Guide to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Lounges, maps and parking

Quick insights

• Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is in Crystal City in Arlington County, Virginia, just five miles from Washington D.C.
• It has two terminals and a variety of airport lounge options.
• To travel between terminals, passengers can use walkways or terminal shuttle buses.

Originally named Washington National Airport, DCA is the closest airport to Washington D.C, on the south side of the Potomac River. It primarily offers domestic flights, with a few airlines that also provide flights to Canada.

Whether you live in the area or are headed to DCA for a layover, it may be helpful to learn the lay of the land before your travels. Read on for details about ground transportation, parking, terminal information, what to do during a layover and more.

Navigating to and from Ronald Reagan Airport

DCA provides multiple convenient ground transportation options whether you'd prefer to take a car, public transit or even walk:

• Taxi: Taxi stands can be found outside baggage claim in both terminals. Uniformed taxicab dispatchers can answer questions or help travelers find wheelchair-accessible cabs.
• Rideshare: Use your rideshare app to select a pickup zone in Terminal 1, Terminal 2 or the Rental Car Center. Green flags on the curbs designate pickup zones.
• Metrorail: Washington D.C.'s elevated Metrorail system is connected to the concourse level of Terminal 2.
• Rental cars: In-airport rental car counters are located on the first floor of Parking 1 Garage. Follow "Off Airport Shuttles" signs in both terminals to access external rental car services.
• Biking and walking: DCA is near the Mount Vernon Trail, a popular spot for walking and biking. Visitors may use the airport's complimentary self-service bicycle storage racks (available on a first-come, first-serve basis).

Parking options at Ronald Reagan Airport

There are three parking lots at DCA: Parking 1, Parking 2 and Economy. Parking 1 and 2 garages are connected to their corresponding terminals by pedestrian walkways, and there are free 24/7/365 airport shuttles that stop at all parking areas every 5-10 minutes.

Picking up a passenger? While cell phone lots are closed for construction as of June 2024, you can park in garages for up to 60 minutes free of charge.

For additional parking information or to book a spot in advance, visit DCA's website.

How early to arrive at Ronald Reagan Airport

It's typically recommended to arrive at the airport two hours prior to takeoff for domestic flights, and three hours prior for international flights. If you're traveling during rush hour or the holidays, it may be wise to budget additional time.

If you travel often, you may benefit from programs like TSA PreCheck^® or Global Entry, which help expedite security lines. Refer to DCA's homepage for live security wait times the day of travel to get an idea of how long you'll be in line.

Ronald Regan Airport map

Refer to DCA's interactive map to find parking, terminals, shuttle bus stops and more. You can also pinpoint dining options, shops and restrooms near your gate before you head to the airport.

Terminal information at Ronald Reagan Airport

DCA has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2:

• Terminal 1: Formerly called Terminal A, Terminal 1 is built in a curved shape and is one level. Ticketing desks and baggage areas are at the far end of the curve. Past that, passengers will find an airport lounge, a conference center and the entrance to an underground walkway to the connected parking lot.
• Terminal 2: Terminal 2, which houses National Hall, encompasses three levels. Level 1 houses baggage claim and access to ground transportation, level 2 houses departures and security and level three houses ticketing. Level 2 also provides a walkway to the parking garage and Metro station.

Passengers may travel between terminals and other parts of the airport via the complimentary shuttle bus service that runs 24 hours a day.

Are there Priority Pass™ lounges at Ronald Reagan Airport?

As of June 2024, there are no lounges in the Priority Pass network at DCA. However, there are several other airport lounges across the two terminals. Visitors may check with individual DCA airport lounges whether day passes are available for purchase.

While DCA has no lounges in the Priority Pass network, there are more than 1,300 participating lounges worldwide. If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve^® credit card or are interested in applying for one, you may be eligible for complimentary Priority Pass membership as a credit card benefit (note that the card has an annual fee).

Things to do at Ronald Regan Airport

Whether you're early for your flight or want to pass the time during a layover, you'll have a variety of places to explore:

• Catch a live performance: DCA's performing arts program brings musicians, singers, dancers and other artists to the airport for performance throughout the year.
• View airport art: In addition to rotating art exhibits in the terminal walkways, there's also a Gallery Walk in Historic Terminal A that includes pieces by local artists.
• Have some family-friendly fun: DCA teamed up with the National Children's Museum to debut the Curiosity Runway, a kids' play space and exhibit created to foster interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and math.
• Take a bike ride: If you have a few hours to spare, you can rent a bike outside Mount Vernon Trail, which is accessible via Parking 2 Garage. This scenic route will take bikers (or hikers) along the Potomac River.

Additional airport amenities include luggage storage, foreign currency services, nursing stations, pet relief areas and an interfaith chapel.

In summary

Ronald Reagan National Airport is accessible via various transportation methods and offers a convenient shuttle to move between terminals and other airport facilities. There's also plenty to do during a long layover thanks to the nearby Mount Vernon Trail and accessibility to Washington D.C.

This article contains the most up-to-date information at the time of publication. Details since publication are subject to change. Visit Priority Pass' official website for the most up-to-date benefits information.