Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) Guide, Facilities & Nearby Hotels

When you are traveling to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia, United States

Situated at a distance of about 7 km (4 miles) southwest of Washington, D.C., bordering Arlington County in Northern Virginia, United States, lies the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The airport went through a name change from Washington National Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the ’90s. The airport is presently named after Ronald Reagan, who served as the 40th president of the United States of America. It is also called by different names, such as Reagan National Airport, Reagan Airport, Washington National, and National Airport.

IATA: DCA

Address:
2401 Smith Boulevard
Arlington,
VA 22202

Washington, D.C.

USA

Airport Contact: +1 703 417 8000

Website: https://www.flyreagan.com

Operation Hours: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Airport’s Terminal

Reagan Washington National Airport has three terminals called Terminals A, B, and C. There is also Terminal D that is still under progress and yet to open for public access in near future.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

On-site and Off-site Parking Options

Reagan National Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at all Terminals. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short and long-term parking.

Cell Phone Waiting Area:
Drivers awaiting arriving passengers, family, relatives, or friends can park at the free cell phone waiting a lot for a specified duration.

Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period. Up to 20 minutes of free parking is permitted at the airport’s car park.

Airlines Operating from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Reagan National Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminals include:

Air Canada Express, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, American Eagle, Delta Airlines, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and United Express.

Facilities and Services Available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Reagan National Airport in the U.S. state of Virginia offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.

Help Desk

When you are at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities you may get easily at the airport.

They are located on the landside of Terminal A between Baggage Claim and Security; Terminal B/C, Baggage Claim Center; Terminal B, Baggage Claim South, and Terminal C, Baggage Claim North. They are open from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays, from 7 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, and from 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to the “FlyReagan” network) internet access is offered with unlimited usage.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Mobile charging stations are located throughout the airport. Simply look for the “power-up” signs. Also, few eateries in Terminal A such as District Bar, Page or Reservoir have charging power outlets.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are not available at the airport.

Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Smart Carte luggage carts are available at the airport for $5 per cart. These can be found in all terminals.

Porter Services:
Porter services are available at the airport and are operated by Skycap. Porters also offer wheelchair assistance to travelers with disabilities at no extra cost.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Room

At Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:

American Airlines Admirals Club:
The lounge is located in Terminals B and C. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door along with proof of an America Airlines ticket or using the lounge membership program.

Delta Sky Club:
The lounge is located in the airside of Terminal B, above Gate 15. Access to the lounge is available via Elite Status or using a lounge membership program.

United Club:
The lounge is located on the airside of Terminal B, opposite Gate 11. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door along with proof of United Airlines ticket or using United Club Membership.

USO Lounge:
The USO Lounge is accessible free of charge to active members of the U.S. military and their families only. It is located in Terminal A, Concourse Level, across from the Lost & Found facility.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay.

Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. Duty-Free Americas has two stores located in Gates A 1-9 (open from 7 am to 12 am) and Gate C 35 (open from 7 am to 8:30 pm).

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions are been operated throughout the airport with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include Dunkin’ Donuts which is open 24 hours (landside of National Hall, near the Walkway to Terminal A), and CNBC News (landside of National Hall, near the Walkway to Terminal A).

Other Amenities Available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Chapel

There is an inter-faith chapel available at the airport. It is open 24 hours and is located at the south end of Terminal B, concourse level.

Children’s Play Area

The airport offers a play zone for children. The play areas are located in all terminals.

Baby Care

There are nursing rooms available at the airport. Parents and guardians traveling with infants and children can avail of the facility to attend to the needs of their infants. The baby care facilities are located on the landside of Terminal A, just before the checkpoint; the landside of National Hall, near Tumi, close to the metro and Parking B Walkway.

Postal Services

There are mailboxes available at the airport. Travelers can drop off their last-minute postcards or letters for their family, relatives, and friends.

Public Phone

There are public phones available at the airport. These can be found in the Baggage Claim area.

Pet Relief Area

There are pet relief facilities available at the airport. These are located on the landside of Terminal A, opposite Doors 1 and 5; Terminal B, outside the doors opposite the South Metrorail Station entrance and Terminal C, across from the North Metrorail Station Entrance.

Spa

XpresSpa offers a variety of spa services. It is located on the landside of National Hall, Terminal B. It is open from 7 am till 8 pm.

Shoe Shine

There is a shoeshine service offered at the airport’s Terminal A area.

ATM

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at airside and landside areas of Terminals.

Currency Exchange

The currency used in Virginia is the United States Dollar (USD or $). Currency exchange facilities are available at the airport and are operated by International Currency Exchange (ICE). The currency exchange desks are located in the National Hall, Terminal C, landside, near the Information Booth. The facility is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Banking Services

Banking facilities are available at the airport.

Traveler’s Aid

Traveler’s Aid is a non-profit organization run by volunteers offering assistance to stranded and distressed passengers at the airport, especially during events like bad weather and delayed or canceled flights. These volunteers also help passengers with general airport and destination queries, transportation, lost or stolen items, wiring money, emergency housing, etc. The facility is located in Terminal A, Room 242; Terminal B, Concourse Level; Terminal C, Concourse Level, and Terminal B, Baggage Claim. The facility is open from 7 am to 9 pm on weekdays, 7 am to 7 pm on Saturdays, and 8 am to 8 pm on Sundays.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to Virginia, United States.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport:
The hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport. There is a shuttle service available free of cost to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Crystal City metro station daily from 6 am to 12 am. Travelers can schedule pick-ups in advance by calling the hotel.

Holiday Inn National Airport/Crystal City:
The hotel is located about 2 minutes from the airport. There is a courtesy shuttle service available that departs at a frequency of 20 minutes from 4:40 am till 12 am.

Residence Inn Arlington Capital View:
The hotel is located about 6 minutes from the airport. There is a scheduled shuttle service available for free to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Crystal City metro station. Travelers can request airport pick-up using courtesy phones from the Baggage Claim area.

Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan National Airport:
The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport. There is a free shuttle service available at a frequency of 20 minutes from 4:40 am to 12 am.

Ground Transport Options To and From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Getting to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable. When people visit Washington, D.C., and are looking for hotels near DCA airport, there are 7 hotels that stand out because they’re a short walk to the DC Metro and also have a shuttle service to DCA.

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Airport Shuttle Service

There is a shuttle transfer service available to passengers within the airport. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport operates a courtesy shuttle service on the airport’s grounds only. Their inter-terminal shuttle vehicles have a sign on the vehicle’s front and a side that also displays the area of the airport it services.

These signs include “All Terminals” for Terminals A, B, C, and the Metrorail station; “Economy” for the Economy Parking Lot; “Rental Car/Parking” for Terminals A, B, and C parking lots and the rental car area; and “Employee” for the Employee Parking Lot.

SuperShuttle and Supreme Airport Shuttle operate door-to-door shared-ride service in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The shuttles are available outside of each terminal, at the Baggage Claim level, and upon request. Travelers can also book the shuttle online or visit the shuttle desk located at the airport to book a ride.

Hotel Shuttle Service

Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle services to their guests. These include Americana Hotel, Courtyard Arlington Crystal City/Reagan National Airport, Crowne Plaza Washington National Airport, Crystal City Marriott at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Crystal Gateway Marriott,

DoubleTree by Hilton–Washington DC-Crystal City, Embassy Suites by Hilton Crystal City–National Airport, Hampton Inn & Suites Reagan National Airport, Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport, Holiday Inn National Airport / Crystal City, Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, Residence Inn Arlington Capital View and The Westin Crystal City.

Amtrak Connections

You can easily travel from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to the Amtrak Station in Alexandria through MetroRail. Just take the yellow line towards Gallery Place/Chinatown, then exit the yellow line at Gallery Place/Chinatown. From there, you can board the Red line towards Fort Totten, then exit the red line at Union Station. The ride should take no more than 30 minutes.

Alternatively, you can hire a taxi from any Baggage Claim area to the curbside. A taxi should take approximately 10 minutes if traffic is not busy.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time.

Train and Metro Services

Reagan National Airport is connected via train and metro lines. The Metrorail, or “Metro”, is the subway system that serves the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including areas of Virginia and Maryland. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport can be reached by two of the six color-coded routes, which are blue and yellow.

Terminal A can be reached by taking an “Airport Shuttle bus” that travels between the Metrorail station and the Terminal B and C parking garages. Terminals B and C are connected to the airport’s elevated Metrorail station via covered pedestrian bridges.

Taxi Service

Metered taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found outside the terminals, at the Baggage Claim area.

Limousine Service

Limousines are available for hire at the airport.

Car Hire Service

You can hire a car at Reagan National Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site and off-site, in car park A.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

App-Based Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Reagan National Airport, app-based ride-sharing services are also offered. Uber and Lyft offer pick-ups at the airport.

Conclusion

The U.S. state of Virginia offers many places of attractions to visitors. A few of these include the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Maymont, Historic Jamestowne, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park,

There are lots many more like Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Battleship Wisconsin, Richmond Canal Walk, Busch Gardens, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Arlington National Cemetery, The Natural Bridge, Luray Caverns, and many more.

Traveling to and from Reagan National Airport in Virginia, United States, will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.