Flying from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN): What you need to know
Start planning your trip by looking up the best departure point for your flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN). Explore your options for leaving from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), the city's main airports.
Hop on a direct Washington DC to Denver International Airport flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 4 hours 10 minutes.
Denver International Airport is located in Denver. The city is in the UTC-7 timezone and is two hours behind Washington DC.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Denver International Airport (DEN) is the most popular route. There are 12 direct flights a week to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, hop on the last flight with Frontier Airlines at 6pm. Opt for the first DCA to DEN departure operated by Frontier Airlines at 7am if you'd rather get going earlier.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your flight from Washington DC to DEN.
If you're flying during a peak month like July, arrive at the terminal even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Expect lines to be longer during high seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) provides a hassle-free way to reach your destination. Nonstop flights from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN) operate out of this terminal.
You can get away on a direct flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport with United Airlines. This well-known airline operates departures from DCA.
The airline most travellers choose when flying between DCA and DEN is United.
Frontier Airlines is the most punctual carrier on this route.
Travelling from central Washington DC to DCA takes about 25 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a taxi, you'll cover the 6 kilometres in 10 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your travels? Stay near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of the flights that depart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, 71% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
DCA's address is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Looking to fly out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)? Direct Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN) plane tickets are available from this popular hub.
Get on your direct flight from Washington DC to DEN with United Airlines. This is one of the main carriers flying this route out of IAD.
On the IAD to DEN route, United is the preferred choice for many passengers.
Flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and Denver International Airport are more likely to stay on schedule with United than with any other carrier.
IAD is around 40 kilometres from central Washington DC. It'll take you 45 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Catching the earliest flight? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Washington Dulles International Airport the day before your Washington DC to DEN flight:
Washington Dulles International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77%. This figure provides insight into how often flights that leave from this airport land on time.
IAD is located at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI)
One flight, no fuss. You can book a direct flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport departing from Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI).
Sail through the skies with any of these airlines that offer direct Washington DC to DEN plane tickets from BWI:
The most frequently booked airline between BWI and DEN is Southwest Airlines.
The carrier with the top on-time arrival rate on this route is United.
BWI is roughly 48 kilometres from central Washington DC. The drive from the city centre to the airport takes about 40 minutes. If you're planning to take public transport, you can expect a journey of around 50 minutes.
Skip the rush on your departure day — stay near Baltimore Washington International Airport and know you'll make it to your boarding gate with time to spare. Check in to one of these hotels the day before if you have an early Washington DC to Denver International Airport flight:
Flights that depart from BWI arrive at their destination within the expected time frame 77% of the time.
About Denver International Airport (DEN)
Consider staying at Baymont by Wyndham Denver International Airport after your flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport. It's not too far from DEN and a great option if you'd like to relax as soon as possible.
Booking your vehicle around one week in advance of your Washington DC to Denver International Airport flight can help you secure the lowest rate.
DEN is located at 8500 Pena Boulevard.
Getting from Denver International Airport (DEN) to central Denver
Central Denver is around 40 kilometres from Denver International Airport and takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. See what your options are for getting into town, whether that's with a taxi, car hire or ride-share.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 35 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN)
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Washington DC to Denver International Airport is $109. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $297. Depending on the availability and when you book, these fares may change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Washington DC to DEN if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
Affordable Washington DC to Denver International Airport tickets are easier to find if you're not locked into specific dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to compare fares across every month and then fly out on the cheapest day.
Spend less time searching for cheap plane tickets from Washington DC to DEN by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Find an affordable flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport by using filters. Select your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN)
July is when most people book flights from Washington DC to Denver International Airport (DEN). Visit Denver in December for a quieter experience.
The warmest month in Denver is July, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF). Lock in your Washington DC to DEN plane ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Search for cheap tickets from Washington DC to Denver International Airport in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -9ºC (16ºF) and 7ºC (45ºF).
More about Denver
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Denver right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Washington DC to Denver International Airport:
Denver Art Museum and Meow Wolf Denver's Convergence Station are a couple of top attractions to add to your Denver itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Ballpark.
Explore more of the United States
Colorado Springs is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be explored after you've experienced Denver. Around 113 kilometres away to the south, its best attractions include Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak Region Attractions and Red Rock Canyon.
If you're interested in discovering another corner of the United States, consider Pueblo, about 177 kilometres south of Denver. Rosemount Museum, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and Sangre de Cristo Arts & Conference Centre are key highlights.