Lois Larson
Spending the night at an airport doesn't have to be uncomfortable. If you're wondering whether you can sleep at Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., the short answer is yes, but outside of the secure area. While the airport doesn't provide dedicated sleeping areas, padded benches can be found around the airport, and travellers have reported sleeping on the floor, especially near the heat vents for warmth. If you want more comfort, there are several hotels within a 10-minute drive that offer free airport shuttles, and lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping areas | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Informal spots with padded benches can be found around the airport. |
| Overnight stay | The airport is open 24 hours on the landside, but the airside closes overnight. Passengers must stay landside unless they are in transit with a boarding pass. |
| Sleeping tips | Sleeping on the floor near the heat vents or in the rocking chairs in Terminal A is recommended. |
| Nearby hotels | Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Hilton Arlington National Landing, Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City. |
| Dining options | Grab-and-go spots inside the airport, The Diner in Adams Morgan, Bob & Edith's Diner in Arlington. |
| Other amenities | Free Wi-Fi, mobile charging stations, ATMs, baby care rooms, observation areas, spa and wellness services, art and exhibits, lounges. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping areas at Reagan Airport
Washington Reagan Airport (DCA) is located in the middle of an urban centre, so there are plenty of options for sleeping areas, both inside and outside the airport.
Inside the airport
The airport is open 24 hours on the landside, but the airside closes overnight, requiring passengers to stay landside overnight unless they are in transit with a boarding pass. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones inside the airport. However, travellers report sleeping on the floor, especially near the heat vents next to the windows. Some have also suggested that the rocking chairs in Terminal A, off to the side by the windows near the new Dunkin' Donuts, are a good place to sleep. Another suggestion is the walkway between Terminals B and A, as it's more enclosed, less draughty, quiet, and has a good number of power outlets. If you have to sleep before security, there are armchairs by the airline check-in desks, which could be more comfortable than the usual seating.
Outside the airport
If you're looking for more comfort, there are several high-quality hotels near the airport that cater to different budgets and preferences. Some hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Crystal City and Hilton Arlington National Landing, are also near downtown Washington, D.C., making it easy for travellers to do some sightseeing. There are also a few grab-and-go spots inside the airport that stay open late, but for a more fulfilling dining experience, you may need to step outside the terminals. The Diner in Adams Morgan, for example, is a great 24-hour option that serves classic American comfort food.
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Nearby hotels
While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at Reagan National Airport, travellers have reported sleeping on the floor, particularly near the heat vents next to the windows. If you don't fancy sleeping on the floor or in a chair, there are several nearby hotels within a 10-minute drive that offer free airport shuttles.
- Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport
- Hilton Arlington National Landing
- Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City
- Westin Crystal City Reagan National Airport
- Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Navy Yard Riverfront
- Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf
- The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City
- Instrata Pentagon City
- Residence Inn Arlington Capital View Hotel
- Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City National Airport
These hotels offer a range of amenities, such as business centres, fitness facilities, and 24-hour room service, to cater to different budgets and preferences. Many of these hotels also have in-house restaurants that remain open late, making it convenient for travellers who don't want to venture too far for a meal.
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Food and dining options
If you're spending the night at Reagan National Airport, you won't have to worry about going hungry. The airport offers a wide variety of dining options across its terminals, catering to all tastes and budgets.
National Hall is the central hub for dining at Reagan National Airport. Here, you'll find Timber Pizza Co., which serves individual pizzas, hearty salads, and breakfast sandwiches. National Hall is also home to the Grille District, which offers American staples such as salads, burgers (including Impossible Burger patties), local spirits, and beers. For a more upscale dining experience, P.F. Chang's offers a range of Asian dishes, from breakfast to dinner options.
Other dining options at the airport include Capital One Landing, a lounge designed by the José Andrés Group, serving a variety of food and beverages. There's also Lucky Buns, a burger joint with views of the tarmac, and Matsutake Sushi, which offers made-to-order sushi rolls. If you're craving seafood, Legal Sea Foods is a two-story restaurant with modern conveniences like power outlets and a raw bar.
For a quick bite, there are several grab-and-go spots within the airport, including Dos Toros Taqueria, which serves San Francisco-style burritos, and Half Moon Empanadas. You can also find a variety of beverages, such as ales and lagers from Ivy City's solar-powered Atlas Brew Works and coffee from Zeke's Coffee.
If you're looking for a more substantial meal outside the airport, there are several options nearby. The Diner in Adams Morgan is a 24-hour restaurant serving classic American comfort food. Bob & Edith's Diner in Arlington is another great option for all-day breakfast and classic diner favourites.
Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a sit-down meal, or a late-night snack, Reagan National Airport and its surroundings have plenty of dining options to satisfy your appetite.
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Airport lounges
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is one of the three airports serving the Washington metropolitan area and is the closest to the city centre. The airport is open 24 hours on the landside, but the airside closes overnight, requiring passengers to stay landside unless they are in transit with a boarding pass. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, but travellers report sleeping on the floor, especially near the heat vents by the windows.
There are seven airport lounges at DCA, including multiple Admirals Club locations, Delta Sky Club, The Centurion Lounge, and United Club. The Centurion Lounge is accessible with certain AmEx cards, but simply holding one does not guarantee access. The USO lounge is open to active members of the US armed forces, reserves, and guard members, as well as their families. The lounge is equipped with air conditioning, coffee, tea, a snack bar, playing cards, TV, a lost and found, and charging stations.
If you are looking for a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, there are several high-quality hotels near the airport that cater to different budgets and preferences. The Hyatt Regency Crystal City and Hilton Arlington National Landing are comfortable options with excellent amenities and proximity to downtown Washington, D.C. Many hotels offer business centres, fitness facilities, and 24-hour room service. For a quick meal, there are a few grab-and-go spots inside the airport that stay open late, but for a more fulfilling dining experience, you may need to step outside the terminals. The Diner in Adams Morgan is a great 24-hour option for classic American comfort food.
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Things to do
While Washington Reagan Airport (DCA) does not offer dedicated sleeping areas, there are still plenty of things to do and ways to pass the time if you find yourself with an overnight layover. Here are some things to do if you're spending the night at the airport:
- Explore the art and exhibits: The airport features free art displays as part of the DCA Art Program, with permanent and rotating artworks available in each terminal. Learn about the airport's history at the Exhibit Hall in Terminal A or Abingdon Plantation, located between the Terminal A and Terminal B parking garages.
- Relax in a lounge: If you're looking for a more comfortable place to rest, consider purchasing a day pass to one of the airport lounges. AA Admirals Clubs in Terminal B and Terminal C offer day passes for $60, even if you're not a member of their frequent flyer program. Economy class travellers can also pay for access to several airport lounges.
- Dine at the 24-hour eateries: Grab a bite at one of the airport's 24-hour eateries, such as Dunkin' Donuts near Terminal 1 or explore the grab-and-go spots that stay open late. If you're looking for a hot meal, step outside the terminals to The Diner in Adams Morgan or Bob & Edith's Diner in Arlington, which serves all-day breakfast.
- Utilise the airport amenities: Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi ("FlyReagan") and mobile charging stations available throughout the airport. There are also ATMs, currency exchange services, baby care rooms, observation areas with excellent views, and an on-site XpresSpa for pre-flight relaxation.
- Book a nearby hotel: If you prefer a more comfortable sleeping arrangement, consider booking a room at one of the nearby hotels, such as the Hyatt Regency Crystal City or the Hilton Arlington National Landing. These hotels offer complimentary airport shuttle services and are also conveniently located near downtown Washington, D.C., making it easy to squeeze in some sightseeing.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only outside of the secure area. Terminal 2 is not cleared at night, so you can sleep there. There are also padded benches around the airport, and travellers report sleeping on the floor, especially near the heat vents next to the windows.
If you have a sleeping bag or sleep mat, bring it, as it can get cold and bright inside the airport. If you want more comfort, you can purchase a day pass to the AA Admirals Clubs in Terminals B and C, or pay to enter airport lounges.
Yes, there are several hotels within a 10-minute drive of the airport, including the Hyatt Regency Crystal City and Hilton Arlington National Landing. Many of these hotels offer free airport shuttles.
Yes, there are several 24-hour dining options near the airport, including The Diner in Adams Morgan and Bob & Edith's Diner in Arlington.
