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SAN to DCA: distance & flight time
San Diego (San Diego International Airport) → Washington (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport)
2,271 mi
3,655 km · 1,973 nm
4h 55m
estimated nonstop flight time
+3h
time difference · heading east
See live SAN→DCA fares Phone-only fares on this route — call free
Flight time details
2,271 miles nonstop takes roughly 4h 55m gate to gate, flying east. Add 45–90 minutes per connection if there's no nonstop service. Remember to factor the 3-hour time gain when reading arrival times on your ticket.
The two airports
- SAN — San Diego International Airport · San Diego, United States
- DCA — Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport · Washington, United States
Distances are great-circle ("as the crow flies") — the same basis airlines use for frequent-flyer miles.
Alternate airports can cut this fare
Flying from or into a nearby airport is the #1 trick our agents use to beat online prices. Call and we'll compare every combination on one call.
Near SAN
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Frequently asked questions
How far is SAN from DCA?
The flight distance from San Diego (SAN) to Washington (DCA) is 2,271 miles (3,655 km, 1,973 nautical miles), measured along the great-circle route airlines actually fly.
How long is the flight from SAN to DCA?
A nonstop flight takes about 4h 55m gate to gate. Actual time varies with winds, routing and season — eastbound transatlantic flights, for example, are usually faster than the return.
What is the time difference between San Diego and Washington?
Washington is 3 hours ahead of San Diego.
What is the cheapest way to fly from SAN to DCA?
Compare live fares online, then call CheapoTrav — our agents have unpublished consolidator fares on SAN–DCA that never appear on search engines, with no booking fees.