As the closest airport to the nation’s capital, Reagan Washington National Airport is easy to use, conveniently close to tourist and government sites, and a favourite of aviation geeks for the views upon takeoff and landing. But, there are some key points to consider when travelling from DCA. Here’s what you need to know!
How to get to DCA
I truly wish more airports were this easy to reach. My carry-on bag and I can hop onto the city’s metro line in the heart of town and be inside the terminal in less than 30 minutes (even faster if at a closer station). Heavy packers may prefer a taxi or rideshare car.
With so many politicians and lobbyists flying to or from the city, there are a lot of black sedans and SUVs shuttling them around. Private limousine and sedan services require advance reservations and can’t be hailed curbside. You can grab app-based rides and taxis right away from designated curbside spots, but remember you'll have to deal with traffic.
Alternate area airports
Given the perimeter rule limiting DCA to destinations within 2,000 km, two other nearby airports expand your options for long-haul and international travel.
Washington Dulles Airport (IAD)
About 50 km west from central Washington D.C., Dulles is the primary international airport for the city. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines and Star Alliance partners with flights to the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. Public transportation isn’t as easy as DCA, but for many travellers, this airport works better for more destinations.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Over 50 km north of central Washington D.C., BWI is dominated by Southwest Airlines and offers flights to many points around the country, plus international service to Europe and the Caribbean.
The airport location and layout
The airport is located across the border in Crystal City, Virginia and is 8 km from Washington D.C.. With shorter runways and being so close to key buildings like The White House and the Pentagon, there are some unique restrictions on flying here.
For starters, a “perimeter rule” limits most nonstop flights to destinations within a 2,000 km radius, unless an exception is granted, as is the case with some U.S. cities, such as Seattle and San Diego. This radius comfortably includes cities like Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, while farther western hubs such as Calgary and Vancouver fall outside the limit. This is why most flights beyond the midwest will require a connection, and why you won’t find direct flights to Europe or Asia from here.
DCA’s historic terminal buildings are protected today by the government as architectural landmarks. The rest of the terminal has been appended to these buildings with soaring glass walls and plentiful natural light. Pay attention to which airline is leaving from each terminal as one is not connected to the others once past security. However, all concourses in Terminal 2 (Gates B10-E59) are connected airside, so you can wander between them to shop, dine or visit lounges.
The reason aviation fans like me love this airport for two reasons. The “river visual” approach affords sweeping views of the capital as the plane banks to land just hundreds of feet from the ground (this helps avoid flying right over D.C.’s restricted air space). Taking off in the opposite direction also includes tourist-friendly vistas like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. I am always glued to my window.
On the ground, people can visit an area known as Gravelly Point on the western edge of the Potomac River, where they can snap photos and catch up-close views of planes as they land or take off. There is parking, and trust me, you won’t be alone. Families love it for picnics on a nice day.
Busiest airlines at DCA
DCA is a primary hub for American Airlines, serving many cities along the East Coast and midwest. The airport serves a lot of flyers who are either travelling to D.C. or making a connection. I like connecting here when flying American because it is much less crowded and a generally more pleasant experience. The second largest carrier is Southwest Airlines followed by Delta and JetBlue. No matter what airline I am flying, the terminals have amazing views of the runway and monuments in the distance.
Best places to pass the time
From dining options to airline lounges, there are many ways to amuse yourself between flights aside from visiting the exhibition hall or hopping the metro into the city for some sightseeing on an especially long layover.
Best airline lounges at DCA
As a hub airport for American, there are several Admirals Clubs, but members should make a beeline for the newest club in Terminal 2’s Concourse E. I think this is one of the best Admirals Clubs in the system due to its ultra-modern decor with leather armchairs and sofas surrounding a modern fireplace and views of the capital. It looks more like a fancy living room than a lounge.
Other lounges like the Delta Sky Club and United Club are popular, but the Centurion Lounge is the most substantial when it comes to food and beverage. It is reserved for American Express’ top cardholders
It’s reserved for American Express’ top cardholders.
Dining choices at DCA
Even though I have access to plenty of lounges here, it’s hard to pass up the many dining options. Some personal favourites include the dumplings and steamed buns at Wow Bao that are easy to take away to snack on at your gate.
Celebrity chefs have brought their recipes to the airport, too. Wolfgang Puck has Mediterranean dishes on the menu at a bar-cum-eatery in the newest E concourse, and Chef Carla Hall brings her famous Southern dishes to Terminal 1 (I suggest the pimento cheese dip and biscuits with cured ham).
Richard Sandoval shows off his Latin fare near the C gates, although I suggest forgoing tequila before boarding your flight. Another personal favourite is the Greek Kapnos Taverna in the D gate area. I love a healthy horiatiki (traditional Greek salad) or maybe a traditional gyro with Greek wine.
Appreciating the history here
The airport was historically known as Washington National Airport until President Bill Clinton signed legislation to rename it in honour of President Ronald Reagan. The airport still teems with politicians, especially around the weekend when many of them return to their home states.
If you’re a history or aviation buff like me, allow a little extra time to visit the exhibition hall in the corridor area between Terminals 1 and 2. There, you can explore models of the original airport, historic photographs and memorabilia from various areas of the terminals. Part of the land the airport now occupies was once a plantation, and there are some recovered artefacts on display too. It’s great for families looking to pass the time.
Tips and tricks for using DCA
The airport allows travellers to pre-reserve parking to guarantee a spot in their preferred lot. While I don’t drive to the airport, I imagine it would be concerning to show up within 90 minutes of a flight to find that there is no place to park a vehicle.
Some of my hyper-fit friends even walk or bike to the airport using the Mount Vernon Trail from Crystal City. While it’s not ideal before hopping a long flight, bike racks are available and it’s easy if you’re just looking to plane spot at Gravelly Point Park. This is the same trail that links downtown D.C. with Alexandria.
And for a bit of airport trivia, you might hear about the old “30-minute rule”, which required passengers to stay seated 30 minutes before landing and after takeoff. Don’t worry, that rule was lifted years ago, so you’re free to move about the cabin (when the seatbelt sign is off, of course).
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
