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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States. It is one of the three major airports in the Washington, DC region, along with Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The airport is accessible via its own Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow lines. The nearest metro station is Crystal City Metrorail Station, which is a 7-minute walk away. The airport has three intersecting runways: 01/19, 15/33, and 04/22.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport |
| IATA | DCA |
| ICAO | KDCA |
| FAA LID | DCA |
| Location | Arlington County, Virginia, United States |
| Distance from Washington, D.C. | 5 miles (8 km; 4 nautical miles) |
| Owner | Federal government |
| Operator | Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) |
| Year opened | 1941 |
| Original name | Washington National Airport |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Metro accessibility | Blue and Yellow lines |
| Bus accessibility | 23B, 43, 10A, 598, 599, 23A, MW1, 16M |
| Train accessibility | FREDERICKSBURG LINE, MANASSAS LINE |
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What You'll Learn
Reagan Airport's location
Reagan National Airport, officially known as Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is located in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. The airport is situated in a unique and convenient location, close to the heart of the nation's capital. Reagan Airport is one of three major airports serving the Washington metropolitan area, along with Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore–Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
The airport is situated along the western shore of the Potomac River, and its runway alignment takes advantage of the river's path. Reagan Airport is surrounded by the river on three sides, with a single runway extending out into the river itself. This unique layout has resulted in some interesting aviation challenges and has contributed to the airport's reputation as one of the more challenging airports for pilots due to its proximity to downtown Washington, DC, and its surrounding landmarks.
Reagan National Airport is served by the Metro, Washington DC's subway system, with its own dedicated station on the Yellow and Blue Lines. The airport station is conveniently located inside the terminal building, providing easy access for passengers. From the airport, the Yellow Line heads north towards downtown Washington, with stops including the Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza, before continuing across the city. The Blue Line branches off just before reaching the airport, providing a direct connection to Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery, as well as offering an alternative route into DC via the Orange Line.
In addition to its proximity to Washington, DC, Reagan Airport is also conveniently located near several major highways. The George Washington Memorial Parkway runs adjacent to the airport, providing a direct connection to downtown DC and other points of interest along the Potomac River. The airport is also easily accessible from Interstate 395, which runs north-south through the region, and the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495), which circles the DC metropolitan area. These highway connections make Reagan Airport a convenient gateway for travelers heading to and from the surrounding areas of Virginia and Maryland.
The airport code for Reagan National Airport is DCA, a nod to its close association with Washington, DC. Despite its relatively small size compared to other major airports, Reagan Airport plays a significant role in the region's transportation network, serving as a vital gateway to the nation's capital and offering convenient access to destinations throughout the eastern United States. Its unique location and transportation links make it a popular choice for travelers visiting Washington, DC, and the surrounding area.
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Transport links to Reagan Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Arlington County, Virginia, just five miles from Washington, D.C. As the closest airport to the nation's capital, it is one of the two airports that serve the Washington metropolitan area.
Metro
The airport has its own dedicated Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow lines. The station is located on an elevated outdoor platform adjacent to Terminal 2. The nearest metro station is Crystal City, which is a 7-minute walk away.
Bus
The following bus lines stop near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Station: 23B, 43, 10A, 598, 599, 23A, MW1, and 16M. The first bus that arrives at the station is the 10A, at 4:57 am, and the last is the 23B, at 2:27 am.
Train
The nearest train station to the airport is Crystal City, which is an 11-minute walk away. The airport is served by the Fredericksburg Line and the Manassas Line, with the first train arriving at 6:04 am and the last at 7:15 pm.
Taxi
Official taxi stands are located outside the baggage claim area, with rides into downtown DC costing between $15 and $20. Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are also available.
Car
The airport has multiple garages and parking lots for those who wish to drive to and from the airport.
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History of Reagan Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, located in Arlington County, Virginia, is the closest airport to the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. 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 airport, which opened in 1941, was originally named Washington National Airport.
The site of the airport holds historical significance, dating back to colonial times. The area, known as Gravelly Point, is where Captain John Alexander built a home called "Abingdon" in 1746. The Abingdon site was later purchased by John Parke Custis, the adopted stepson of President George Washington, and was the birthplace of Washington's granddaughter, Eleanor "Nelly" Parke Custis. Abingdon was destroyed by fire in 1930, and the ruins were stabilised. In 1998, the MWAA preserved the site and created an exhibit of artifacts located in Terminal A.
The construction of Washington National Airport followed a long and bitter controversy. Legislation for the airport was first introduced in 1927 and was reintroduced annually for eleven years before it was finally approved. During this time, two small and inadequate airports, Hoover Airport and Washington Airport, were operating nearby. These airports were combined in 1930 to form the Washington-Hoover Airport, which faced significant operational challenges due to its single runway being intersected by a busy highway. After years of congressional debates over the location of a new, larger, and safer airport, President Roosevelt personally selected the marshland along the Potomac River in 1938, and construction began shortly after.
The airport underwent an extensive renovation and expansion in the 1990s to accommodate more flights and address limited space in the aging main terminal. Hangar 11 was converted into the USAir Interim Terminal, and an addition for Delta Air Lines was constructed in 1989. Terminal 2, a much larger terminal, opened in 1997, followed by the opening of an American Express Centurion Lounge in July 2024 and the Capital One Landing Lounge in November 2024.
On February 6, 1998, President Bill Clinton signed legislation to rename the airport from Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, honouring the 40th President of the United States, who served from 1981 to 1989. This change was made on Ronald Reagan's 87th birthday.
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Incidents at Reagan Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA, ICAO: KDCA, FAA LID: DCA) is a public airport in Arlington County, Virginia, United States, five miles (eight kilometres; four nautical miles) from Washington, D.C. The airport has been the site of several notable incidents in recent years, including:
January 2025 mid-air collision
On January 29, 2025, an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in mid-air, resulting in the tragic loss of all 67 people aboard the two aircraft. This incident prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose permanent restrictions on non-essential helicopter operations around Reagan National Airport. Senator Ted Cruz strongly criticised the Army's handling of the situation, accusing them of repeatedly putting civilians at risk.
March 2025 near-collision
On March 28, 2025, a near-collision occurred between a U.S. Air Force jet and a Delta Air Lines plane taking off from Reagan National Airport. This incident took place just one day after an employee was arrested following a fight in the airport's air traffic tower. As a result, the airport faced increased scrutiny, and the U.S. Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, announced an extended ban on helicopters flying on the route where the January collision had occurred.
May 2025 aborted landings
In May 2025, two separate incidents involving commercial passenger jets and a U.S. Army helicopter occurred near Reagan National Airport. In both instances, the jets were forced to abort their landings due to the proximity of the helicopter. Federal investigators from the FAA, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the U.S. Army launched a probe into these incidents. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy strongly criticised the Defence Department, stating that helicopter restrictions around the airport were clear and that safety must always come first.
Wing clipping incident
On April 10, 2025, two American Eagle regional jets, Flight 5490 operated by PSA Airlines and Flight 4522 operated by Republic Airways, clipped wings while taxiing at Reagan National Airport. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the FAA launched an investigation into the incident.
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Lounges at Reagan Airport
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 that serve the Washington metropolitan area and is the closest to the city centre. The airport is accessible via the Washington Metro, with the station located on an elevated outdoor platform adjacent to Terminal 2. The station is served by the Yellow and Blue lines.
The airport features several lounges to accommodate travellers' needs. Terminal 2 houses three American Airlines Admirals Clubs: one near gate C24 in Concourse C, another in Concourse D close to gate D36, and the third in Concourse E near gate E47. Terminal 2, Concourse B, is also home to the Delta Sky Club near gate B15 and the United Club near gate B10. For retired and active military personnel, there is a USO lounge in Terminal 1, located pre-security. Additionally, the airport boasts an American Express Centurion Lounge in National Hall by the B Gates, which opened in July 2024. The Capital One Landing Lounge, a collaboration with Chef José Andrés, can be found in Terminal 2, Concourse D, and offers a unique culinary experience.
The American Airlines Admirals Club lounges offer access to various passengers. This includes annual Admirals Club members, ConciergeKey members, AirPass members with Admirals Club privileges, and first or business class flyers on American Airlines or other Oneworld carriers. AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, or Platinum members can also enter when flying on eligible itineraries. Access is granted to Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® members flying with American or another Oneworld carrier and Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members with an international flight on the same day.
The Centurion Lounge, accessible with select top-tier AmEx cards, has a guest policy with certain conditions. It offers a relaxing environment and various amenities for travellers. The USO lounge is also well-equipped, featuring air conditioning, refreshments, a snack bar, entertainment options, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
Reagan Airport is on the Blue and Yellow metro lines.
Reagan Airport is in Arlington County, Virginia, five miles from Washington, D.C.
You can get to Reagan Airport by metro, bus, train, taxi, rideshare, or car.
The codes for Reagan Airport are DCA (IATA and FAA LID), and KDCA (ICAO).
The other two major airports in the Washington, DC region are Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI).
