Alexandria, Va: Airport Accessibility And Options

Alexandria, Virginia is conveniently located near three major airports. The closest is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is only 5-7 miles from the city centre and offers international and domestic flights. The next closest is Washington Dulles International Airport, which is 33-34 miles from Alexandria and offers nonstop service to over 80 domestic and 50 international destinations. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is 40-41 miles from Alexandria and offers more than 650 domestic and international flights daily.

Reagan Washington National Airport

Alexandria, Virginia is conveniently located near both a national and an international airport. The closest airport to Alexandria, VA, is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is less than 10 minutes away by car. The airport is 5 miles from the centre of Alexandria, VA, and is located in Arlington, Virginia.

Reagan National Airport is a public airport in Crystal City, Virginia. It is the closest airport to Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, and is the 24th busiest airport in the nation. The airport served over 25.4 million passengers in 2023, a new record. It is also the busiest airport in the Washington metropolitan area and the second busiest in the Washington–Baltimore combined statistical area. Reagan National Airport is one of two airports operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) that serve the Washington metropolitan area. The other is Dulles International Airport, located about 25 miles west in Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

The airport has international and domestic flights and serves 98 nonstop destinations as of October 2023. It is a hub for American Airlines and offers flights from major domestic carriers, including United, US Airways, Delta, and American Airlines. The airport has 44 gates and provides ample concessions, as well as impressive views of the nation's capital.

Reagan National Airport has some of the strictest noise restrictions in the country due to its proximity to Washington, D.C. Pilots approaching from the north are generally required to follow the path of the Potomac River and turn just before landing. This approach is known as the River Visual and offers passengers unique views of Washington, D.C., landmarks.

The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total of 59 gates. Terminal 1 has 9 gates, while Terminal 2 is the newer and larger terminal with 50 gates. Terminal 2 houses several airline lounges, including American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Delta Sky Club, and a United Club.

The airport is easily accessible by car, with parking garages and economy lots available. It is also served by the Washington Metro, with the Yellow and Blue lines providing direct access to Terminal 2 via two elevated pedestrian walkways. Additionally, an underground pedestrian walkway and shuttle services connect to Terminal 1.

Washington Dulles International Airport

In terms of transportation, the airport is accessible via the Dulles Access Road/Dulles Greenway (State Route 267) and State Route 28. The Dulles Access Road is toll-free and provides a direct connection to the Capital Beltway and Interstate 66. Additionally, public transportation options include the Washington Metro Silver Line, with a station located on-site, as well as bus services and taxi services.

The airport has an extensive history, initially facing criticism for its distance from the city and low flight numbers. However, it gradually grew in importance alongside the expansion of Virginia's suburbs and the Dulles Technology Corridor. In recent years, it has undergone significant expansions and renovations, including the addition of new concourses and improvements to transportation systems, such as the AeroTrain.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport

Alexandria, Virginia, is conveniently located near both a national and an international airport. While the closest airport to Alexandria is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is only 5 miles from the city centre, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport is also a viable option. This airport is located 40 miles from Alexandria, Virginia, and is one of three major airports serving the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, commonly referred to as BWI Airport, is a modern and user-friendly airport in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. It is located 9 miles south of downtown Baltimore and 30 miles northeast of Washington, D.C. In 2023, BWI Airport recorded 12,849,636 passenger enplanements, making it the busiest airport in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. The airport serves as one of 12 U.S.-based operating bases for Southwest Airlines, which is the airport's largest carrier.

BWI Airport covers 3,160 acres of land and has three active runways. The airport has five concourses with 78 gates, 14 of which are international. Concourse A/B has 30 gates exclusively used by Southwest Airlines. Concourse C has 14 gates and is used by Southwest, American, and Contour. Concourse D has 23 gates and is used by all non-Southwest and American domestic flights, as well as Air Canada. Concourse E is the international terminal and has 11 gates used for all international flights.

In addition to its flight operations, BWI Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options. It is located at the southeast terminus of Interstate 195, providing easy connections to nearby highways. The airport also has a light rail station with service to downtown Baltimore and other locations. Amtrak and MARC trains also serve the BWI Rail Station, providing rail transit access to Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Local bus routes connect the airport to nearby destinations, and private car, rental car, and cab services are also available.

BWI Airport has been recognised for its convenience and facilities. It was ranked one of the "Top 10 Easiest U.S. Airports to Get To" by Aviation.com in 2007 and was named the second-healthiest airport in the United States by Health magazine in 2008. In 2009, BWI Airport experienced a six percent increase in air travellers due to the proliferation of discount flights. The airport has also undergone renovations and expansions to enhance the customer experience and improve facilities.

Transport options to/from the airport

Alexandria, Virginia is conveniently located near both a national and an international airport. The closest airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is only 5-7 miles from the center of Alexandria, or a 10-minute drive away. The airport has 44 gates and provides ample concessions, as well as impressive views of the nation's capital. Another option is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is 33-34 miles from Alexandria and offers nonstop service to over 80 domestic and 50 international destinations. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is also an option, located 40-41 miles from Alexandria and offering more than 650 daily domestic and international flights.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

• Car: The airport is approximately a 10-minute drive from Alexandria via the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
• Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to Alexandria costs around $12.
• Metrorail: You can take the Metrorail directly from the airport to King Street in Alexandria for less than $2.
• Shuttle: Many hotels in the area offer free shuttle services for their guests.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Car: The airport is about a one-hour drive from Alexandria via the Dulles Toll Road.
• Taxi: A taxi ride from the airport to Alexandria costs around $55.
• Bus: The Washington Flyer bus service offers transportation from the airport to the Fall Church Metro Station for $9 one way. From there, you can take a taxi or use the metro to reach Alexandria.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• Car: The airport is about a 50-minute drive from Alexandria via Route 295.
• Amtrak: You can take the Amtrak train from BWI to the Old Town station in Alexandria.
• MARC Train: Take the regional MARC train from BWI to Union Station in Washington, D.C., and then transfer to the Metrorail to reach Alexandria.

Local airports

Alexandria, Virginia, is conveniently located near both a national and an international airport. The closest airport to Alexandria is Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is only about 10 minutes away by car, taxi, or Metrorail. The airport has 44 gates and provides ample concessions as well as impressive views of the nation's capital. It services major domestic carriers, including United, US Airways, Delta, and American Airlines. Another option is the Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which is about 40 minutes away and offers nonstop service to over 80 domestic and 50 international destinations.

In addition to these major airports, there are several local airports near Alexandria, Virginia:

• Pentagon Army (JPN) - 6 miles away
• Buzzards Point Seaplane Base, DC (BZS) - 9 miles away
• Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, VA (DAA / KDAA) - 14 miles away
• Andrews Air Force Base, Camp Springs, MD (NSF) - 14 miles away
• Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, Camp Springs, MD (ADW / KADW) - 14 miles away
• College Park Airport, College Park, MD (CGS / KCGS) - 21 miles away
• Reston Airport, Reston, VA (XRS) - 28 miles away
• Tipton Airport, Odenton, MD (FME / KFME) - 32 miles away
• Montgomery County Airpark, Gaithersburg, MD (GAI / KGAI) - 34 miles away
• Marine Corps Air Facility Quantico, Quantico, VA (NYG / KNYG) - 35 miles away

Frequently asked questions