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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States, five miles from Washington, D.C. The airport, which opened in 1941, was originally named Washington National Airport. In 1998, the airport was renamed in honour of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan. The airport is located on the former site of the 18th and 19th-century Abingdon plantation and is accessible via its own Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow lines.
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What You'll Learn
Location and transport links
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is located in Arlington County, Virginia, United States, just five miles (eight kilometres) from Washington, D.C. It is the closest airport to the nation's capital, situated just across the Potomac River in Virginia. The airport is accessible via the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station on the Washington Metro, served by the Yellow and Blue lines. The station is located on an elevated outdoor platform adjacent to Terminal 2.
The airport is easily accessible by taxi, with official taxi stands located outside the baggage claim area. A taxi ride to downtown Washington, D.C., typically costs between $12 and $20. Ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are also popular options for travelling to and from the airport. For those driving their own vehicles, the airport offers multiple parking options, including garages and parking lots.
For those seeking public transportation, Reagan Airport is well-connected. It is one of two airports owned by the federal government and operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) that serve the Washington metropolitan area. The other airport is the Dulles International Airport (IAD), located about 25 miles (40 km) west in Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Reagan Airport offers nonstop flights to over 100 destinations on eight airlines, providing a comprehensive domestic flight network.
The airport is situated on the former site of the 18th and 19th-century Abingdon plantation, which was associated with prominent families such as the Alexanders, Custises, Stuarts, and Hunters. In recognition of this historical significance, MWAA established a historical display in 1998, showcasing the restored remnants of two Abingdon buildings and artefacts exhibited in Terminal A's hall.
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History and naming
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States. It is located about five miles from Washington, D.C., making it the closest airport to the nation's capital. It is one of two airports that serve the Washington metropolitan area, the other being Dulles International Airport, located about 25 miles away.
The airport opened in 1941 and was originally named Washington National Airport. In 1997, the much larger Terminal 2 was opened, and in 1998, a bill was passed to rename the airport in honour of Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, who was in office from 1981 to 1989. The bill was signed by President Bill Clinton on Ronald Reagan's 87th birthday. The name change was controversial, with opponents arguing that the airport was already named after George Washington, the first president of the United States, and that another federal building already bore Reagan's name.
The airport is located on the former site of the 18th and 19th-century Abingdon plantation, which was associated with several prominent families. In 1945, a Page Airways Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar crashed at the end of runway 33, resulting in six deaths out of 13 passengers and crew. In 2025, the airport faced scrutiny over a near mid-air collision between a military aircraft and a Delta Air Lines plane.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers a full range of domestic flights and is accessible via the Metro's Yellow and Blue lines. The airport has several lounges, including American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Delta Sky Club, a United Club, and a USO lounge for military members.
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Terminals and amenities
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is located in Arlington County, Virginia, just five miles from Washington, D.C. It is the closest airport to the nation's capital and is one of two airports serving the Washington metropolitan area that are owned by the federal government. The airport is accessible via the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station on the Washington Metro, served by the Yellow and Blue lines. The airport also has multiple garages and parking lots, and taxi rides into downtown Washington, D.C. typically cost between $12 and $20. Shared ride van services, such as SuperShuttle, and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, are also available.
The airport has two terminals. Part of the original terminal, opened in 1941, is still in use as Terminal 1. Terminal 2, which opened in 1997, is much larger. The airport also has an adjacent Metrorail station and is located near the historic Abingdon plantation site.
There are several airport lounges at the airport. Terminal 2 features three American Airlines Admirals Clubs, a Delta Sky Club, and a United Club. Terminal 1 features a USO lounge for retired and active military members. There is also an American Express Centurion Lounge located by the B Gates.
The airport offers a full range of domestic flights and nonstop flights to over 100 destinations on eight airlines. Local dining options include Good Stuff Eatery, CAVA, and Ben's Chili Bowl.
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Lounges and dining
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington County, Virginia, just five miles from Washington, D.C. It is one of two airports serving the Washington metropolitan area and is the closest airport to the nation's capital.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers several lounges for travellers, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, with three locations in Terminal 2: near gates C24, D36, and E47. Terminal 2's Concourse B features a Delta Sky Club and a United Club, located near gates B15 and B10, respectively. An American Express Centurion Lounge can be found in National Hall by the B Gates, while Terminal 2's Concourse D is home to the Capital One Landing Lounge, a collaboration with Chef José Andrés. Additionally, Terminal 1 houses a USO lounge exclusively for retired and active military personnel.
For dining options, travellers can explore unique culinary experiences in Terminal 2, courtesy of the José Andrés Group. Ben's Chili Bowl, a Washington D.C. landmark, offers famous chili and half-smokes. CAVA, another dining choice, provides a fast-casual Mediterranean-inspired menu with build-your-own bowls, salads, pita sandwiches, and grain bowls. Economy-class travellers can also access airport lounges by purchasing a day pass, annual membership, or paying at the door.
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Safety and security
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving 26.29 million passengers in 2024. The airport has faced controversy and scrutiny over safety concerns, including air traffic safety risks.
In response to these concerns, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented enhanced security procedures for certain operations at the airport. These procedures include establishing security requirements relating to crew members, passengers, and armed security officers onboard aircraft operating into or out of DCA. The TSA is also responsible for approving airspace waivers for federal and state government aircraft operations.
Additionally, the airport has taken steps to improve safety by renovating and modernizing its facilities. In 2014, a $37 million renovation project was completed, which included a new expanded TSA security checkpoint. The airport also has a history of incidents, including a collision between a commercial airliner and a U.S. Army helicopter in 2025, and a near collision between two planes on the airport's runway in May 2024. To address these issues, the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced an extended ban on helicopters from flying on the route where the January 2025 collision took place.
The airport's safety and security measures are subject to change and enhancement, with the TSA adjusting and expanding its programs as necessary. The airport's busy nature and proximity to Washington, D.C., likely contribute to the focus on maintaining robust security protocols. These protocols aim to protect passengers, crew, and federal assets in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States, five miles from Washington, D.C.
The airport is accessible via Metro on the Blue and Yellow lines. A taxi ride to downtown DC from the airport costs $15-20. You can also use rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft.
Local favourites include Good Stuff Eatery, CAVA, and Ben's Chili Bowl.
The airport opened in 1941 and was originally named Washington National Airport. In 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a bill renaming the airport in honour of the 40th president of the United States, Ronald Reagan.
In April 1945, a Page Airways Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar crashed into a deep ditch at the end of runway 33, resulting in six passenger deaths. In January 2025, a mid-air collision was narrowly avoided between a U.S. Air Force jet and a Delta Air Lines plane taking off from the airport.
