Los Angeles, CA, USA to Washington, DC, USA from $86: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Los Angeles to Washington: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.
$86 - Plane, TrainBest price
4287 kmDistance
6h 40m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles to Washington with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
See more options
Sort by
Traveling From Los Angeles to Washington
Your journey from the sunny beaches of Los Angeles to the vibrant streets of Washington offers a dramatic shift in scenery, culture, and pace.
Best Neighborhoods in Washington
Washington boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.
Georgetown
• Historic streets with beautiful architecture.
• Vibrant shopping and dining options abound.
Capitol Hill
• Home to the U.S. Capitol and Supreme Court.
• Charming residential streets filled with history.
Adams Morgan
• Lively nightlife and diverse restaurants.
• Colorful murals and a rich cultural scene.
Best Times To Visit Washington's Attractions
Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Washington.
National Mall
Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and stunning sunsets.
Smithsonian Museums
Weekdays, particularly Tuesday or Wednesday, offer quieter exploration times.
Lincoln Memorial
Go at sunrise to enjoy peaceful views and minimal foot traffic.
Washington Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Washington experiences a humid subtropical climate, featuring hot summers and mild winters, with spring and fall providing the most comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities. Be aware that seasonal weather can impact your travel plans, especially during summer storms or winter snow, so packing accordingly will enhance your visit.
Dining Recommendation in Washington
For a unique dining experience, try the iconic Half Smoke sausage at Ben's Chili Bowl, a beloved local spot that showcases rich, hearty flavors distinct from the lighter fare often found in Los Angeles. The vibrant atmosphere, steeped in history and local culture, offers a culinary adventure that reflects the capital's diverse heritage.
Los Angeles - Washington operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Washington, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
aa.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
4h 52mEstimated price
$864-6623Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Philadelphia (PHL)
Average Duration
4h 58mEstimated price
$8625-8626Website
southwest.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Reagan Washington (DCA)
Average Duration
6h 15mEstimated price
$4839-860Website
united.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to Washington Dulles (IAD)
Average Duration
4h 53mEstimated price
$861-4832Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Washington Union Station to BWI Thurgood Marshall
Average Duration
33mEstimated price
$4760-863Train from 30th Street Station to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
1h 59mEstimated price
$17264-6628Train from Los Angeles to San Diego Old Town Transportation Center
Average Duration
2h 40mEstimated price
$4766-4833Train from Los Angeles to New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
Average Duration
45h 40mEstimated price
$4764-865Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Dallas Bus Station
Average Duration
28h 15mEstimated price
$4834-172690Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
14h 10mEstimated price
$47630-4834Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Dallas Bus Station
Average Duration
29h 45mEstimated price
$1724-6620Bus from Atlanta Bus Station to Washington Union Station
Average Duration
13h 15mEstimated price
$4762-1720Los Angeles to Washington: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles and Washington offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a cross-country adventure from Los Angeles to Washington, covering a distance of 2664 miles. The journey promises stunning landscapes and diverse cultures along the way.
💰 Budget-conscious travelers can expect to spend between $480 to $700 on gas, tolls, and other expenses for the round trip from Los Angeles to Washington by car. Planning ahead can help you manage your travel costs effectively.
🌆 Arrive in Washington after approximately 42 hours of driving through scenic routes and bustling cities. Take in the historic sights, vibrant neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks that make the nation's capital a must-visit destination.
Average price
$480 - $700
🌆 Enjoy a leisurely 3-day trip with Amtrak, taking you through diverse landscapes and giving you a taste of the American heartland. Relax, unwind, and soak in the charm of train travel as you make your way to the nation's capital.
💰 Prices for the Los Angeles to Washington train ticket range from $129 to $872, offering travelers flexibility in choosing accommodations and amenities. Get ready to explore the East Coast and create lasting memories on this unforgettable train adventure.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard Services: Amtrak offers a variety of catering services on the long-distance trains from Los Angeles to Washington, primarily through its Amtrak dining cars. You can enjoy freshly prepared meals, snacks, and beverages all day. In First Class, meals are included, while Business Class and Economy have a café car with lighter snack options available for purchase.
Seating Options: Amtrak provides several seating classes on this route. You can choose from First Class, which offers spacious seating and complimentary meals, Business Class, featuring extra legroom and priority boarding, or Economy Class, which is budget-friendly with comfortable seating. Ensure to book early as First and Business Class can fill up quickly.
Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Washington Union Station, you will find a large, bustling hub. It's important to know that Union Station does provide luggage storage services at the baggage check, allowing you to explore the city without dragging your bags along. There are also restrooms available, although showers are not provided. After exiting the train, follow the signs to the main concourse for easy navigation.
🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to Washington is convenient and efficient with a direct flight. The quickest option takes approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes, making it a relatively short journey across the country.
💸 Prices for flights between Los Angeles and Washington can vary, with tickets typically ranging from $151 to $483. Planning ahead and booking early can help secure the best deals for your journey between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Reagan Washington Airport
🚌 The bus journey from Los Angeles to Washington by Greyhound USA and Flixbus USA involves transfers at Dallas Bus Station and Atlanta Bus Station, with a total travel time of approximately 2 days and 14 hours.
🚌 Ticket prices for the bus between Los Angeles and Washington can vary from $248 to $660, offering flexibility for budget-conscious travelers or those seeking additional comfort and amenities during their trip.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your bus trip from Los Angeles to Washington, consider both Greyhound USA and FlixBus USA for the best schedules and prices; check their websites at greyhound.com and flixbus.com respectively for current fares and travel times.
• During your layovers in Dallas and Atlanta, look for local food options; both cities have vibrant culinary scenes, so give yourself enough time to grab a bite before your next leg of the journey.
• Upon arriving at Washington Union Station, familiarize yourself with the station layout; it’s a bustling hub with various transport options available including Metro, Amtrak, and bus services, as well as dining and shopping, which you can explore through this map: unionstationdc.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Washington.
Or choose the category:
The distance between Los Angeles and Washington is 2308 miles or 2664.1 miles by road. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately to reach Washington from Los Angeles. By combining a flight from Los Angeles to Baltimore and then taking a train, the travel time is 7 hours and 42 minutes. Alternatively, a direct flight from Los Angeles to Washington takes about 6 hours and 50 minutes. Driving by car would take approximately 42 hours and 1 minute. The travel time by bus is not specified.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Los Angeles to Washington is by flying. It costs between $110-$490 and takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes. This is the quickest way to reach Washington from Los Angeles. There are various airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, providing convenience and saving time compared to other modes of transportation.
The prices of a train ticket between Los Angeles and Washington can range from $129 to $872, depending on factors such as the class of service and flexibility of the ticket. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Washington and Los Angeles can vary from $303 to $591, depending on the specific bus company and the time of travel. It's important to check for any discounts or promotional fares that may be available to get the best deal when planning your trip.
To get from Los Angeles to Washington without using public transportation, you can drive the entire distance. The driving distance between Los Angeles and Washington is approximately 2664 miles and it takes around 42 hours to drive non-stop. However, please note that the prices to rent a car and the cost of gas may vary, ranging from $480 to $700, depending on the vehicle and current fuel prices.
The best way to travel from Los Angeles to Washington without a car is by taking a bus. The bus journey typically takes around 2 days and 13 hours, and the cost is usually between $300 and $600. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 6 hours and 50 minutes, with fares ranging from $120 to $480. There is also the possibility of taking a train via New Orleans, which takes approximately 3 days and costs between $120 and $900.
Yes, there are indirect transportation options available between Los Angeles and Washington but there is no direct link. The train journey from Los Angeles to Washington Union Station includes transfers and takes approximately 3 days. Similarly, the bus journey involves transfers and takes approximately 2 days and 13 hours. Both options are operated by Amtrak and Greyhound USA respectively.
The flight between Los Angeles and Washington typically takes around 4 hours and 54 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary, ranging from $121 to $473, depending on factors such as the airline and time of booking. It is advisable to check for current prices and availability when planning your travel.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in Washington. With over 1,297 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices begin at $63 per night, ensuring that there are options available for different budgets. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly option, you are likely to find a suitable place to stay near Washington.
Trips from Los Angeles
- Los Angeles to Irvine
- Los Angeles to Long Beach
- Los Angeles to Tijuana
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to Ojai
- Los Angeles to Riverside
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo
- Los Angeles to San Bernardino
- Los Angeles to San Antonio
- Los Angeles to Oakland
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- Los Angeles to San Jose
- Los Angeles to Sacramento
- Los Angeles to Anaheim
- Los Angeles to Fresno
- Los Angeles to Portland
- Los Angeles to Miami
- Los Angeles to Orlando
- Los Angeles to Guadalajara
- Los Angeles to Vancouver
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to New York City
- Los Angeles to Chicago
- Los Angeles to Palm Springs
- Los Angeles to Houston
- Los Angeles to Jackson
- Los Angeles to Knoxville
- Los Angeles to Morelia
- Los Angeles to Malibu
- Los Angeles to Bakersfield
- Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park
- Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe
- Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Sydney
- Los Angeles to El Paso
- Los Angeles to Moscow
- Los Angeles to GUAM
Trips to Washington
- Manassas to Washington
- Denver to Washington
- Providence to Washington
- Nashville to Washington
- Newark to Washington
- Philadelphia to Washington
- Miami to Washington
- Hartford to Washington
- Boston to Washington
- Syracuse to Washington
- Atlantic City to Washington
- Detroit to Washington
- Stamford to Washington
- New York City to Washington
- Blacksburg to Washington
- Raleigh to Washington
- Charlotte to Washington
- New Haven to Washington
- Greensboro to Washington
- Chicago to Washington
- Fairfax to Washington
- Atlanta to Washington
- Norfolk to Washington
- State College to Washington
- Baltimore to Washington
- Austin to Washington
- Phoenix to Washington
- Las Vegas to Washington
- Alexandria to Washington
- Williamsburg to Washington
- Gettysburg to Washington
- Annapolis Junction to Washington
- Richmond to Washington
- Niagara Falls to Washington
- Arlington to Washington
- Roanoke to Washington
- National Harbor to Washington
- Ocean City to Washington
- Fredericksburg to Washington
- Woodbridge to Washington