Overview
Spokane sits in the far east of Washington State, close to the Idaho border, and makes a relaxed, good-value base for exploring the Inland Northwest. It is a walkable city built around the Spokane River and its thundering falls, with a lively downtown, an easy pace and the lakes and mountains of the Rockies' western fringe on the doorstep. For UK travellers it is an appealing, quieter alternative to the busier gateways of Seattle or Portland.
Best time to fly to Spokane
Summer (June to September) is the highlight: warm, dry days often in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius, blue skies and long light evenings that are perfect for the parks and nearby lakes. Late spring and early autumn are calmer and better value while still pleasant. Winters are cold and snowy, which suits skiers heading for Mount Spokane but makes general sightseeing chilly. For the best mix of weather and fares, aim for May, September or early October and check the price charts on this page.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Spokane, so you will connect at least once. The smoothest option is usually a nonstop from London to Seattle with British Airways, Virgin Atlantic or Delta (around 9 to 10 hours), then a short one-hour hop to Spokane with Alaska Airlines or Delta. Alternatively, United, American and Delta route through hubs such as Newark, Chicago, Dallas or Salt Lake City. Expect roughly 13 to 16 hours in total, including the layover. From Manchester and other regional airports you will normally add a European or US connection.
Things to do in Spokane
Most highlights are within a short walk or drive of downtown.
- Riverfront Park: The 100-acre heart of the city, created for the 1974 World Fair, with gardens, footbridges and the restored 1909 Looff Carrousel.
- Spokane Falls and the SkyRide: A gondola that glides right over the roaring falls, at their most dramatic during the spring snowmelt.
- Manito Park: Free formal gardens including a Japanese garden, rose beds and a Victorian-style conservatory.
- Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture: Regional history and Plateau Native American collections in the leafy Browne's Addition district.
- Lake Coeur d'Alene: A scenic 40-minute drive into Idaho for lake cruises, beaches and forest trails.
At Spokane International Airport (GEG)
GEG is a compact, easy-to-navigate airport about 5 miles (8 km) south-west of downtown. Taxis and ride-hailing take around 15 minutes into the centre; Spokane Transit route 60 runs to the downtown Plaza for a low flat fare. All the major car hire firms have desks at the terminal, which is useful if you plan to tour the lakes, the Palouse or the national parks further east.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Spokane
- Book roughly two to five months ahead for the best choice of connections; last-minute transatlantic fares are rarely kind. See the When to book chart above.
- Fly midweek where you can and avoid US school holidays and the run-up to Christmas.
- Keep your dates flexible and compare the Seattle-plus-short-hop routing against one-stop options through Chicago or Dallas.
- Compare airlines individually rather than assuming one alliance is cheapest, and price London departures even if you live outside the South East.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa but must hold an approved ESTA under the Visa Waiver Programme before travelling, valid for stays of up to 90 days. The local currency is the US dollar; budgeting in pounds is straightforward as card payment is accepted almost everywhere. No special vaccinations are required, but comprehensive travel insurance with strong medical cover is essential given the high cost of healthcare in the US.
