Nonstop Flights From Washington D.C. To The Caribbean

The Caribbean has long cemented its place atop the list of dream destinations thanks to its idyllic island escapes. In 2022 alone, as reported by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the region witnessed a remarkable influx of American tourists, with a record 14.6 million visitors enjoying its turquoise waters, palm tree-lined beaches, and lush tropical forests. The same report notes that over half of its total visitors were Americans (at least in 2021) — a clear indication of its growing popularity as a go-to vacation spot for U.S. travelers.

However, this trend is hardly surprising, given the Caribbean's proximity to the United States, especially for those residing on the East Coast. It's like having a tropical paradise right in your backyard. Access to the islands has been bolstered by an increasing number of nonstop flights, effectively eliminating the stress of missed connections and navigating through chaotic airports. All it takes is a single flight to reach your choice of island sanctuary. For those living in Washington D.C., major U.S. airlines like United and Southwest offer direct flights to 10 Caribbean destinations.

Whether you want an unforgettable vacation in Aruba, Cancún (which, indeed, is technically part of the Caribbean), or perhaps Turks and Caicos, here are the nonstop flights you can take straight from the nation's capital. This curated list features information on airlines offering direct flights, expected flight times to each destination, and the airports of departure — particularly Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).

United Airlines

United Airlines, by far, has the highest number of direct flights from Washington D.C. to the Caribbean, totaling 10 options. With flights jetting out of IAD, you can head straight to a handful of Caribbean destinations, including Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), Lynden Pindling International Airport (NAS), Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), Cyril E. King Airport (STT), Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and Providenciales International Airport (PLS).

• Aruba – 4 hours, 25 minutes (IAD-AUA)
• Bahamas – 2 hours, 50 minutes (IAD-NAS)
• Cancún – 3 hours, 50 minutes (IAD-CUN)
• Cayman Islands – 3 hours, 40 minutes (IAD-GCM)
• Dominican Republic – 3 hours, 45 minutes (IAD-PUJ)
• Jamaica – 3 hours, 35 minutes (IAD-MBJ)
• Puerto Rico – 3 hours, 46 minutes (IAD-SJU)
• Saint Thomas – 3 hours, 55 minutes (IAD – STT)
• Sint Maarten – 4 hours, 10 minutes (IAD-SXM)
• Turks and Caicos – 3 hours, 15 minutes (IAD-PLS)

Southwest Airlines

Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines, which operates from BWI, can fly straight to Cancún International Airport (CUN), Punta Cana Airport (PUJ), Sangster International Airport (MBJ), and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).

• Aruba – 4 hours, 30 minutes (BWI-AUA)
• Bahamas – 2 hours, 40 minutes (BWI-NAS)
• Cancún – 3 hours, 50 minutes (BWI-CUN)
• Dominican Republic – 3 hours, 50-55 minutes (BWI-PUJ)
• Jamaica – 3 hours, 30-40 minutes (BWI-MBJ)
• Puerto Rico – 4 hours (BWI-SJU)

While United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have more options for direct flights to the Caribbean, you don't necessarily have to stick to them. Other major airlines like American Airlines and JetBlue also offer some flights to the Caribbean from DCA, although they're only limited to the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Budget airlines, particularly Frontier and Spirit, both of which fly from BWI, have direct flights from Washington D.C. to Cancún and Puerto Rico as well. At the end of the day, it all boils down to your budget and the airport you want to fly out of.

American Airlines

• Bahamas – 2 hours, 47-59 minutes (DCA-NAS)

JetBlue

• Puerto Rico – 3 hours, 43 minutes (DCA-SJU)

Frontier

• Cancún – 4 hours, 5 minutes (BWI-CUN)
• Puerto Rico – 3 hours, 58 minutes (BWI-SJU)

Spirit

• Cancún – 3 hours, 54 minutes (BWI-CUN)
• Puerto Rico – 3 hours, 52 minutes (BWI-SJU)