Option 1: Washington Metro Yellow Line Train
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes
- Easily the most straightforward (and fastest) ride to downtown Washington, D.C. Take the Washington Metro’s Yellow Line from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, a short walk from Terminal 2 through the concourse level. Destinations is L’Enfant Plaza Station – the Metro’s major intermodal hub (every Washington Metro Line converges here except for the Red Line). You can also connect to the commuter rail line Virginia Railway Express. Located just south of the National Mall and walking distance to the Smithsonian and major museums.
- If you’re going from Reagan National Airport to Dulles International Airport transfer from the Yellow Line to the Silver Line at L’Enfant Plaza Station to continue towards Dulles Airport. Fare is $2.40 to take the Yellow Line. Beware of peak fares during weekdays. You can purchase WMATA’s fare card –SmarTrip for $5.00 to explore the entire region.
- Cheapest
Option 2: Shuttle Bus
- Some hotels offer shuttle bus service from Reagan Airport to downtown Washington. Check with your hotel and Reagan Airport’s Information page.
Option 3: Taxi / Rideshare
- Travel time: 15-20 minutes
- Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft offer private rideshare services from the airport. If you arrive at rush hour expect to sit in traffic. Expect to pay about $20-25 for a ride. Keep in mind that Washington traffic can become notoriously congested so be prepared for sudden surge pricing.
Option 4: Bicycle
- Travel time: 25 minutes
- Yes. Seriously. You can bike from Reagan Washington National Airport to downtown D.C. How many airports allow quick bikeshare access? Very few. The Mount Vernon Trail runs right by the terminal. Conveniently located on the west side of the Parking 2 structure is a Capital Bikeshare station. Cost is $8.00 to ride for a day.
- Learn more about biking from DCA here.