About Reagan Airport Metro
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has Metro access straight from the terminal — no shuttle bus, no separate transfer. Two covered pedestrian bridges link the elevated Metro station to Level 2 of Terminal 2, 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 1 (the older building, formerly Terminal A) is not on the pedestrian bridges. Passengers using Terminal 1 should take the free airport shuttle bus to reach the Metro station; a walkway also connects the two, but the walk is noticeably longer.
Lines & Journey Times
Journey Times to Key Destinations
| Destination | Line | Approx. Time |
|---|---|---|
| Pentagon | Blue or Yellow | ~7 min |
| L'Enfant Plaza | Blue or Yellow | ~12 min |
| Metro Center (downtown) | Blue or Yellow | ~15 min |
| Gallery Place–Chinatown | Yellow | ~17 min |
| Union Station | Blue or Yellow + transfer | ~22 min |
| Dupont Circle | Blue + transfer at Metro Center | ~24 min |
| King Street–Old Town (Alexandria) | Blue or Yellow | ~12 min |
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 2, 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. The station closes at midnight Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, and at 2:00am after Friday and Saturday service, with the last train leaving shortly before. 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).
- Metrorail fares are based on the distance travelled. The short run from the airport to Metro Center sits near the $2.25 minimum on a weekday and is capped at $2.50 after 9:30pm and all weekend. A taxi for 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 2 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 — two covered pedestrian bridges connect the Metro station directly to Level 2 of Terminal 2 at Reagan National Airport. No shuttle bus is needed. This makes DCA one of the most Metro-convenient airports in the US. Terminal 1 is not on the bridges: use the free airport shuttle bus, or the connecting walkway if you don't mind a longer walk.
How much does Metro from Reagan Airport to downtown DC cost?
With a SmarTrip card or a contactless card, the trip from Reagan Airport to Metro Center is a short one, close to the $2.25 system minimum on a weekday and no more than $2.50 in the evening or at weekends. Up to two children age 4 and under ride free with each fare-paying adult.
What time does the first Metro train leave Reagan Airport?
Metro service at Reagan Airport begins at 5:00am Monday through Friday and at 6:00am on Saturday and Sunday. The station closes at midnight Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, and at 2:00am after Friday and Saturday service — the final train departs shortly before closing. 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.