You’d think a flight between two major world capitals would be a straightforward, boring hop. But honestly? Getting flights from washington to toronto can be a total headache if you don’t know which airport combinations actually work for your schedule.
I’ve seen people book the "cheapest" flight only to realize they’re landing an hour outside the city or spending four hours in a security line at Dulles when they could’ve been sipping a cocktail in Liberty Village by then.
The Airport Identity Crisis: DCA, IAD, or BWI?
Washington doesn’t make it easy. You have three choices, and your decision changes everything about your morning.
Ronald Reagan National (DCA) is the crown jewel for convenience. It’s basically in the city. You can take the Metro, hop off, and be at your gate in twenty minutes. If you’re flying to Toronto Pearson (YYZ), this is usually your best bet. Air Canada and American Airlines run this route like a shuttle service.
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Then there’s Dulles (IAD). Look, I love the architecture, but it’s out there. Unless you live in Reston or Loudoun County, it’s a trek. However, Dulles is often where you’ll find the more "diverse" flight times and sometimes better prices on United.
And BWI? Don't. Just don't. Unless you find a deal that saves you $300 (unlikely), the drive to Baltimore and the potential for connections makes it a non-starter for a trip this short.
Why Billy Bishop is the Secret Move
If you hate the soul-crushing experience of Pearson International, you need to look for flights into Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
Porter Airlines flies there from Dulles. It is a tiny airport on an island right next to downtown Toronto. You land, you take a quick pedestrian tunnel or a 90-second ferry, and you are literally at the foot of Bathurst Street. No $60 Uber from Mississauga. No hour-long UP Express ride.
The Reality of Pricing in 2026
Prices fluctuate wildly. One day it's $180 round-trip; the next, it’s $650 because a tech conference is happening at the Enercare Centre.
Based on current data for early 2026:
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- Cheapest days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are still the winners.
- The "March Surprise": March is historically one of the most affordable months to fly this route.
- Booking window: Don't wait. If you’re less than 30 days out, you’re going to pay a "procrastination tax." Aim for the 6-to-8-week sweet spot.
Honestly, if you see a direct flight for under $250, just book it. Don't play chicken with the algorithms.
Airlines: The Good, the Bad, and the Mid
Air Canada is the dominant player. They fly out of both DCA and IAD. They’ve got decent snacks, but the regional jets (CRJ-900s) can feel a bit like a flying tube of Pringles if you're over six feet tall.
United is solid if you have status, mostly because they fly those same routes but often have slightly better punctuality records at Dulles.
Porter is the "vibe" choice. Free beer and wine in real glassware? Yes, please. They use De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops. They're loud, they're "old school," but the service is actually human.
American Airlines is your Oneworld option. They run a couple of flights a day from DCA. It’s fine. It’s a plane. It gets you there.
Clearing Customs: The Pre-clearance Perk
Here is the best part about flying back from Toronto to Washington. You do US Customs and Border Protection in Toronto.
You show up at Pearson or Billy Bishop, go through US immigration there, and when you land at DCA or Dulles, you just walk off the plane like it was a domestic flight. No lines. No waiting for a bag behind 400 people coming from London.
Pro Tip: If you have NEXUS, use it. The lines for "regular" security at Pearson can be legendary (and not in a good way).
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What You Actually Need to Pack (Documents-wise)
Since it’s an international hop, you need the blue book.
- Valid Passport: Make sure it doesn’t expire within six months. Canada is usually chill, but airlines can be sticklers.
- NEXUS/Global Entry: If you have it, bring the physical card.
- eTA: If you aren't a US or Canadian citizen, you likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization. It costs about seven bucks and takes minutes, but if you forget it, you aren't getting on that plane.
Making the Most of the 90-Minute Flight
The actual flight time is barely enough to finish a movie. It’s usually about 1 hour and 30 minutes of "wheels up to wheels down."
If you’re sitting on the right side of the plane flying into Billy Bishop, the view of the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline is one of the best in aviation. Seriously, keep your camera out.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Check Billy Bishop (YTZ) first. If the price is within $50 of Pearson (YYZ), take it. The time you save on the ground is worth way more than fifty bucks.
- Fly out of DCA if you can. The proximity to DC saves you time and stress.
- Download the ArriveCAN app. While it's not always "mandatory" for every single traveler in the way it used to be, having your info pre-loaded can speed up the kiosk process if you don't have NEXUS.
- Book a morning flight. Morning flights have a significantly higher "on-time" percentage. Evening flights on this route are notorious for "trickle-down" delays from New York air traffic.
Forget the long drive through Pennsylvania and New York. The 8-hour slog through the mountains isn't worth it when you can be in the Distillery District in under two hours.
Check your passport, grab a window seat, and enjoy the hop.