How much is a taxi from DCA to downtown Washington, D.C.?

Taxi fares: about $20–$30. The ride takes 10–25 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from DCA?

Airlines at DCA include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines and Air Canada. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave DCA on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to downtown Washington, D.C., an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at DCA?

American Admirals Clubs; Delta Sky Club; United Club.

Is there a hotel at DCA?

No hotel inside the terminals; Crystal City hotels are one Metro stop away.

How long do I need to connect at DCA?

We recommend at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our DCA connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at DCA?

Economy Garage A and garages B/C next to the terminals. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

How do I find cheap flights from Washington, D.C.?

Add DCA as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Washington, D.C. drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Washington, D.C. · airport guide

DCA Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at DCA?

It depends on the terminals. Terminal 2's gates connect inside security. Terminal 1 is separate, so moving between Terminals 1 and 2 means clearing TSA again.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has Terminal 1 (A gates) and Terminal 2. The quickest way from DCA to downtown Washington, D.C. is the Metro Blue or Yellow Line (about 20 minutes, about $2–$3).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to downtown Washington, D.C.

20 min

Metro Blue or Yellow Line, about $2–$3

Taxi

10–25 min

about $20–$30

Connecting here

50 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from DCA to downtown Washington, D.C. is the Metro Blue or Yellow Line (about 20 minutes, about $2–$3). Connecting here, allow at least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include American, Delta, United, Southwest and Alaska.

Terminals: Terminal 1 (A gates) and Terminal 2
Taxi: 10–25 min, about $20–$30
Connecting: At least 50 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: American Admirals Clubs; Delta Sky Club and more

Getting from DCA to downtown Washington, D.C.

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

Metro Blue or Yellow Lineto downtown D.C.about 20 minabout $2–$3
Taxi or rideshare10–25 minabout $20–$30

Inside DCA

Terminals and connections

Terminal 2's gates connect inside security. Terminal 1 is separate, so moving between Terminals 1 and 2 means clearing TSA again.

How long a layover you need at DCA

Lounges

•American Admirals Clubs
•Delta Sky Club
•United Club

Sleep, showers and hotels

•No hotel inside the terminals; Crystal City hotels are one Metro stop away

Parking at DCA

•Economy Garage A and garages B/C next to the terminals

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check DCA's official site.

DCA tips

•American flies mostly from Terminal 2.

Can you leave DCA on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To downtown Washington, D.C. and back, the fastest way20 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at DCA

Major airlines that fly from DCA (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
JetBlue Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees

DCA airport FAQ

The quickest option is the Metro Blue or Yellow Line to downtown D.C.: about 20 minutes for about $2–$3. A taxi takes 10–25 min (about $20–$30).

Cheap flights from Washington, D.C. (DCA)The latest fare drops we've found from DCA.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Cheap flights from Washington, D.C.

Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime