Washington, D.C. is served by three major airports, meeting the demand for travellers heading to the US capital for business, politics, and sightseeing. Each offers distinct advantages depending on itinerary, budget, and travel preferences.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Located in Arlington, Virginia, about 5 miles from downtown D.C., DCA is the closest airport to the city centre.
DCA primarily handles domestic flights, with limited international service to Canada and the Caribbean. It’s a hub for American Airlines and features direct Metro access via the Yellow and Blue lines, making it a convenient airport to use without a car.
The airport is known for its efficiency, beautiful river views on approach, and its impressive terminal architecture. However, because of federal restrictions on flight distances, it offers fewer long-haul options than its suburban counterparts. Currently, the Perimeter rule limits nonstop flights to and from DCA to 1,250 miles..
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
IAD is located in Dulles, Virginia, about 26 miles west of downtown D.C.
The airport is the region’s primary international gateway, handling flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. It is a major hub for United Airlines and offers the widest selection of global carriers and intercontinental connections.
Though further from the city centre, Dulles is well-equipped for large volumes of traffic with multiple runways and modern terminals. A dedicated Silver Line Metro station, opened in 2022, has significantly improved public transport access, although the journey into downtown still takes approximately an hour.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Located in Linthicum, Maryland, about 32 miles northeast of downtown D.C. and about 9 miles from Baltimore, BWI can often favour budget travellers and flights with low-cost carriers.
BWI is a hub for Southwest Airlines and frequently offers cheaper fares than DCA or Dulles, particularly for short-haul routes.
A regular Amtrak and MARC train service operates from BWI Rail Station to Union Station in the capital. The journey takes roughly 30–40 minutes, making BWI a competitive option despite its distance. Notably, to get to BWI Rail Station, you have to take a free shuttle bus that runs 24/7 from the lower level of the terminal.
BWI is also known for its passenger-friendly layout, choice of dining options, and on-site observation gallery that’s popular with aviation enthusiasts.
