in politics. But there’s also world-class science and art museums, music and theatre venues, parks and more!
If you head to D.C. (as the locals often refer to it), you’ll also find a diverse population and plenty of students, thanks to the number of prestigious universities located in the city. Plus, it’s easy to visit other nearby cities—like New York and Boston—during the same trip if you want to make the most out of your American holiday.
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What are the main Washington D.C. airports, and how do I get from them to central Washington D.C.?
The Washington metropolitan area is served by two international airports: Dulles International (IAD) and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (or BWI, for short).
Washington Dulles International Airport / IAD: Dulles is located about 25 miles west of downtown D.C. While it’s a bit far from the city centre, it’s the busiest international airport in the area and services the most international flights. There are a couple of viable options for making your way from the airport to the city centre. The fastest is by taxi, which will take about half an hour, depending on traffic, but it’s quite expensive. You can expect to pay up to $99 AUD during peak times, so it’s definitely not a good option for solo travellers!. Much cheaper is the DC Metro Bus, which departs every 30-60 minutes (depending on the time of day) and costs about $9 AUD.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport / BWI: BWI is located about 40 miles north of Washington D.C., so also not too close to the city. However, it offers more public transport options, making the journey much quicker (and cheaper). The most efficient (and cheapest) way to get from the airport to downtown is by train. The airport offers free shuttles to the train terminal, where you’ll find direct routes to Union Station in the city centre. Fares are about $9 AUD for a one way trip, though can be more expensive if bought just before travel during rush hour.
How to fly from the UK to Washington D.C.
However you spin it, it’s a looong flight from anywhere in Australia to Washington D.C., with the average flight time being about 20 hours. You’ll also want to account for any connections—and you can expect at least one, since Washington D.C. is one the east coast of the US. Despite the distance, there are plenty of flight options as long as you don’t mind a layover to help you stretch your legs.
The most popular airlines for flights from Australia to Washington D.C. include Virgin Australia, Etihad and Qantas, although plenty more options are available if you want them.
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Sydney / SYD
Average flight duration
24.5 hours+, 1+ stop
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Melbourne / MEL
Average flight duration
24.5 hours+, 1+ stop
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Perth / PER
Average flight duration
26 hours+, 1+ stop
Cheap flights to Washington D.C.
from Brisbane / BNE
Average flight duration
25+ hours, 1+ stop
When is the best time to fly to Washington D.C.?
As with many cities, spring and fall are ideal times to visit because they offer mild weather, fewer tourists and often cheaper prices. For Washington D.C., spring is especially nice as it brings the world-renowned cherry blossoms to the city. Keep in mind that seasons are reversed in the US, so spring in D.C. falls between the months of March-May.
Visiting D.C. during a big holiday or summer festival can also be an amazing experience if you don’t mind a crowd! From Independence Day to New Year’s to the Christmas season and the Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, there’s loads of exciting times to visit the US capital.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from Australia to Washington D.C.?
Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.
Why do Australian students love visiting Washington D.C.?
As the seat of American government, Washington D.C. is a complex and lively city with a rich history and some of the country’s most iconic sights. It’s also an energetic place, with a good student scene, and tonnes of cool bars and green spaces to relax in.
Washington D.C. universities and campuses
Washington D.C. is home to a number of prestigious universities: from American University to Georgetown University and others. Attending uni in Washington D.C., whether it’s just for one term or for an entire degree programme, means you’ll have access to some of the best in education, extracurriculars, internships and jobs. As you can imagine, D.C. is an especially great place to study if you’re interested in politics, government and international business or law.
Washington D.C. lifestyle and culture
D.C. is home to a diverse population, so you’ll experience some diverse lifestyles and cultures here as well. If you’re staying long-term, for a job or for studies, you’ll likely experience the hardworking and ambitious nature of many in D.C. However, if you’re simply here for a holiday, you’ll definitely find the city exciting and fast-paced: with so many museums, events and things to do, you’ll never get bored!
Exploring Washington D.C. on a student budget
Washington is a big city, so like many other large cities, it can be a bit expensive in terms of food and accommodation. That’s not to say there’s not cheap places to stay and eat—there definitely are!—but you’ll want to budget accordingly and do your research in advance. Washington D.C. has one major win for visiting on a student budget, though—many of the most popular museums are totally free! Visit the Smithsonians, the National Gallery of Art, the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Portrait Gallery and more—all for free!
Frequently asked questions about flying from Australia to Washington D.C.
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