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Airport Transportation

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Also known as: DCA Airport, Reagan Airport, Reagan National Airport, National Airport. Formerly Washington National Airport.

DCA · KDCA · Washington

Airport facts

Name
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
IATA code
DCA
ICAO code
KDCA
City
Washington
Country
United States of America
Address
2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington, VA 22202, United States
Coordinates
38.8522, -77.0378
Time zone
America/New_York
Terminals
Two terminals that are not connected after security. Terminal 1, the original 1941 building, has gates 1 to 9 and is used by Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada. Terminal 2, opened in 1997, has Concourses B, C, D and E (gates 10 to 59), joined by National Hall, and is used by American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. The Metrorail station connects directly to Terminal 2.

About Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to downtown Washington, D.C., in the United States. It stands on the west bank of the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia, next to Crystal City and National Landing, about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown and about 4 miles from the U.S. Capitol. By car, the city center is usually 15 to 30 minutes away, depending on traffic.

American Airlines runs its largest operation here and carries more than half of the airport's passengers, followed by Southwest, Delta, United and JetBlue. Most flights are domestic and fall within a 1,250-mile perimeter set by federal law, with a limited number of exemptions to the West Coast, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and San Juan. International flights come only from airports with U.S. preclearance, mainly Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Nassau.

The airport has two terminals: the historic Terminal 1 and the larger Terminal 2, which is linked directly to the Metrorail station.

From the airport, most travelers head to downtown Washington and the National Mall, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, the offices and hotels of Arlington, and Old Town Alexandria just to the south.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)

Opened

June 16, 1941

Runways

Three; the main runway, 1/19, is 7,169 ft (2,185 m) long

Passengers per year

About 24.9 million in 2025, after a record 26.3 million in 2024

Flight limits

A federal 1,250-mile perimeter rule, with a limited number of beyond-perimeter exemptions

Arrival tips for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Almost every flight into Reagan National is domestic, so there is no immigration or customs on arrival. Flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Nassau and other preclearance airports have already cleared U.S. immigration and customs before departure, and arrive like domestic flights.

Check which terminal you land at. Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada use Terminal 1; American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United use Terminal 2. The two are separate after security, but connected before it by an indoor walkway and the airport shuttle bus.

Baggage claim is on the arrivals level of each terminal; in Terminal 2 it is the lower level, and the screens show which carousel has your flight. Baggage carts are available for rent near the carousels. The airport suggests baggage claim as the place to meet anyone collecting you.

Outside, taxis leave from marked stands: in Terminal 1, turn right out of baggage claim; in Terminal 2, use Doors 5 or 6. Ride-app pickups are on the outer curb, and the Metro station is reached from Terminal 2's upper concourse level. Only accept rides you booked yourself or through an app.

Washington is on Eastern Time.

Ground transportation

Metrorail is the cheapest way into the city if you travel light; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage, children or a late arrival.

  • Metro from Reagan National

    The Blue and Yellow lines stop at an elevated station connected to Terminal 2 by two enclosed bridges; from Terminal 1, take the indoor walkway or the airport shuttle. It reaches downtown Washington, Arlington and Alexandria, but means carrying your bags through stations.

  • Taxi from DCA

    Dispatchers run first-come, first-served taxi stands outside baggage claim: turn right in Terminal 1, or use Doors 5 or 6 in Terminal 2. Taxis are metered and take cash or cards.

  • Uber and Lyft

    Ride-app pickups are on the outer curb, at Terminal 2's baggage claim level (Zones 1 to 4) and on the third curb level at Terminal 1. Pickup zones can be busy at peak times.

  • Rental cars

    Rental car companies operate from the Rental Car Center, reached by the free Rental Car / Garage Parking shuttle. Driving and parking in central Washington can be slow and costly.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you at baggage claim and drives you door to door, which suits families, groups and travelers with luggage.

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Moving between terminals

Terminals 1 and 2 are not connected after security, so changing terminals means clearing security again.

  1. Walking

    An indoor walkway links Terminal 1 with Terminal 2 and the Metro station on the landside, before security.

  2. Airport shuttle bus

    The free Rental Car / Garage Parking shuttle runs 24 hours a day between the terminals, Parking 1, Parking 2 and the Rental Car Center.

Terminals

Terminal 1

The original terminal, with gates 1 to 9, used by Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada. It connects to Terminal 2 and the Metro station by an indoor walkway and the airport shuttle bus.

Terminal 2

The main terminal, with Concourses B, C, D and E joined by National Hall, used by American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United. Two enclosed bridges link it to the Metrorail station.

Airlines and destinations

Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada use Terminal 1; American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United use Terminal 2. Some routes are seasonal.

Air Canada T1

Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto (operated as Air Canada Express)

Alaska Airlines T2

Los Angeles, Portland (OR), San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle

American Airlines T2

Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Nassau, New York LaGuardia, Orlando, Phoenix, Toronto and more

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines T2

Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Nashville, New York JFK, New York LaGuardia, Orlando, Raleigh/Durham, Salt Lake City, Seattle and more

Frontier Airlines T1

Denver

JetBlue T2

Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, New York JFK, Orlando, San Juan, West Palm Beach

Southwest Airlines T1

Atlanta, Austin, Chicago Midway, Columbus, Dallas Love Field, Fort Lauderdale, Houston Hobby, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, St. Louis, Tampa and more

United Airlines T2

Chicago O'Hare, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Newark, San Francisco

Facilities

  • Free Wi-Fi

    Free Wi-Fi is available in both terminals on the "#DCA Free WiFi" network.

  • Information desks

    Travelers Aid volunteers staff information desks around the airport, and kiosks show flight status and gate locations.

  • Baggage carts

    Rental carts are in the parking garages, on the departures curb and next to the baggage claim carousels in both terminals.

  • Nursing rooms

    Terminal 1 has rooms before and after security; Terminal 2 has rooms in National Hall near the B and D gates and near the E gates.

  • Kids play space

    Curiosity Runway, a children's play area, is in National Hall near the north security checkpoint exit.

  • Interfaith Chapel

    Always open, at the south end of Terminal 2 across from Gates B10 to B22.

  • Pet relief areas

    Relief areas are outside the terminals and after security near Gate E58 and in Terminal 1.

  • Charging stations

    Charging points for phones and laptops are spread through the gate areas.

  • Art and exhibits

    Terminal 2's National Hall has public art and a Smithsonian Store; Terminal 1 has an Exhibit Hall with rotating exhibits in its historic building.

Airport lounges

  • Admirals Club, Terminal 2

    American Airlines lounges near Gates C23 to C34 and Gates E46 to E48; the club near Gates D35 to D45 is temporarily closed for renovations. Access follows American's rules.

  • Delta Sky Club, Terminal 2

    Near Gates B10 to B22, for eligible Delta and partner passengers and members.

  • United Club, Terminal 2

    Across from Gate B11, for eligible United passengers and members.

  • Centurion Lounge, Terminal 2

    American Express lounge near Gates B15 to B22, opened in 2024, for eligible cardholders.

  • USO Lounge, Terminal 1

    Before security, next to Lost and Found, for active and retired military members and their families.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Tell your airline in advance that you need a wheelchair; you can also ask any airline or Skycap staff at the terminal.

  • Reduced mobility

    Airport shuttle buses have wheelchair lifts, accessible parking is in the garages and Economy Lot, and wheelchair-accessible taxis can be requested from dispatch at least 24 hours ahead.

  • Hearing and visual support

    TTY units are placed through Terminal 2, elevators have raised Braille buttons, and shuttle buses make audible announcements.

  • Service animals

    Relief areas are outside the terminals and after security near Gate E58 and in Terminal 1.

  • Sunflower lanyards

    Travelers with hidden disabilities can collect a Sunflower lanyard at the information desks at the security checkpoints, Terminal 2 Baggage Claims 6 and 10, and Terminal 1 Baggage Claim 2.

Parking

Free shuttle buses run 24 hours a day between the terminals and every on-airport parking facility. Rates and reservations are on the airport's website.

Parking 1

The garage for Terminal 1 (Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada), with an indoor connection to the terminal.

Parking 2

The garage for Terminal 2 (American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United), in North and South sections with indoor connections to the terminal.

Economy Lot

Lower-cost parking for all airlines, linked to the terminals by the Economy shuttle bus. Its capacity is reduced during construction expected to run into 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Reagan National Airport from downtown Washington, D.C.?

Reagan National is about 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Washington and about 4 miles from the U.S. Capitol. It sits across the Potomac River in Arlington, Virginia. By car the trip usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and Metrorail's Blue and Yellow lines run from the airport station into the city.

Is Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. or Virginia?

The airport is in Arlington County, Virginia, on the west bank of the Potomac River, next to Crystal City and National Landing. It is run by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and is the closest airport to the center of Washington, D.C., which lies just across the river to the north.

Which terminal does my airline use at DCA?

Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada use Terminal 1, the original 1941 building with gates 1 to 9. American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United use Terminal 2, with Concourses B, C, D and E. Check your booking or the airline's app before you fly, because the two terminals are not connected after security.

How do I get between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Reagan National?

Walk the indoor walkway on the landside or take the free airport shuttle bus, which runs 24 hours a day between the terminals and the parking garages. The terminals are not connected after security, so if you change terminals for a connecting flight you have to go through a security checkpoint again.

Is there a Metro station at Reagan National Airport?

Yes. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station, on the Blue and Yellow lines, is an elevated station next to Terminal 2, linked to its concourse level by two enclosed pedestrian bridges. From Terminal 1, take the indoor walkway or the airport shuttle bus to reach it. Elevators serve the platform.

Does Reagan National have international flights?

Only from airports with U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance, because DCA has no immigration or customs facilities. Flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Nassau, among others, clear U.S. immigration and customs before departure and arrive at Reagan National as domestic flights. Most other international travelers to Washington fly into Dulles or BWI.

What is the perimeter rule at Reagan National?

Federal law limits most nonstop flights from Reagan National to airports within 1,250 miles. Congress and the Department of Transportation have granted a limited number of exemptions, which is why you can fly nonstop to cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and San Juan from DCA.

Where is the taxi stand at Reagan National Airport?

In Terminal 1, exit the baggage claim doors and turn right; taxis wait at the curb closest to the terminal. In Terminal 2, go to the lower baggage claim level and walk to Doors 5 or 6, where the taxi dispatch area is marked. Taxis are metered, first come, first served, and take cash or credit cards.

Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at DCA?

At Terminal 2, ride-app pickups are on the outer curb of the baggage claim (arrivals) level; choose Zone 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the app. At Terminal 1, meet your ride on the outer curb of the third curb level. There is also a ride-app pickup point across from the Rental Car shuttle shelter on National Avenue.

Where do I pick up a rental car at Reagan National?

Rental cars are collected at the Rental Car Center. Take the free Rental Car / Garage Parking shuttle bus, which runs 24 hours a day from both terminals; in Terminal 2 the shuttle stops on the baggage claim level. Some companies offer cars with hand controls if you reserve ahead.

Which lounges are at Reagan National Airport?

Terminal 2 has American Airlines Admirals Clubs near the C and E gates, a Delta Sky Club and a United Club near the B gates, and an American Express Centurion Lounge near Gates B15 to B22. Terminal 1 has a USO lounge before security for military members and their families. Check each operator's rules for access.

Where should I meet someone arriving at Reagan National?

The airport suggests baggage claim as the meeting place in both terminals. Check the arrival screens to see which carousel your traveler's bags are assigned to. Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada passengers arrive at Terminal 1; American, Alaska, Delta, JetBlue and United passengers arrive at Terminal 2.

How early should I arrive at Reagan National for my flight?

The airport recommends arriving 2 hours before a domestic flight, or following your airline's advice. Terminal 2 checkpoints generally open at 4:00 a.m. and Terminal 1's at 4:30 a.m. Every checkpoint has a TSA PreCheck lane. Bring a REAL ID-compliant license or a passport for security.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

Book a transfer from DCA