DCA to JFK Route Guide

Washington D.C., United States β†’ New York, United States

Quick answer

KDCA (Washington D.C., United States) to KJFK (New York, United States) is a 185 NM (343 km / 213 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 53Β° (NE). Typical cruise altitude FL80, expected flight time 1h 34m, common aircraft: Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Cirrus SR22.

Distance

185 NM

343 km / 213 mi

Initial Bearing

53Β° (NE)

True heading at departure

Typical Cruise

FL80

8,000 ft

Block Time

1h 34m

Typical jet, no wind correction

Fuel Estimate

2,055 kg

Single-aisle equivalent + reserve

Departure Elevation

15 ft

KDCA

Arrival Elevation

13 ft

KJFK

What aircraft fly this route?

For a 185 NM mission, operators typically deploy:

  • Cessna 172
  • Piper PA-28
  • Cirrus SR22
  • King Air 200

Weather considerations

Pilots flying DCA-JFK should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance between DCA and JFK?

185 nautical miles (343 km / 213 statute miles) great-circle.

How long is the flight from Washington D.C. to New York?

Approximately 1h 34m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.

What aircraft typically fly DCA-JFK?

Common types include Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, Cirrus SR22, King Air 200 depending on operator and demand.

What altitude do flights cruise at?

Most flights at this distance cruise around FL80 (8,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.

What initial heading is the route?

53Β° true (NE). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.

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