Airport Guide
DCA Metro Guide: Getting to Reagan National Airport by Train
Reagan National is the only major US airport with a Metro station connected directly to the terminal. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Quick Answer
- Metro linesBlue Line and Yellow Line
- Terminal accessConnected to Terminal 2 via covered pedestrian bridge — all concourses accessible from there
- To downtown DCAbout 15–20 minutes to Metro Center
- Daytime fares$2.25–$6.75 depending on distance
- Weekend/evening fares$2.25–$2.50 (after 9:30 pm and all day weekends)
- SmarTripRequired for multi-day passes — buy at any station fare machine
- Airport parkingBook in advance — economy lot is reduced capacity during construction
The Station
The Reagan National Airport Metro station is elevated and connects directly to Terminal 2 via a covered pedestrian bridge — no outdoor walking, no shuttle. From Terminal 2 you can access all concourses (B through E) without re-clearing security. Terminal 1 (Concourse A) requires a short walk through the terminal.
The station is fully accessible with elevators at all entrances. SmarTrip farecards and single-ride tap-to-pay are both accepted at the fare gates.
Key Routes from DCA
DCA → Downtown DC (Metro Center) BlueYellow
About 15–20 minutes. Yellow Line is faster (fewer stops). Blue Line also works but takes slightly longer. Both lines stop at Metro Center, the system’s main hub.
DCA → Gallery Place / Capital One Arena Yellow
Yellow Line direct — no transfers. About 20 minutes. Best option for anyone heading to a concert or game at Capital One Arena.
DCA → Georgetown / Dupont Circle BlueYellow
Take either line to Metro Center, then transfer to Red Line for Dupont Circle. About 25–30 minutes total. Georgetown has no Metro station — exit at Foggy Bottom and take a rideshare or walk (~15 minutes).
DCA → Bethesda / Maryland Yellow
Yellow Line to Gallery Place, transfer to Red Line. About 35–45 minutes depending on destination.
DCA → Alexandria / Old Town BlueYellow
Head south — either line. About 10–15 minutes to King Street–Old Town station.
Fares
Metro Fares from DCA
Pay by tapping any credit, debit, or mobile wallet card at the fare gate — no SmarTrip required for single rides. For unlimited 1, 3, or 7-day passes, get a SmarTrip card at the fare machine. Calculate exact fares between two stations at wmata.com.
Airport Parking
If you’re driving to DCA rather than taking Metro, know that the economy lot is currently at reduced capacity — a new parking deck is under construction, cutting economy lot spaces by about 40%. Book in advance at flyreagan.com rather than showing up and hoping for a spot.
- Garage parking (Parking 1 and Parking 2 North/South): Full-service, covered, connected to terminals. Pricier but reliable.
- Economy lot: Reduced capacity through mid-2026 construction. Reserve in advance.
- For most visitors: Metro is cheaper and faster than parking, especially for trips under a week.
July 3–4 Note
During America 250 celebrations, flights at DCA may be briefly paused on July 3 and 4 due to special event flyovers and fireworks. Airlines have scheduled around these windows, but confirm your specific flight with your airline before heading to the airport. Terminals remain open throughout.
Good to Know
- About 20% of DCA passengers take Metro — it’s genuinely the most used airport transit connection in DC.
- The station is fully ADA accessible with elevators at all entrances.
- Rideshare pick-up is at the arrivals level of each terminal. Downtown DC typically runs $20–$35 depending on traffic on I-395.
- DASH and Metrobus routes also serve the airport and nearby Crystal City if you’re staying on the Virginia side.
- Sign up for Metro Alerts at wmata.com or download the Metro Pulse app for real-time service updates before you travel.
Bottom Line
DCA Metro is one of the easiest airport connections in the country. Yellow Line to downtown in 20 minutes, no transfers, covered bridge to the terminal. Check wmata.com for any weekend service alerts before you go — when construction closures happen, free shuttle buses fill the gap but add time to your trip.
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