Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Arlington, Virginia
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport sits just three miles south of the US Capitol, making it the closest major commercial airport to downtown Washington DC. Operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), DCA handles roughly 24 million passengers per year across three terminals and 44 gates. The airport is served by all major US carriers, with American Airlines holding the dominant position as the primary hub carrier operating flights across its nationwide network. Reagan National's proximity to the District — combined with a federally mandated 1,250-mile perimeter rule — means nearly all nonstop service is limited to destinations east of the Rockies, with a small number of long-haul exemptions granted by Congress.
DCA operates under some of the most stringent airspace restrictions in the United States. The airport falls within the Washington Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) and the Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ), requiring pilots to adhere to strict communication, transponder, and security protocols at all times. Slot controls govern the number of hourly operations, a legacy of federal congestion management dating back to 1969. The Virginia side of the Potomac River hosts the airport's passenger terminals, while ground access is exceptionally strong — the Washington Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines stop directly at the airport, and the DC Circulator and numerous bus routes extend connectivity throughout the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Reagan National called DCA if it's in Virginia?
The IATA code DCA stands for "District of Columbia Airport," reflecting the airport's original name and its proximity to Washington DC. Although the physical terminal sits in Arlington County, Virginia, the airport's identity and federal oversight have always been tied to the nation's capital.
What is the perimeter rule at DCA?
A federal perimeter rule limits most nonstop flights from Reagan National to destinations within 1,250 miles. Congress has granted a limited number of exemptions allowing longer nonstop routes such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle. The rule was established to protect Dulles International Airport's role as the region's long-haul gateway.
How do I get from DCA to downtown Washington DC?
The Washington Metro offers the fastest connection — the Blue and Yellow Lines stop directly beneath Terminal B/C, connecting passengers to downtown DC in about 20 minutes. Taxis, rideshares, and the DC Circulator are also available curbside.
Are there parking options at Reagan National Airport?
Reagan National offers multiple parking garages attached directly to its terminals, along with economy lots accessible by shuttle. Daily rates vary by garage; the Metro connection makes public transit the most cost-effective option for many travelers.
Ronald Reagan Natl Airport - dca Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Arlington, Virginia.
| Name | Ronald Reagan Natl Airport - dca |
| Address | 1 Aviation Circle, Arlington VA 22202 Map |
| Phone | (703) 417-8000 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Ronald Reagan Natl Airport - dca
Getting to and from Reagan National Airport
Reagan National Airport's ground access infrastructure is among the best of any US airport. The on-site Metro station (Reagan National Airport station) connects directly to the Pentagon, Crystal City, and the broader DC Metro system within minutes. Interstate 395 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway provide road access, though peak-hour congestion near the 14th Street Bridge can add significant travel time from northern Virginia and Maryland. Rental car facilities are located in the parking garages adjacent to the terminals, and Water Taxi service to the District operates seasonally from the adjacent dock.
Reagan National's terminal complex was substantially rebuilt in the late 1990s, with the signature Main Terminal featuring a distinctive Art Deco-influenced design referencing historic airline travel. Terminal A serves regional carriers and select mainline operations, while Terminals B and C handle the majority of American Airlines and other network carrier operations. The airport remains under MWAA jurisdiction — the same authority that oversees Washington Dulles International — and is subject to ongoing federal security coordination given its location within restricted DC airspace. Travelers should allow extra screening time, as the Transportation Security Administration maintains heightened procedures at DCA relative to most regional airports.