Washington National airport (DCA)

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located along the Potomac River in Virginia and just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., is the nation’s capital primary airport for short- and medium-haul flights. Due to strict federal regulations and perimeter limits, it primarily handles domestic service to major U.S. hubs, alongside pre-cleared international regional routes to Canada and the Caribbean.

Official Website: flyreagan.com

Phone: +1 703 417 8000

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport complex features two passenger terminals comprising 58 boarding gates, with public landside areas open 24 hours:

• Terminal 1: The historic terminal building (formerly Terminal A) hosting gates A1 through A9. It primarily accommodates low-cost carriers and Canadian transborder flights.
• Terminal 2: Modern terminal facility (consolidating the former Terminals B and C) divided into four concourses housing gates B10 through E59. It serves as American Airlines' hub and base for major legacy network carriers.

Both terminals connect landside via covered and underground pedestrian walkways, as well as complimentary 24/7 On-Airport Shuttle buses serving terminals, parking garages, and the Metrorail station.

Annual Traffic (2025): 24.9 million passengers.

Information Points

Travelers Aid information desks (staffed by blue-vested volunteers) are located in Terminal 1 (between baggage claim and the security checkpoint) and Terminal 2 (on the Concourse level and at both north and south ends of the baggage claim level). Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Sunday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.

 Location

The airport is located in Crystal City (Arlington County, Virginia), along the western bank of the Potomac River, just 5 km (3.5 miles) south of the National Mall and downtown Washington, D.C.

Parking services at Washington National airport (DCA)

Reagan National Airport provides covered parking garages connected directly to the terminals as well as an economy lot for longer stays. Passengers are strongly advised to reserve spaces at least 12 hours in advance via the official pre-booking system to secure discounted rates.

Parking Facilities

• Parking 1 (Terminal 1 Garage): Multi-level garage linked to Terminal 1 via an underground pedestrian walkway. Drive-up rates: $7.00/hour, $35.00/day.
• Parking 2 (Terminal 2 Garage): Multi-level facility connected directly to Terminal 2 ticketing halls via two covered pedestrian skybridges. Drive-up rates: $7.00/hour, $35.00/day. Features EV charging bays on the Ground Level and Level 2.
• PassPark Premium: Reserved premium bays on Level 2 of Parking 2, located steps from terminal security skybridges.
• Economy Parking: Surface lot for extended stays served by free 24/7 shuttle buses every 10 to 15 minutes. Drive-up rates: $7.00/hour, $25.00/day (subject to reduced capacity during modernization works).

Important Considerations

• Free grace period: Parking 1 and Parking 2 garages offer up to 60 minutes of complimentary parking for pick-ups and drop-offs. Regular parking charges accrue starting on minute 61.
• Cell Phone Lot: Free waiting lot located near the airport entrance for drivers awaiting arriving passengers with bags in hand (maximum stay 1 hour; vehicle must remain attended).

Official DCA Parking Reservations & Rates

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport provides barrier-free accessibility and specialized passenger programs designed for travelers with physical disabilities, sensory needs, families, and unaccompanied minors.

Requesting Special Assistance

Wheelchair assistance and escort services between check-in and aircraft seats are coordinated through individual airlines. Travelers should contact their airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.

Airlines may issue a non-traveler Companion Pass (Gate Pass) at check-in desks upon presentation of government photo ID, allowing family members to accompany unaccompanied minors or passengers with mobility needs directly to the boarding gate.

Accessibility & Infrastructure

Facilities feature sloped access ramps, automated doorways, TTY telecommunications, and elevators with tactile and Braille controls. All On-Airport Shuttle buses are fully ADA-compliant, featuring motorized wheelchair lifts and automated stop announcements.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower

DCA participates in the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program for passengers with non-visible conditions (such as autism, dementia, hearing impairment, or PTSD). Sunflower lanyards can be collected free of charge at pre-security information desks (North and South stations, baggage belts 2, 6, and 10) and the USO Lounge, discreetly indicating to staff that additional patience or guidance may be required.

Visual Assistance & TSA Cares

Blind and low-vision passengers can access complimentary live assistance across the airport via the Aira mobile app. Additionally, travelers requiring customized security checkpoint assistance can contact TSA Cares at +1 855 787 2227 at least 72 hours before flying.

Nursing Rooms & Families

Private nursing suites offering glider seating, power outlets, sinks, and changing tables are located in Terminal 1 (pre- and post-security) and Terminal 2 (National Hall and Concourses B, C, D, and E). Terminal 2 also features an interactive Kids Play Space.

Service Animals

Designated Pet Relief Areas are situated pre-security outside both terminals and post-security inside boarding gate areas.