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Washington, DC is the capital of the United States. It is home to the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and the Supreme Court. You’ll also find the Smithsonian museums, the National Mall, and many monuments. The city has a compact layout with easy access to public transit. Washington, DC sits on the Potomac River between Maryland and Virginia. According to Wikipedia, the city covers about 177 square kilometers and has a population of over 700,000.
You can fly into three main airports in the Washington, DC area. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is just 8 km from downtown Washington, DC, with a travel time of 10 to 15 minutes. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) lies about 48 km from the city, and the transfer takes 35 to 45 minutes. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), located 51 km northeast of DC, has a transfer time of 45 to 60 minutes.
피어나네 from What Is the Best Airport to Fly Into Washington, DC?
Choosing between Reagan National Airport or Dulles International Airport? Or perhaps Baltimore/Washington Marshall Airport or Reagan National Airport? Each option serves Washington, DC, but the best one for you depends on what matters most—distance, flight options, or price. So, Which Airport Should You Use to Fly Into Washington D.C.?
- If being close to the city is your top priority, Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most convenient. It’s just 10 km from downtown and mainly handles domestic flights and has limited long-haul routes.
- If you're flying internationally or need more flight options, Dulles International Airport (IAD) is your best bet. Located about 42 km west of DC, it offers extensive international service.
- For travelers searching for lower fares, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is often a good choice. It's farther—around 52 km northeast of DC—but it is a major base for Southwest Airlines, which helps keep domestic fares competitive.
In short: Choose Reagan National Airport for quick access to downtown, Dulles International Airport for global flights, or BWI for budget travel.
Transport Comparison at DCA Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington (DCA) National Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, DC. It is the closest and best airport to Washington DC. Its address is 2401 Smith Blvd, Arlington, VA 22202. The airport has three main areas: Terminal 1 (Gates 1–9), Terminal 2 (Gates 10–59), and National Hall, which connects all terminals after security.
DCA mainly handles domestic flights, with routes to cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. It also has short flights to places like Boston and Philadelphia. International service is limited to a few Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal. Most overseas flights go through Dulles Airport instead.
The airport has food courts, cafes, and restaurants in each terminal. You’ll find chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’, plus local spots like Good Stuff Eatery and Lebanese Taverna. Travelers can use free Wi-Fi, charging stations, shops, and seating near each gate.
Several popular hotels stand within 1 to 2 km of DCA are The Crystal City Marriott, The Hilton Garden Inn Reagan National Airport, The Hyatt Regency Crystal City, Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel, and Westin Crystal City.
Photo by Trac Vu via Unsplash
So, How do you get from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Washington City Centre? There are several transfer options to get from DCA airport to Washington DC, including bus, metro, taxi and private transfer. There are also Uber, Bolt and Waymo serivices but they face criticism in the U.S. for unpredictable pricing, low driver pay with no benefits, and adding to city traffic. We recommend a quick, safe Ronald Reagan Airport taxi option with 24/7 support, reliable drivers, and fixed prices.
Shuttle Bus from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The shuttle from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to downtown Washington, DC takes about 9 minutes.
Key Point: Your transfer starts at Reagan National Airport. Head outside the terminal to the shuttle pick-up area.
These shuttle services run frequently. They often group travelers heading to hotels, stations, or business areas in the city.
Shuttle Fare from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
The price for a shared shuttle from Reagan Airport to central Washington ranges from $20 to $45 per person.
Metro from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The trip from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to central Washington takes about 25 minutes. There is no direct train to every neighborhood, but you can reach downtown and transfer to other lines if needed.
Key Point: Start at the Metro station located at 2401 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Access Road in Arlington, Virginia. This station connects to both the Yellow and Blue Metro lines.
If you are going downtown, the Yellow Line is usually faster. From the airport, it takes only four stops to reach L’Enfant Plaza. If you choose the Blue Line, the same ride takes 12 stops.
If you plan to travel to a Blue Line station past L’Enfant Plaza, like Eastern Market or Stadium-Armory, it is quicker to take the Yellow Line first to L’Enfant Plaza, then change trains.
If you have a lot of bags or want fewer transfers during busy hours, the Blue Line works too. It takes longer but involves less movement between platforms.
Metro Station Hours at Reagan Airport
- Monday to Thursday: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Friday: 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
- Sunday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Crowded Metro: Metro trains can get full during peak hours. Metro has space for luggage, but it may be limited when the trains are busy.
Metro Fare from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
The total metro fare from Reagan National Airport to Washington DC ranges from $5 to $6.
Taxi from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The taxi ride from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to Washington DC takes about 25 minutes.
Key Point: Taxis wait outside the arrivals area at the airport. They use meters to calculate fares. Traffic, route, or time of day can change the final price. If you travel during busy times or carry large bags, the cost may be higher. You can also pre-book Ronald Reagan Washington airport limo transfer option if you want a fixed rate.
Taxi Fare from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC
The taxi fare from Ronald Reagan Washington Airport to Washington DC is ,between $60 and $80.
Transport Comparison at IAD Airport
Washington Dulles International (IAD) Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is in Dulles, Virginia, about 48 km west of Washington, DC. Its address is 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166. The main terminal, designed by Eero Saarinen, has a curved shape. The airport uses concourses A, B, C, and D, with passengers moving between them by AeroTrain or mobile lounges.
Dulles serves many domestic and international flights. U.S. routes include cities like Chicago, Orlando, and San Francisco. International flights go to London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, and more. Airlines like United, Lufthansa, British Airways, and Qatar Airways use Dulles as a hub for long flights.
Shops and restaurants are spread across all concourses. Travelers find places like Chipotle, Five Guys, Starbucks, &pizza, and CAVA. Shops sell books, electronics, and clothes. The airport offers charging stations, free Wi-Fi, nursing rooms, and lounges.
Several well-rated hotels surround Dulles Airport. The closest is the Washington Dulles Marriott, with shuttle service and meeting rooms. Other nearby options include the Hyatt Regency, Westin, Hilton, and Holiday Inn. These hotels suit travelers with early flights or layovers.
Photo by Cyrus Crossan via Unsplash
So, How do you get from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington City Centre? There are several transfer options to get from IAD airport to Washington DC, including shuttle bus, train, taxi and private transfer. The fastest and simplest way to reach the city centre is to book a private Washington Dulles Airport shuttle option in advance.
Shuttle from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The shuttle bus from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to downtown Washington takes around 37 minutes.
Key Point: The shuttle picks up passengers at Washington Dulles Airport. You can find the pick-up area just outside the terminal. Most services group travelers heading into the city. These shuttle buses run on set schedules.
Shuttle Fare from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
The fare from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC is between $40 and $55 per person.
Train from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The trip from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to downtown Washington takes around 55 minutes. There is no direct train from the airport to the city.
Key Point: First, take the Silver Line Express Bus to Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station at Washington Dulles Airport. This bus connects the airport to the nearest Metro station.
Once at Wiehle-Reston East, get on the Silver Line Metro train toward central Washington. Trains leave about every 15 minutes. The Silver Line runs daily from 4:49 a.m. to 11:12 p.m.
The Metro ride from Wiehle-Reston East to downtown takes you through several key stops along the way.
Train Fare from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
The total train fare from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC is about $6 per person.
Taxi from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The taxi ride from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to central Washington takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
Key Point: Cabs wait outside the arrivals area at Dulles Airport. Local drivers do not offer a fixed price for trips into the city. Each ride uses a taximeter, and the fare depends on how far or how long the trip takes. Traffic and the exact drop-off spot can change the final cost.
Taxi Fare from Washington Dulles Airport to Washington DC
The average cab fare from Dulles Airport to downtown Washington is around €75.
Transport Comparison at BWI Airport
Baltimore/Washington (BWI) International Thurgood Marshall Airport
BWI Airport is about 51 km northeast of Washington, DC and 14 km south of downtown Baltimore. The address is 7050 Friendship Rd, Baltimore, MD 21240. It has one main terminal and five concourses (A–E). Southwest uses Concourses A and B, while other airlines use C, D, and E. Walkways and moving sidewalks connect the areas.
BWI handles domestic and international flights. Popular U.S. routes include Atlanta, New York, and Los Angeles. International flights go to cities like London, Cancun, Toronto, and Punta Cana. Airlines include Southwest, Delta, American, Spirit, British Airways, and Icelandair.
Food options include Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Silver Diner, and Obrycki’s. Most concourses and the main terminal have food courts. Shops sell books, electronics, snacks, and clothes. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, charging spots, lounges, and a fitness trail.
Several hotels stand close to BWI Airport including The Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel, The BWI Airport Marriott, Holiday Inn Baltimore, Hilton Baltimore and Aloft BWI Baltimore.
Dirk Daniel Mann from So, How do you get from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington City Centre? There are several transfer options to get from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC, including bus, train, taxi and private transfer. Pre-booking Baltimore/Washington Airport limo transfer is the fastest and simplest way to reach the city centre.
Bus from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The bus ride from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport to Washington DC takes around 1 hour and 48 minutes.
Key Point: You will begin your trip at BWI Airport. At the lower level, you can board MTA Commuter Bus 201. Buses stop at two places: Door #2, Location #6 or Door #18, Location #62.
Take the 201 bus to the Shady Grove Metro Station. This first leg of the trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
From there, continue your journey toward Washington by transferring to another service, such as a local Metro line or a Greyhound bus. Some travelers also take MTA bus route 75 from the BWI lower level to Haines St & Warner St, then transfer to a Greyhound bus at Baltimore Downtown Bus Station. Greyhound goes to Union Station in Washington DC.
Bus Fare from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
The total fare Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC ranges from $7 to $52 per person.
Train from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The train trip from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport to Washington DC takes around 47 minutes.
Key Point: Start your trip at BWI’s lower level. Look for the inner roadway outside Doors #2, 8, 15, or 17. From there, take the free shuttle to the Amtrak/MARC Rail Station. Shuttles come every 10 to 15 minutes. They run weekdays from 6:23 a.m. to 12:52 a.m., Saturdays until 1:52 a.m., and Sundays until 1:52 a.m.
At the rail station, board either an Amtrak or MARC Train going south to Union Station in Washington DC. The ride from BWI to Union Station takes about 30 to 35 minutes. You can buy tickets online, by phone, at the station, or from the fare machines near the shuttle stops.
From Union Station, you can transfer to the WMATA Red Line for more stops across the DC area. Or exit at New Carrollton and take the WMATA Orange Line instead. That part of the trip takes about 20 minutes.
Train Fare from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
The train fare ranges from $3.40 to $12 per person, depending on whether you choose Amtrak or MARC and if you use the Metro afterward.
Taxi from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
Journey Time: The taxi from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Airport to Washington DC takes about 40 minutes.
Key Point: Taxis wait outside the arrivals area at BWI Airport. Local drivers use meters, so your fare depends on how far or how long the trip takes. Night rides between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. include an extra charge of $0.50. Travel times may be longer during traffic hours or in bad road conditions.
Taxi Fare from Baltimore/Washington Airport to Washington DC
The taxi fare from BWI Airport to downtown Washington DC ranges from $95 to $120, including surcharges.
Private Transfers from Washington Airports
Private Transfers in Washington DC
Washington DC offers much more than political power, with its towering monuments, beautiful green spaces and some of the most famous museums in the country.
AirportTransfer.com provides a private shuttle service in Washington, D.C., operating from all three major airports — Dulles International, Ronald Reagan and Baltimore-Washington — to popular destinations such as Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Arlington and more.
Our Washington airport transfers pick you up directly from Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA), or Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall (BWI), taking you straight to your hotel, home, or any other location in the Washington city. You can avoid ride-hailing services like Uber, Bolt or Waymo, taxi queues and crowded public transport. You can choose your vehicle type, including Washington limousine transfer, and pay online.
All transfers come with 24/7 customer support and professional drivers who know the city well. You can also cancel your booking up to 48 hours before pickup and receive a 100% refund. You can manage your booking using the AirportTransfer App from the Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store.
Washington Group Bus Transfer Service
Bus Transfers to Washington from Group Travel
At AirportTransfer.com, we offer bus charter services in Washington, DC, for all types of group travel. Planning a corporate meeting, school trip, sports event or sightseeing tour? Our clean and spacious charter buses are ready. Each vehicle has wide seats, powerful air conditioning and luggage space, ensuring your group stays comfortable from pickup to drop-off.
Direct transfers are available from Dulles International, Ronald Reagan and Baltimore-Washington airports to hotels, convention centres and major landmarks in the city. Our drivers will take you straight to your destination, so there's no need to worry about figuring out metro routes or looking for parking. This makes travelling simple for large groups who want to travel together without delay.
All prices are fixed. You won't face any last-minute changes or hidden charges. If you need help arranging a group transfer from the airport or have any special requests, please contact us to arrange a bus rental service in Washington, DC. Our team will organise your journey and select a bus that matches your group's size and travel plans.
Direct Hotel Transfers in Washington D.C
Washington Hotel Transfers
AirportTransfer.com provides Washington hotel transfers from Dulles International, Ronald Reagan, and Baltimore-Washington airports to addresses across Washington DC. Your driver meets you at the terminal and takes you to your hotel in a private car or van with air conditioning. There are no shared rides, no stops on the way and no need to change vehicles. Just a simple, one-way trip that fits your travel schedule.
Hotels in Washington DC City Centre
Willard InterContinental, Conrad Washington DC, Hotel Washington, The Hay-Adams, Riggs Washington DC, Sofitel Lafayette Square, Grand Hyatt Washington, JW Marriott Washington DC, The Dupont Circle Hotel, and The Darcy.
Hotels Near Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, Hyatt Regency Dulles, Westin Washington Dulles Airport, Hilton Washington Dulles, and Courtyard by Marriott Dulles Airport.
Hotels Near Ronald Reagan Airport
Crystal Gateway Marriott, Hilton Crystal City, Embassy Suites Crystal City, Renaissance Arlington Capital View, and Hyatt Regency Crystal City.
Hotels Near Baltimore-Washington Airport
BWI Airport Marriott, Holiday Inn BWI Airport, Hilton BWI Airport, Hyatt Place BWI, and Aloft BWI Airport.
You can also arrange a bus charter for larger groups traveling together to or from these hotels. Book in advance, set your pickup time and travel with your group in one vehicle.