Getting into Washington DC from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) without a car

In the third iteration of Tools for Getting Around we are looking at how to get to and from Washington DC from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

Terminal B/C, Washington National Airport - CC: Ron Cogswell

Washington DC has 3 airports that pose varying degrees of difficulty for getting into town for your visit. By far, DCA is the easiest airport, closest, and cheapest to get into Washington DC.

Washington National Airport from Metro station - CC: Elvert Barnes

The airport goes by the nicknames Reagan, National, or DCA (which is the airport's IATA code). Why the airport has so many nicknames is a bit of a controversy in and of itself. Up until 1998, it was Washington National Airport - nicknamed National - when Congress renamed it for the 40th President of the United States. Opponents noted that the airport was already named for a President, George Washington. Either way, the renaming was not particularly popular in Washington DC, so many long-time residents still refer to the airport as National - and many prefer to call it DCA.

The airport is the preferred airport for getting downtown for 3 reasons: 1) it is by far the closest airport to downtown Washington, 2) it is the by far the best airport connected by mass transit of the three, and is super-easy and convenient to use, and 3) it is super quick to go from curb to gate - the way the airport is designed means that even the furthest gate is no longer than a 5 minute walk from the curb, and no longer than a 10-12 minute walk from Metro (not including time waiting at security). You can go from your gate at the airport to the Gallery Place/Chinatown metro station in DC as quickly as 25 minutes for just $2.25 (or $2.65 during rush hour).

Public Transit

Once you have departed the secure area, follow signs to Metro. From Terminals B and C, it is a super short walk, from Terminal A, it shouldn't take you longer than 10 minutes. As you can see, the terminal is right next to the Metro station.

Both the Blue and Yellow lines serve the Metro station. If you are looking to catch the red line, catching the Yellow line towards Greenbelt or Mt. Vernon Convention Center is the best option. You can get from the metro station to the Farragut West metro station in 17 minutes.

Cabs and Ride-Sharing

Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing from IAD

Lyft, Uber, or other app-based ride services pick up passengers at the terminal curbs at DCA - specifically where has been shifting because of construction. You will specify the door number you want to be picked up when you request the car. The base fare for UberX or Lyft is about $15 before tipping, if heading to Farragut North; as always, beware of surge pricing. 

Cabs from DCA

The taxi stands are located just outside the baggage claim area - follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi. The stands are near door 2 and door 6. Expect a cab to Farragut Square to cost between $15 to $20.

Other Transportation Options

SuperShuttle remains an option for going to/from the airport - a trip to Farragut Square will cost about $15 and is slower and more expensive than alternative options.

Bottom Line

If you have your choice of airports and are coming to Washington DC, choose DCA. It is one of the most convenient airports in the country, it is super transit friendly, and it's an extremely easy airport to navigate. What more is there to say?