Boston (BOS) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) is about 400 miles and typically takes 1 h 20 min by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
BOS to DCA at a glance
| Route | Boston (BOS) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 400 miles / 640 km |
| Typical flight time | 1 h 20 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | None |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways |
About the Boston to Washington, D.C. route
This short route links Boston (BOS) and Washington, D.C. (DCA) in about 1 h 20 min of block time. When the distance is small, delays at either airport can outweigh the flight itself.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 1 h 20 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 05 min to 1 h 50 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 400 miles (640 km), not a published schedule.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, BOS to DCA is longer than about 6% of them.
For comparison, Boston to Philadelphia (BOS to PHL) is about 280 miles, so Washington, D.C. is a bit farther out from BOS.
The airports
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Logan is only a few minutes by water or road from downtown Boston. Full BOS guide.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Reagan National is the closest airport to downtown Washington and sits just across the Potomac River. Full DCA guide.
Nearby alternatives: around Boston, Providence; and around Washington, D.C., Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both BOS and DCA. American Airlines (at DCA), Delta Air Lines (at BOS), and JetBlue Airways (at BOS) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Best time to fly
Timing matters here. At DCA, congress's schedule and cherry blossom season in late March and April push prices up. At BOS, winter nor'easters and summer fog are the main causes of delays.
Ground transport
Getting to and from BOS
The MBTA Blue Line and Silver Line buses connect Logan to downtown, and a water shuttle links the terminals to the Seaport.
Getting to and from DCA
The Metro Blue and Yellow lines stop at the terminal and reach central Washington in minutes.
Booking tips
Many travelers on Boston to Washington, D.C. fly midweek for work, which can make Tuesday and Wednesday busier than you might expect. Compare departures across the day on our cheap-flights checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Boston to Washington, D.C.?
A typical BOS to DCA flight takes about 1 h 20 min, with a likely range of 1 h 05 min to 1 h 50 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Washington, D.C. from Boston by air?
The great-circle distance between BOS and DCA is about 400 miles (640 km).
Which airlines fly from Boston to Washington, D.C.?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways have a major presence at BOS or DCA, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
Are there other airports near Boston?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Providence. Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book BOS to DCA?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Boston (BOS)
- Atlanta to BostonATL to BOS
- Boston to CharlotteBOS to CLT
- Boston to DetroitBOS to DTW
- Boston to Las VegasBOS to LAS
- Boston to LondonBOS to LHR
- Boston to Los AngelesBOS to LAX
More flights involving Washington, D.C. (DCA)
- Chicago to Washington, D.C.ORD to DCA
- Dallas to Washington, D.C.DFW to DCA
- Miami to Washington, D.C.MIA to DCA
- New York to Washington, D.C.LGA to DCA
- Washington, D.C. to CharlotteDCA to CLT
- Washington, D.C. to Los AngelesDCA to LAX
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.