Dulles International Airport (IAD) serves 90% of the international passengers within the Baltimore-Washington metropolis. It is situated in Chantilly, Virginia, close to 26 miles (18 km) west of downtown D.C. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest airport within the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. It is located on the west side of London city.
The major carriers from IAD to LHR are Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, and British Airways and others. A direct flight between the two airports covers 3,670 miles.
Some popular layover airports for one-stop flights from Washington to London include Casablanca (CMN), Addis Ababa (ADD) , and Ottawa (YOW) . The longest flight on the route with one diversion takes about 39 hours. The flight takes approximately eight hours and 35 minutes.
At IAD, taxi services are readily available offered by the Washington Flyer, which is the exclusive taxi operator. There are options for ride-sharing including vans that ferry travelers to and from the Washington Metropolis. One can also use the D.C. metro or the public buses available every 15 to 20 minutes.
IAD has several parking options, including two daily garages, four economy lots, and one hourly lot. Free shuttle buses are available to ferry passengers to the airport section from the parking lots. Travelers can enjoy fast transport between the four airport concourses using the speedy aerotrain. There are also mobile lounges and plane mates which save passengers the tarmac walk to the plane.
There are numerous public and private transport options from LHR to London City center. The Heathrow Express is the quickest option with trains departing every 15 minutes. Travelers can also take the bus to any of the airport’s four public terminals.
Ride-sharing services are easily accessible through mobile apps, as well. Taxi and car rental services are readily available outside each of LHR’s terminals. There are parking options for short stay, business hours, and long-stay.
Travelers should have identification documents, such as a passport valid for not less than six months.
One can drive through London using their American driving license or any other if it is in English. If one’s driving license is in a foreign language, however, they should have an international driver's license.
London is five hours ahead of Washington. Both cities have close to average temperatures, although London is generally colder. London’s hottest month is August while the coldest is January when snow might fall, but on rare occasions. The city’s weather is nonetheless known to be quite unpredictable with alternating shades of sunshine and rainfall.
May to mid-September is usually a perfect time to travel to London. December is also a high-season in London because of holiday activities and the shopping rush. November and January through to March are off-season months. Harsh winter weather and heavy rains are frequent during the low season.
The primary currency in London is the Pound Sterling. Travelers should buy the pound from any currency exchange bureaus available at IAD. Upon arrival, they can also purchase the local currency from LHR’s currency exchange bureaus. The current exchange rate (as of October 2019) is 1 USD = 0.82 Pound Sterling.
American and British English have lots of similarities, and travelers from the US will have little difficulties communicating with Londoners. One difference, however, is that people drive, stand, and walk on the left. Travelers should also know standard eating etiquette. This includes putting the knife and fork in the middle of the plate after finishing a meal.
Hyde Park
It is the largest and most famous park in London. It has both a cultural and historical significance, having hosted numerous protests, demonstrations, and concerts.
Westminister Abbey
It is the political hub of London. Travelers can also visit it to see the world-famous iconic clock tower famously known as ‘Big Ben.’
London Eye
This iconic and giant Ferris wheel offers fantastic views all over the city. It is also lit up during the night to give tourists a breathtaking experience.
BudgetAir.com finds the flight from Washington to London that's right for you. BudgetAir compares hundreds of flights from a range of airlines, regular and low cost carriers, from the United States (United Airlines, American Airlines,) and abroad (Aer Lingus, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, and more).