Washington DC is served by three major airports, each with distinct transfer logistics. Choosing the right airport — or understanding your options upon arrival — can save significant time and money. Reagan National (DCA) is the city airport with Metro access; Dulles (IAD) is the suburban international hub now connected by Metro; BWI offers the most budget airline options with MARC rail access.
Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) sits 3 miles south of the National Mall, just across the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia. It is the most convenient airport for central DC destinations and most Maryland suburbs.
Metro (Blue and Yellow Lines)
The Metro Blue and Yellow Lines stop at Reagan National Airport Station, connected to Terminal B/C by a covered walkway and to Terminal A via a shuttle. This is one of the most convenient airport-to-Metro connections in the United States.
Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $2.25–$6.00 depending on time of day (peak vs. off-peak) and destination. Metro uses distance-based pricing. A SmarTrip Card is required or recommended — available at station vending machines.
Journey time: Approximately 20 minutes to Metro Center (downtown DC). The Yellow Line runs to Gallery Place/Chinatown, Pentagon City, and further south; the Blue Line continues to Capitol South and beyond.
Hours: Metro service hours from DCA: approximately 5am–midnight weekdays, 7am–1am weekends. Late-night arrivals require alternative transport.
Taxi from DCA
Taxis queue at the Ground Transportation area on the arrivals level beneath Terminal B/C. For Terminal A, proceed to the Ground Transportation exit.
Typical fares (as of 2026):
- Downtown DC / National Mall: approximately $18–$28
- Capitol Hill: approximately $18–$25
- Georgetown: approximately $22–$35
- Arlington / Pentagon City: approximately $12–$18
DC taxis charge a base fare plus distance and time. Airport surcharges apply. Tip is standard at 15–20%.
Rideshare from DCA
Rideshare pickup is from the dedicated rideshare zones on the arrivals level. App directions will confirm the exact zone. DCA’s compact layout makes rideshare pickup straightforward.
Typical fares to downtown (as of 2026): UberX approximately $18–$30 off-peak, $40–$65 during rush hour or events.
Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) sits 26 miles west of downtown DC in Loudoun County, Virginia. It handles most long-haul international flights into the DC region. The Silver Line Metro extension now connects Dulles to the DC Metro system.
Silver Line Metro from Dulles
The Silver Line now terminates at Washington Dulles International Airport Station, opened in November 2022. An automated people mover (AeroTrain) connects the terminal to the station.
Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $6–$8 from Dulles to downtown Metro stations (distance-based fare).
Journey time: Approximately 65–75 minutes from Dulles to Metro Center. This is longer than a taxi or rideshare in off-peak hours but avoids the Dulles Toll Road and avoids traffic entirely.
Best use: International arrivals without time pressure, or visitors staying near a Silver Line station (Reston, Tysons, Rosslyn).
Taxi from IAD
Taxis queue at the arrivals level of the main terminal and the concourse buildings.
Typical fares (as of 2026):
- Downtown DC: approximately $65–$90
- Northern Virginia suburbs: approximately $30–$55
- Maryland suburbs: approximately $75–$100
Traffic on the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) and I-66 into DC can extend journey times significantly during rush hours.
Rideshare from IAD
Rideshare pickup is from designated zones at the Arrivals/Departures building. Off-peak fares to downtown DC run approximately $50–$75; surge pricing during peak periods can reach $110–$150.
Private Transfer from IAD
Pre-booked private transfers from Dulles include flight tracking and fixed pricing — eliminating uncertainty during a long international journey. Sedan transfers to downtown DC from Dulles typically run approximately $90–$130 as of 2026. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] (Kiwitaxi).
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)
BWI sits 30 miles northeast of downtown DC in Maryland, making it the farthest of the three. It is served heavily by Southwest Airlines and budget carriers. MARC rail is the best connection to DC.
MARC Penn Line
The MARC Penn Line connects BWI Airport (via a free shuttle bus from the terminal to the rail station) to Union Station in Washington DC.
Cost (as of 2026): Approximately $9 each way. MARC is a commuter rail — check schedules in advance, as it does not run 24 hours and has reduced weekend frequency.
Journey time: Approximately 40 minutes to Union Station. This is the cheapest and often fastest option to central DC during peak hours.
Shuttle: The free shuttle bus between the BWI terminal and the MARC/Amtrak station runs every 10–15 minutes and is clearly signed from baggage claim.
Amtrak from BWI
Amtrak also stops at the BWI station. Fares are significantly higher than MARC — usually $25–$70+ — but trains run more frequently and at additional hours. Worth considering for flexibility rather than price.
Taxi and Rideshare from BWI
Taxi: Approximately $90–$120 to downtown DC, 45–75 minutes depending on traffic on I-295 or the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
Rideshare: Approximately $70–$100 off-peak; surges during peak periods can push this to $140+.
Comparing Your Options by Airport
| Airport | Best public transit | Cost | Time to downtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCA | Metro (Blue/Yellow) | ~$2.25–$6 | ~20 min |
| IAD | Silver Line Metro | ~$6–$8 | ~65–75 min |
| BWI | MARC train | ~$9 | ~40 min |
Tips for DC Airport Transfers
Fly into DCA if your destination is central DC or Capitol Hill. The 20-minute Metro ride for under $4 is one of the best airport-to-city transit connections in the US. The only reason to choose IAD or BWI over DCA is airline availability or price.
Allow extra buffer time at Dulles. IAD’s international arrivals process — including CBP, baggage, and the AeroTrain to the Silver Line station — can consume 60–90 minutes before you are even on the train. Plan accordingly.
Grab a SmarTrip Card at the station. Valid on Metro, Metro buses, and the DC Circulator, a SmarTrip Card is the cleanest way to handle in-city transit after arrival at DCA or Dulles.
Private transfers make sense for Dulles and BWI arrivals. The longer distances, toll roads, and variable traffic at IAD and BWI mean fixed-rate private transfers offer a level of certainty that is harder to achieve with metered taxis. Book through [/go/transfers-usa] for operators who track flight arrivals and adjust pickup times.
Explore Washington DC
Our Washington DC things to do guide covers the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, the monuments, and Capitol Hill. For accommodation, see our Washington DC hotels guide. For restaurants and neighbourhoods, our Washington DC food guide covers everything from Union Market to Georgetown.
Plan Your Trip
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