Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

All passengers arriving on international flights at DCA undergo U.S. immigration and customs checks at their point of departure via U.S. border preclearance, arriving as domestic passengers.

• Complete U.S. immigration and customs formalities prior to boarding at your international departure airport.
• Disembark directly into the secure airside departure concourse upon touchdown at DCA.
• Follow signs towards baggage claim on the lower level of your arriving terminal.
• Retrieve your checked luggage from the assigned carousel.
• Proceed directly out of the terminal to ground transport without further border checks.

• Train

  Metrorail (WMATA)

  Direct rail connection via the Yellow and Blue lines from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station.

  Time:

  Typically 15-25 minutes to central Washington, D.C.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly $2.00 to $6.00 depending on distance and peak pricing; paid via SmarTrip card or mobile payment.

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Official metered taxicabs operate from designated ranks outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

  Time:

  Roughly 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  Typical cost:

  Typically $15.00 to $30.00 to downtown Washington, D.C.

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare

  Pick-up locations for apps like Uber and Lyft are designated at curb zones outside Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

  Time:

  Roughly 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

  Typical cost:

  Typically $15.00 to $35.00 depending on demand and vehicle type.

• Car rental

  Rental Car

  Major rental companies operate on-site within Parking Garage A, accessible by walkway or airport shuttle.

  Time:

  Varies by destination.

  Typical cost:

  Varies by provider, vehicle class, and rental duration.

Transfers between terminals can be completed on foot via covered walkways or by taking the free airport shuttle bus.

• Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected landside by a covered pedestrian walkway and a complimentary shuttle bus.
• Passengers transferring between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 must exit the secure area and pass through TSA security screening again.
• Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes for connecting between flights across different terminals.

Complimentary public Wi-Fi is available across both terminal buildings.

• Select the official network named 'Reagan National Wi-Fi' on your device.
• Accept the service terms on the splash page that opens in your browser.
• The connection is free and unlimited for general web access.

ATMs and card acceptance facilities are situated throughout both terminals.

• Automated teller machines (ATMs) are located pre-security and post-security in Terminals 1 and 2.
• Payment by credit or debit card is accepted at virtually all shops, dining outlets, and transport services.
• Foreign currency exchange counters are limited, so obtaining US Dollars from an ATM is generally recommended.

A range of dining options is distributed throughout the public and secure areas of the airport.

• Terminal 2 houses a large selection of cafes, grab-and-go outlets, and sit-down restaurants post-security.
• Terminal 1 offers casual dining options both before and after security screening.
• Most food concessions operate from early morning until the final flight departures of the evening.

Airline lounges are located within Terminal 2 for eligible passengers and lounge membership holders.

• American Airlines operates multiple Admirals Club locations in Terminal 2.
• Delta Air Lines operates a Sky Club and United Airlines operates a United Club in Terminal 2.
• Access relies on ticket class, elite status, or day-pass purchases where permitted by the carrier.

There are no hotels inside the airport terminal, but options are available within a short radius in Arlington and D.C.

• Numerous hotels in nearby Crystal City (Arlington) offer free shuttle services to and from the terminals.
• Metrorail connects the airport directly to hotels in central Washington, D.C. within a few stops.
• Hotel reservation boards and phones are available near the airport baggage claim areas.

Baggage claim carousels are located on the lower level of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

• Clear signage directs arriving passengers from the gates down to baggage claim.
• Luggage carts are available for hire near the baggage carousels.
• Airline service desks are situated in the baggage area to assist with lost or damaged luggage.

The airport provides dedicated facilities for nursing mothers and families travelling with young children.

• Nursing rooms equipped with private seating, sinks, and power outlets are located post-security in Terminal 2.
• All primary rest rooms across the airport include baby-changing tables.
• Unisex family rest rooms are located near major restroom blocks in both terminals.

• Restrooms
• ATMs
• Nursing Rooms
• Pet Relief Areas
• Charging Stations
• Rental Car Counters
• Service Animal Relief Areas

Local emergency number: 911

• Dial 911 from any telephone for emergency assistance from police, fire, or medical services.
• Contact uniformed Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) police or staff in the terminals for immediate assistance.
• For lost foreign passports, contact your national embassy or consulate located in Washington, D.C.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Reagan National Airport Official SiteOfficial airport source
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection - PreclearanceGovernment source
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)Official transit source