Which Airport Should You Fly into to visit Washington D.C.?
- Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA)
- Dulles International (IAD)
- Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI)
Your best option depends on where you’re staying, your airline preference, and how you plan to get into the city.
Airport Comparison
| Travel Priority | Best Airport |
|---|---|
| Closest to downtown DC | Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) |
| International flights | Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) |
| Lowest fares | Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) |
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Closest airport to downtown Washington, D.C.
Reagan National Airport is the most convenient airport for travelers staying in Washington, D.C. city and close surrounding areas. Located in Arlington, Virginia, this airport provides the fastest access to downtown, monuments, museums, and federal offices.
This airport primarily serves domestic routes due to federal flight-distance restrictions.
- Distance: 3–5 miles from downtown
- Transit access: Direct Metrorail (subway) via is connected directly to the subway's Blue & Yellow Lines
- Best for: Short trips, sightseeing, business travel
Airport & Rail Access
- From airport: Follow the covered walkway to the Metro station at the terminal for the Blue or Yellow Lines.
- To airport: Take Metro's Blue or Yellow Line directly to the airport station. Use the covered walkway into the terminal, it’s closer than the parking lots.
Address: 2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington, VA 22202
Phone: (703) 417-8000
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Check DCA Arrivals & Departures
Airlines at DCA
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Primary international gateway for the DC region
Dulles International Airport handles most long-haul international flights into the DC area. It is the region’s largest airport and a major hub for United Airlines.
- Distance: ~26 miles from downtown
- Transit access: The subway is connected directly to the Metro (subway) Silver Line
- Best for: International and cross-country travel
Airport & Rail Access
- From airport: Follow the underground walkway (~5 min) from the terminal to the Metro Silver Line station, with moving sidewalks and escalators.
- To airport: Take Metro’s Silver Line to the airport station, then use the covered walkway to enter the terminal.
Address: 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166
Phone: (703) 572-2700
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Check IAD Flight Information
Airlines at IAD
- United Airlines (hub)
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue Airways
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
Best option for lower fares and airline competition
BWI is often the most affordable airport for travelers visiting Washington, DC. It has strong airline competition and is well connected to the city by train.
- Distance: 30–35 miles from downtown
- Transit access: MARC & Amtrak to Union Station, then transfer to Metro Red Line
- Best for: Budget-minded travelers
Airport & Rail Access
- From airport : Shuttle to MARC train station, then take MARC to Union Station. Transfer to Metro Red Line as needed.
- To airport: Take Metro to Union Station, then MARC train to BWI. A shuttle takes you from the station to the terminal.
Address: 7050 Friendship Rd, Baltimore, MD 21240
Phone: (410) 859-7111
Social Media: Instagram | Facebook
Check BWI Flight Status
Airlines at BWI
- Southwest Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
Metro (Subway) & Rail (Train) Tips
- Paying Metro (subway) fares can be paid using a subway SmarTrip card, a credit or debit card, or a mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Learn more on WMATA’s official guide here
- Arriving by rail: Union Station is served by Amtrak, Virginia Railway Express, and MARC Regional Train. Metro Red Line connections are available.
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