building with arched roof and cars parked in front

Everything you need to know about traveling to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and getting around it.

In this guide:

Arriving & Checking In

Facilities & Services

Arriving & Checking In

Address: Reagan National Airport, Arlington, VA 22202

Getting to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

If you’re driving, GPS navigation will get you to the airport quickly and seamlessly.

It’s best to reserve a lot space in advance. AirportParkingReservations have many off site options for Reagan Airport parking that offer greater value, flexibility and ease of use than onsite airport parking. All of our lot operators offer transportation to DCA most hours of the day for your convenience.

Arriving at the airport

How early to get to DCA depends on the time of your flight and the airline you’ve booked to fly with:

  • Passengers for domestic flights should arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
  • Travelers on international flights should aim to get to the airport three hours before departure.

To avoid delays when traveling during the peak summer periods, we recommend arriving in plenty of time in accordance with your flight departure. Check out our extensive blog on How Early Should I Arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for more details.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Check-In

For a smooth departure from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, check your airline’s specific check-in requirements ahead of time, as policies may vary. The most accurate information can be found by contacting your airline directly.

Whenever possible, take advantage of online check-in to save time and skip long lines at the airport. Completing this step early ensures a hassle-free start to your journey, allowing you to focus on your upcoming travel plans.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Security Screening

Once checked in, head to DCA security screening to reach the departure lounge.

For a smoother departure from DCA Airport, we recommend arriving early to allow ample time for security screening. Wait times can fluctuate, especially during peak travel periods like early mornings, holidays, and the summer season. Planning ahead ensures a stress-free start to your journey.

Boarding & Connecting Flights at DCA

Connecting flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport? Staying updated on your next flight is essential. Check digital flight displays and airline apps regularly for real-time gate and departure information.

For those with checked luggage, verify if re-checking is necessary and review your airline’s baggage policies. Additionally, ensure you have all required boarding passes, as some connecting flights may require a new one. A bit of advance planning can help make your transfer smooth and stress-free.

Things to Know about DCA

Although Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located in Virginia, it is the main airport serving the D.C. metro area. DCA is known for offering a small and intimate traveling setting, in contrast to the area’s other large airport: Dulles International (IAD).

DCA also has a neat old school look, retro vibe due to its dated airport styling. With its high arched ceilings and gold accent paint in the National Hall area, you’ll feel like you went through a time machine to an airport of the past. Some may consider it overly outdated, but those who appreciate historical landmarks will enjoy DCA’s unique character.

DCA is a fairly small airport when compared to the modern edifices like Miami International or Dallas/Fort Worth; however, it is fairly clean and has adequate signage to guide you along.

Facilities & Services

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?

Ben’s Chili Bowl is a D.C. area favorite. Luckily, DCA has at least this to offer. Ben’s provides a full menu of gourmet burgers and real meat hot dogs that are layered with their famous chili. Homemade sandwiches are also available (sans chili), including tuna and veggie subs. They also offer a Boca vegan burger, which can be topped with meat free chili. You’ll have to leave the secured area to get to this spot, but it’s definitely worth it.

Cibo Market is another well-known pit stop in East coast airports. DCA has an express location in Terminal C. These stores offer packaged and fresh foods such as sushi rolls, sandwiches, and pizza. It’s a great place to stock up on snacks if you’re getting on your flight soon, or want to avoid heading to another restaurant later on.

Although Five Guys is a chain restaurant, it’s a pretty good one. Burgers are made to order and are quickly served fresh off the grill. Be aware that the portions are more than generous, and the small size is usually sufficient. Amazingly, the quality of the taste is the same as any other Five Guys location. The prices are also the same, so you won’t have to worry about paying inflated airport prices. You might also want to add a side of cajun fries to your order to spice things up a bit.

DCA Airport Shops

DCA has also added several quality shops for you to browse in your spare time. Stores such as Brooks Brothers, Spanx, LaCoste, and As Kindred Spirits can be found in the pre-security area.

There is also an iRelax-n-Massage in the National Hall, which uses electrophysiology therapy massagers to decrease stress.

Historic Airport Terminal

In line with the airport’s aged feel, there is a historic airport terminal located in between Terminals A and B. Here, you can see what it was like to walk through the airport in the 1940’s.

There are also some great places to take photos next to several antique decorations. You can take another walk through history in the lobby section of Terminal A, where the original structure from 1941 remains intact.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport WiFi

There are also plenty of power outlets and free Wi-Fi, although the Internet signal is rather elusive in certain areas.

Sleeping at DCA Airport

Security guards are pretty strict on sleeping in the terminal at night. To avoid encountering problems, try to sleep in the chapel at the terminal entrance. Weary travelers can rest comfortably there on padded benches. For your convenience, the chapel is open 24 hours a day.

Main photo:

Taylor Friehl – Unsplash