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Washington, DC, is served by three airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). While each airport has its pros and cons, travellers on a budget may want to consider BWI, which has historically been known as the cheapest airport in the area.
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What You'll Learn
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the cheapest
BWI is an international airport and one of 12 US-based operating bases for Southwest Airlines. It also serves as a focus city for the airline, with non-stop flights available to and from almost every major American city. This makes cheap tickets to Baltimore relatively easy to come by. In addition to Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, WestJet, Aeromexico, Spirit Airlines, United, and Qatar Airways all fly non-stop to BWI. The cheapest month to fly to BWI is usually August.
BWI is easily accessible by ground transportation, with a direct light rail link stopping just outside the entrance to concourse E. Trains run every 20 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes at other times, with the journey into town taking about 30 minutes. Taxis and airport shuttles are also available.
The airport is made up of five concourses, A, B, C, D, and E, with the latter reserved for international and charter flights. Concourses A and B were expanded, renovated, and integrated in 2005 to accommodate Southwest's extensive presence at the airport. In 2008, BWI was named the second healthiest airport in the United States by Health magazine.
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BWI is 35 miles from DC
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). Of these, BWI is the furthest from DC, located 35 miles or 56 kilometers away by road. The air distance is slightly longer at 45.3 miles.
BWI is located in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a popular option for those travelling to or from Washington, DC. Despite being the furthest from the city, BWI is still a convenient option for many travellers. The airport is accessible by car, with a driving distance of 35 miles from DC, and there are also public transport options available.
When considering which airport to fly into, it is worth noting that DCA is the closest to downtown DC, just a short trip across the Potomac River. DCA is only 5 miles from downtown and is connected to the city by Metro, making it a convenient and affordable option for many travellers. Dulles Airport is also located in Virginia, 26 miles from DC, and is accessible by Metro and taxi.
Despite being the furthest from DC, BWI may still be a preferable option for some travellers depending on their specific needs and plans in the city. Each of the three airports has its own advantages and unique benefits. For example, BWI may be a good option for those who want to explore Baltimore in addition to Washington, DC.
When planning a trip to Washington, DC, it is worth considering all three airports and their respective distances from the city, as well as the transportation options available.
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Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest to DC
There are three airports in the Washington, DC area: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Of these, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest to DC. It is located just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial and is so close that you can see Washington DC landmarks from your seat on the plane.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is highly convenient for travellers to and from DC. It is accessible via its own Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow lines, and a taxi ride into downtown DC costs $15-20. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also good options for getting to and from the airport. The airport has multiple garages and parking lots for those who prefer to drive.
The airport also offers plenty of dining and shopping options, including local favourites like Good Stuff Eatery, CAVA, and Ben's Chili Bowl.
While Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest and most convenient option for travellers to and from DC, it is important to consider all three airports when planning a trip to ensure the best deal. Baltimore/Washington International Airport, for example, has been known to offer cheaper tickets and is accessible via the MARC train from Union Station.
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DCA is 5 miles from downtown DC
There are three airports in the Washington, DC area: Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA), Washington Dulles International (IAD), and Baltimore-Washington International (BWI). While BWI is the cheapest airport in the area, DCA is the closest to the city, just 5-7 miles from downtown DC.
DCA is located just across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The airport is so close to the city that you can see Washington DC landmarks from your plane seat. The distance from DCA to downtown DC is a quick 17-minute drive with no traffic. However, during rush hour, the drive time can easily double, and cab fares will be higher due to sitting in traffic. Taking the metro is a cheaper and faster option if there is heavy traffic.
Compared to the other two airports, DCA is considerably closer to the city. Dulles International is about 25 miles from the National Mall, and BWI is about 35 miles away. While BWI is the farthest, it has the benefit of a train station, with a free shuttle available. From the BWI train station, you can take the MARC commuter train into DC for a low price.
When planning a trip to Washington, DC, it is recommended to check all three airports to ensure you get the best deal. However, if convenience and proximity to the city are important factors, DCA is the ideal choice.
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Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the furthest from DC
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the furthest of the three Washington DC airports from the city centre. It is located 26 miles from DC in suburban Virginia. A taxi to downtown will cost about $60–70 plus tip. Uber and Lyft are also available, but prices fluctuate. The Metro Silver Line also connects the airport to DC, with each ride taking about an hour and costing $6.75.
While many people love Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) for its convenience, they often dislike Washington Dulles International for its inconvenience. The trip from the National Mall to Washington Dulles International is about five times as far as from Reagan National.
Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the farthest airport from DC at about 35 miles away. However, it is still a viable option for those travelling to Washington DC as it has a train station with a free shuttle service. From the train station, you can take the MARC commuter train into DC for about $8 or an Amtrak train for about $16. BWI has historically been considered the cheapest airport in the area, with cheaper tickets and accessible parking.
When planning your trip, it is always a good idea to check all three airports to ensure you are getting the best deal.
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Frequently asked questions
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is often the cheapest airport to fly to. It is followed by Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) which is the primary international airport for the DC region.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and is further away from DC than Reagan National Airport (DCA). The distance makes it a cheaper option for flyers.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the closest airport to DC and is often cited as one of America's most convenient airports. It is located just across the Potomac River in Virginia and is about 4-5 miles from downtown DC.
You can get to DC from the airport via taxi, rideshare apps, or the Metro. A taxi or rideshare will cost $15-20, and the Metro is $2-3.
