About Reagan Airport Metro
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is one of only two commercial airports in the United States with direct rapid transit access from the terminal — no shuttle bus, no separate transfer. The Metro station is connected to Terminal B/C via a covered pedestrian walkway, and trains depart directly into downtown DC and beyond.
The station is served by the Blue and Yellow lines, both of which pass through the core of downtown DC — including L'Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian, Federal Triangle, Metro Center and Farragut stations. The trip to Metro Center takes approximately 15 minutes under normal conditions.
Note: Terminal A (older gates, mostly regional flights) is not directly connected to the Metro station by the bridge. Passengers arriving at Terminal A should take the free shuttle to Terminal B/C to access the Metro. The walk from Terminal A is also possible but longer.
Lines & Journey Times
Journey Times to Key Destinations
| Destination | Line | Approx. Time | Fare (Peak) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentagon | Blue or Yellow | ~7 min | $2.25 |
| L'Enfant Plaza | Blue or Yellow | ~12 min | $2.25 |
| Metro Center (downtown) | Blue or Yellow | ~15 min | $2.50 |
| Gallery Place–Chinatown | Yellow | ~17 min | $2.50 |
| Union Station | Blue or Yellow + transfer | ~22 min | $2.50 |
| Dupont Circle | Blue + transfer at Metro Center | ~24 min | $2.75 |
| King Street–Old Town (Alexandria) | Blue or Yellow | ~12 min | $2.25 |
Terminal & Station Access
Traveler Tips
- Checked bags are allowed on Metro — no size restrictions for normal luggage. Oversized or multiple bags may be inconvenient on crowded trains during rush hour. Consider traveling off-peak (before 7am or after 7pm) for a more comfortable ride with large luggage.
- From the Metro station entrance to the gate at Terminal B/C, allow at least 20–30 minutes depending on security line length. Don't cut it close on departure days — the bridge walk and escalators add time.
- Buy your SmarTrip card before arriving at the airport — the kiosks can have lines on busy travel days. You can add a SmarTrip to Apple Pay or Google Pay via the DC SmarTrip app before you land.
- Metro does not run 24 hours. Last trains from Reagan Airport depart around 11:30pm on weekdays and Sundays, and around 1:00am on Fridays and Saturdays. For late-night arrivals, Uber/Lyft from DCA is usually the practical choice.
- Reagan Airport serves short and medium-haul domestic routes. For transatlantic or international flights, you likely need Dulles Airport (IAD) — accessible via the Silver Line from downtown DC (45–55 min, no transfer).
- Reagan Airport is in Fare Zone 3. A trip to Metro Center costs $2.50 peak or $2.25 off-peak with SmarTrip. A taxi from the same trip typically costs $18–28 plus tip depending on traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Reagan National Airport to DC by Metro?
Exit baggage claim in Terminal B/C and follow signs to the Metro via the pedestrian bridge. Take the Blue or Yellow Line toward downtown. To reach Metro Center (downtown DC) the trip is approximately 15 minutes. Both lines make the same stops through central DC — check which line's final destination is more convenient for your hotel.
Does the Metro go directly to Reagan Airport terminal?
Yes — a covered pedestrian bridge connects the Metro station directly to Terminal B/C at Reagan National Airport. No shuttle bus is needed. This makes DCA one of the most Metro-convenient airports in the US. For Terminal A, use the free AeroTrain connecting all three terminals inside the secure area (pre-security, the walk is longer).
How much does Metro from Reagan Airport to downtown DC cost?
Reagan Airport is in Fare Zone 3. With a SmarTrip card: $2.50 peak (weekday rush hours) or $2.25 off-peak to Metro Center. If paying with a tap card or phone, the same rates apply. Paper tickets at kiosks may cost slightly more. Children under 5 ride free.
What time does the first Metro train leave Reagan Airport?
Metro service at Reagan Airport begins at 5:00am Monday through Friday and at 7:00am on Saturdays. Sunday service starts at 8:00am. The last train departs approximately 11:30pm on weekdays (Friday 1am, Saturday 1am, Sunday 11pm). Check WMATA's website for the most current schedule as it may change.
Is Uber or Metro faster from Reagan Airport to DC?
Metro is almost always faster during weekday rush hours (7–9am and 4–7pm). During those hours, road traffic into DC can add 15–30 minutes to a rideshare trip compared to the Metro's consistent ~15-minute run to Metro Center. Off-peak, Uber/Lyft can be slightly faster but costs $18–28 vs $2.50 on Metro. For multiple passengers with luggage, rideshare may be the better value even off-peak.