Lois Larson
While Washington, D.C. does not have any public airports within its boundaries, there are three major airports in the Washington, D.C. region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The closest airport to D.C. is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which is located just 3 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C. across the Potomac River in Virginia. This airport is a popular choice for senators and representatives travelling to and from the capital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
| IATA Code | DCA |
| Year Opened | 1941 |
| Location | 3 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C., across the Potomac River in Virginia |
| Number of Airlines | 8 |
| Number of Destinations | 98 |
| Aircraft Type | Narrow-body passenger aircraft |
| Transportation Options | Metro, taxi, rideshare |
| Dining Options | Ben's Chili Bowl, CAVA, Chef Geoff's, &pizza, Bracket Room, Commanders Burgundy and Gold Club |
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What You'll Learn
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
The airport is conveniently located only minutes from Washington, DC, and is serviced by 8 airlines offering direct service to 98 destinations in the US and Canada using narrow-body passenger aircraft. The airport is unique in that it offers a cargo service to complement Washington Dulles International Airport, which is 30 miles to the northwest.
The airport has several lounges, including three American Airlines Admirals Clubs and a United Club in Terminal 2, and a USO lounge for retired and active military members in Terminal 1. There is also an American Express Centurion Lounge in National Hall by the B Gates, and a Capital One Landing Lounge in Terminal 2, Concourse D. The airport can easily be accessed via the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station on the Washington Metro, served by the Yellow and Blue lines.
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Washington Dulles International Airport
The airport is named after John Foster Dulles, who served as Secretary of State under President Eisenhower. It was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy and Eisenhower on November 17, 1962. The main terminal was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen and is renowned for its graceful beauty and suggestive shape of flight. The terminal has since been expanded, more than doubling its original length, and a new security mezzanine has been added to accommodate longer lines.
In terms of transportation, the airport is connected to DC via the Metro's Silver Line, with each ride taking about an hour and costing $6.75. Washington Flyer taxi cabs exclusively service the airport, with taxi stands located outside the main terminal. A taxi or rideshare into DC costs around $60-70. For those with accessibility needs, TSA Cares can be contacted at 1-855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travelling for assistance with screening policies, procedures, and other related information.
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Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Washington, D.C. does not have any public airports within its boundaries. However, there are three major airports in the Washington, DC region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
BWI is one of the busiest airports in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, with over 27 million passengers in 2018 and 2024. The airport offers more than 700 daily domestic and international flights serving over 75 cities nonstop. BWI is also one of the 12 U.S.-based operating bases for Southwest Airlines, which has a major presence at the airport. In 2005, Concourses A and B were expanded and renovated to accommodate Southwest's operations.
BWI offers convenient parking options, a modern terminal, and an "Easy Come, Easy Go" reputation, making it a popular choice for travellers in the region. The airport provides various transportation options, including Amtrak, MTA bus services, rental cars, shuttles, and airport taxi services.
In October 2022, a proposed renovation and expansion of BWI Airport were announced, described as the "largest capital project" in the airport's history.
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College Park Airport
The airport has been owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) since 1973. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, and a small museum was established in 1981. The airport's operations have been restricted since the 9/11 attacks due to its proximity to the national capital, but civilian pilots can still use the airport after undergoing a one-time background check.
Today, College Park Airport remains an active airport serving aircraft pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It offers both tenant and transient aircraft parking for over 100 planes. Visitors are welcome at the airport during normal operating hours, which are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Due to security restrictions, visitors who are not escorted by a registered pilot must provide a government-issued photo ID to access the observation deck.
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Washington's main airport history
Washington, D.C.'s main airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Located just 3 miles south of downtown Washington, D.C., it is the closest airport to the nation's capital. The airport is situated in the Crystal City section of Arlington County, Virginia, adjacent to National Landing, and is accessible via the Blue and Yellow metro lines.
The site of the airport has a rich history, dating back to colonial times. The area, known as Gravelly Point, was once home to a colonial plantation called "Abingdon," established by Captain John Alexander in 1746. The birthplace of President George Washington's granddaughter, Abingdon was purchased by John Parke Custis, Washington's adopted stepson, in 1778. The plantation was destroyed by fire in 1930, and the ruins were stabilized. In 1998, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) preserved the site, creating an exhibit of artifacts now located in Terminal A.
The airport opened on June 16, 1941, just before the US entered World War II, and was originally named Washington National Airport. With 344,257 passengers in its first year, the airport saw steady growth, reaching its first million passengers in 1946. The North Terminal opened in October 1958, adding substantial space, and in 1961, the passageway between the Main and North Terminals was enclosed. The airport's name was changed to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in 1997, and the new Terminal 2 was opened the same year, offering modern facilities and direct connections to Metrorail. Today, Reagan National Airport offers nonstop flights to over 100 destinations on eight airlines, serving millions of passengers annually.
In addition to Reagan National Airport, Washington, D.C. is also served by two other major airports: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located 25-26 miles from the city, and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), situated 32 miles away.
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Frequently asked questions
Washington DC's main airport is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located just 3 miles south of downtown Washington, DC, across the Potomac River in Virginia.
It takes about an hour to get from Dulles Airport to downtown DC by metro, and costs $6.75. A taxi or rideshare will cost around $60-70.
In addition to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) are also major airports in the Washington, DC region.
