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$89 Cheap Flights from Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

View $89 flight on Tue, Sep 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Washington Dulles Intl. Airport (IAD) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)

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Cheap Flights from Washington to Los Angeles (IAD-LAX)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $89 for one-way flights and $178 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Sat, Sep 26 - Sun, Oct 4
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$178 Roundtrip, just found
$178
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Sep 26 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Sun, Oct 4, priced at $178 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Sep 23 - Thu, Sep 24
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$183 Roundtrip, found 16 hours ago
$183
Roundtrip
found 16 hours ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Sep 23 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Thu, Sep 24, priced at $183 found 16 hours ago
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Fri, Oct 16
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$188 Roundtrip, just found
$188
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Sep 28 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Fri, Oct 16, priced at $188 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Sat, Oct 31
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$238 Roundtrip, just found
$238
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $238 just found
Frontier Airlines
Wed, Oct 21 - Sat, Oct 31
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$243 Roundtrip, just found
$243
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Wed, Oct 21 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Sat, Oct 31, priced at $243 just found
Frontier Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Thu, Nov 12
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$243 Roundtrip, just found
$243
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Mon, Nov 2 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Thu, Nov 12, priced at $243 just found
American Airlines
Sat, Nov 14 - Wed, Nov 18
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$257 Roundtrip, just found
$257
Roundtrip
just found
Select American Airlines flight, departing Sat, Nov 14 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Wed, Nov 18, priced at $257 just found
United
Sat, Oct 17 - Sun, Oct 18
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$257 Roundtrip, just found
$257
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Sat, Oct 17 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Sun, Oct 18, priced at $257 just found
Alaska Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Thu, Sep 24
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$262 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$262
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Tue, Sep 15 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Thu, Sep 24, priced at $262 found 1 hour ago
Sun Country Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
IAD
Washington
LAX
Los Angeles
$453 Roundtrip, just found
$453
Roundtrip
just found
Select Sun Country Airlines flight, departing Fri, Oct 9 from Washington to Los Angeles, returning Mon, Oct 12, priced at $453 just found

Alternative airports near Los Angeles

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Select flight to Bob Hope BUR. Average driving time to city center is 18 minutes. Flights from $386
BUR
Bob Hope
Average driving time to city center18 min
Flights from $386
Select flight to Long Beach Municipal LGB. Average driving time to city center is 27 minutes. Flights from $428
LGB
Long Beach Municipal
Average driving time to city center27 min
Flights from $428

Find the cheapest month to fly from Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $178 - $227 per traveler.

What you need to know for your flight from Washington Dulles Intl. to Los Angeles Intl.

Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX) at a glance

Embark on your journey from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with a range of airlines operating weekly flights. Whether you prefer full-service carriers or budget-friendly options, you can compare itineraries to discover the lowest fares from Washington that suit your schedule and travel preferences. Get ready to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles as you plan your trip from DC to Los Angeles.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 5h 45m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 2,300 miles (3,700 km)
  • Flights per week: around 55+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $105–$435, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Based on the latest bookings from travelers, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Washington to Los Angeles, particularly for non-stop and one-stop journeys. Common layover points include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes, Denver International Airport (DEN) at around 55 minutes, and Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. These options allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.

  • United: As a comprehensive airline, United provides both non-stop and one-stop options. Their one-way fares generally range from $110 to $485, representing about 77% of flights on this route, with a standard non-stop travel time of 5 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service airline also offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices typically between $110 and $410. Alaska Airlines accounts for around 6% of departures on this route, maintaining a similar non-stop flight duration of 5 hours and 45 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: A budget-friendly carrier, Southwest specializes in one-stop and multi-stop services. One-way fares usually fall between $105 and $375, making up about 6% of departures, with an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, leading to a total journey of roughly 8 hours.
  • Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline provides one-stop flights, with fares generally ranging from $105 to $270. Frontier represents about 6% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 6 hours and 45 minutes, and a total journey time close to 8 hours, including layovers.
  • American Airlines: Offering both non-stop and one-stop services, American Airlines has one-way fares typically ranging from $125 to $425. They account for roughly 2% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop journey time of 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Washington to Los Angeles by upgrading their flight. United Airlines provides first class and premium economy seats, while Alaska Airlines features first class and business class. American Airlines also offers first class service.

Best time to fly from Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Washington to Los Angeles are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Los Angeles reach up to 62.6°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 75°F. For better deals, May usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $206. Flight availability peaks in June, with approximately 79 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. February has the fewest flights, with approximately 42 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: May usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $206, roughly 17% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: July and June typically offer average one-way fares of around $220.
  • Most flight options: June has the highest number of flights from Washington to Los Angeles, with approximately 79 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January56.3°F (13.5°C)High43$248
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Average42$254
March59.0°F (15.0°C)High51$267
April62.6°F (17.0°C)High60$247
May65.3°F (18.5°C)Average68$206
June69.8°F (21.0°C)Average79$223
July74.3°F (23.5°C)Average66$216
August75.7°F (24.3°C)Average61$257
September75.0°F (23.9°C)Low47$236
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Low51$251
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Low50$272
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Average61$312

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

  • Washington to Los Angeles (DCA-LAX): Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) lies approximately 23 miles from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). One-way economy prices for this journey usually fall between $110 and $435, varying with the season and how early you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights on this route. Major airlines servicing this path include American Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Additionally, options for business and first-class service are available.
  • Washington to Burbank (IAD-BUR): Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is located roughly 18 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). One-way economy rates for this route typically range from $140 to $470, influenced by seasonal demand and booking timing. Flights generally operate as one-stop options, with common layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Leading airlines on this route include United and low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines. First-class service is also offered.

How to find the best prices for flights from Washington (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Washington to Los Angeles is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures from 5 AM to 12 PM tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Wednesday generally results in cheaper fares, although Thursday is the busiest travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from Washington Dulles International Airport

Los Angeles welcomes travelers from Washington with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, Washington Dulles International Airport is roughly a 40-minute drive (covering about 29 miles) from central Washington. Here's how to reach Los Angeles efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Los Angeles, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Los Angeles International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Los Angeles International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Los Angeles International Airport, Aviation/Century Station, a metro station, is located about 1.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transport options in the area.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $89 and cheap return flights from $178 Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $183 and $1547, and roundtrip flights usually range from $394 to $1521. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
February is the cheapest month to fly from Washington, DC (IAD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), with average return fares around $367. This price is about 12% lower than the average throughout the year, as demand typically drops after the holiday season. Other budget-friendly months to consider are May and September.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
2 airlines operate nonstop service from IAD to LAX:

  • United operates around 62 direct flights from IAD to LAX every week
  • American Airlines operates around 10 direct flights from IAD to LAX every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Sun Country Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Washington, DC (IAD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), starting from around $267 for a round-trip ticket. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Washington, DC (IAD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, American Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. United offers the most daily flights from IAD to LAX, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Washington, DC (IAD) to Los Angeles (LAX) are February and September. February features an average price of about $367, making it a budget-friendly option. September is also popular, allowing you to enjoy the pleasant California weather while having a good selection of flights available.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
On average, there are around 10 nonstop flights per day from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically departs at around 5:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is available in February, giving you a head start on your day in Los Angeles. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 40% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Delta, United, and American Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is popular because it allows you to start your day early and arrive in Los Angeles ready to explore.
How long does it take to fly from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Direct flights from IAD to LAX usually take about 5 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 2,283 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 2 hours 10 minutes to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the IAD to LAX route with Delta Air Lines.First class cabins are available on:

  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • American Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Washington, DC (IAD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) typically costs between $2,058 - $2,900. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $849 - $1,478. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Los Angeles from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD)?
If you're planning to travel to Los Angeles from Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD), you can fly into Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Denver Intl. (DEN) before reaching Los Angeles. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) Los Angeles Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
If you booked your Washington, DC (IAD-Washington Dulles Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Washington Dulles Intl.
Destination airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$178
Distance
2282 mi
Average flight time
3 hours 5 mins

Book with confidence

Washington to Los Angeles Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Washington to Los Angeles

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Washington to Los Angeles are during the month of September. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Washington to Los Angeles with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Washington to Los Angeles

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Washington to Los Angeles: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Washington to Los Angeles

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Washington to Los Angeles in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $89 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Washington to Los Angeles flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Washington to Los Angeles airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Washington to Los Angeles Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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