Getting to Washington, DC

By Air

There are three major airports in the Washington, DC region: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Both American Airlines and United Airlines service all three airports.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located just across the Potomac River in Virginia and is the closest airport to DC. Reagan Airport offers nonstop flights to 95-plus destinations on eight airlines.

Reagan Airport is accessible via its own Metro stop on the Blue and Yellow lines. To catch a taxi, look for the official taxi stand outside of baggage claim (a ride into downtown DC will cost about $15-20). Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also good options to get to and from the airport.

You can find everything you need at Reagan Airport with the terminal map. And with so many flights each day, use the airport’s flight guide to find the best options to and from DC.

Arriving early or have a layover? Rest assured, there are plenty of dining and shopping options at Reagan Airport.

Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport is located 26 miles from DC in suburban Virginia. Dulles Airport is also the primary international airport for the DC region, with almost 140 nonstop domestic and international destinations on nearly 40 airlines.

Dulles Airport has a dedicated access road that makes getting to or from the airport efficient via car, taxi or airport shuttle. Washington Flyer taxi cabs exclusively service Dulles Airport. Taxi stands are located outside the main terminal and a ride into DC will cost about $60-$70.

While the Metro doesn't reach Dulles Airport (construction on a Silver Line extension that will include access to Dulles Airport began in 2014), Washington Flyer offers a Silver Line Express Bus that drops off at the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station about 15 minutes away. Silver Line Express Bus fare is $5 for one way and you can purchase tickets inside the airport at Arrivals Door 4.

Dulles Airport is a busy international airport with a number of terminals and gates. Make sure you view the airport and terminal map for the most up-to-date information. The Dulles Airport flight guide will also help with upcoming scheduled flights, as well as arrival and departure information.

With everything from duty-free souvenirs to high-end designers like Burberry and even a spa, you can satisfy all your dining and shopping needs at Dulles Airport.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (referred to as BWI Airport) is a bit further from DC near Baltimore, MD, but oftentimes that means you can find even better flight deals. The airport has grown to 90-plus domestic and international destinations and services more than 25 million passengers each year.

BWI Airport is located 32 miles from DC and is accessible via a MARC/Amtrak train route that picks up and drops off at Union Station. Taxis, Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport.

This BWI Airport interactive map will help you find your way around the terminals, while the airport’s flight guide is a great resource for finding scheduled flights, as well as arrival and departure information.

BWI Airport has great places to eat and shop for travelers, as well as a fitness center if you’re looking to get in a quick workout before your flight.

By Train

If you’d rather travel to DC on the ground, it's just an Amtrak away. Amtrak offers large spacious seats, plenty of legroom, free WiFi, and you can bring two carry-ons and two bags for free. Amtrak saves time and can save you money too – book in advance to get some of our best fares with Amtrak Saver Fares.

Amtrak has frequent daily departures from major cities throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and even Chicago. Trains arrive at Union Station, bringing you to the heart of DC. Union Station is walking distance from landmarks, chic neighborhoods and fine dining. It also has its own Metro Station, and easy access to taxis and ridesharing.

By Road

If you’ve chosen to drive to the District with your own wheels, SpotHero is a great app for finding a parking spot that suits you. Many hotels also offer parking options, but check rates before taking this option.

Washington, DC has a grid road system like Barcelona, Spain and Paris, France, but unlike its international counterparts, the District’s streets are more complicated due to diagonal streets, squares and traffic rotaries/circles, as well as its one-way streets and narrow roads. If you are driving around the District, traffic patterns may change due to rush hour/commuting times (generally 5-10 a.m. and 3-7 p.m.) or for construction. Please note that most traffic lights stand at the side of intersections instead of hanging suspended above them. Be alert for no left turn intersections and blocks closed to vehicle traffic. The default speed limit of DC’s local roads was set to 20 miles per hour (or 32 kph) in June 2020.

Thankfully, cars are not needed for the best experience. Washington, DC is a walking town. In fact, 58 percent of commuter trips in DC are taken by foot, bike or public transit. Join the locals and see the best in the District as a pedestrian!

By Bus

Traveling by bus to and from DC is easy. Choose from an array of options, including Greyhound, Megabus, Battle’s Transportation, Flixbus and Vamoose.