Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Arlington, Virginia · ICAO KDCA
Located just across the Potomac from downtown D.C., Reagan National is the closest airport to the National Mall, White House, and Capitol. New Terminal C opened in 2024 connecting directly to Metro. Primarily domestic with a flight-distance perimeter rule.
DCA Airport Overview
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (IATA: DCA / ICAO: KDCA) is located in Arlington, Virginia. Located just across the Potomac from downtown D.C., Reagan National is the closest airport to the National Mall, White House, and Capitol. New Terminal C opened in 2024 connecting directly to Metro. Primarily domestic with a flight-distance perimeter rule.
Hub for: American Airlines
💡 DCA Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from DCA.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: DCA is a hub for American Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
DCA TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at DCA average about 10 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Wednesday around 10 PM and the busiest is Friday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at DCA
- Terminal A: Terminal A Checkpoint
- Terminal B: Terminal B Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck
- Terminal C (New): Terminal C Checkpoint — brand-new, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR
DCA Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has 3 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal A
Terminal B
Terminal C (New)
Airlines at DCA — Terminal & Gate Directory
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is served by 8+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| JetBlue | Terminal A | Gates 1–9 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal A | Gates 1–9 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal A | Gates 1–9 |
| American AirlinesHub | Terminal B | B10–B37 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal B | B10–B37 |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal C (New) | C39–C59 |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal C (New) | C39–C59 |
| United Airlines | Terminal C (New) | C39–C59 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve DCA:
Where to Eat at DCA — Dining & Food Guide
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has 6+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From DCA — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Arlington from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
- Metrorail Blue & Yellow Lines — Reagan National Airport station, direct to downtown D.C. in 10 min
- Ride-share & taxi — Arrivals Level
- Capital Bikeshare — station at airport for bike rides to D.C.
DCA Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Garage A
Near Terminals A, B
Garage B/C
Near Terminal C
Airport Lounges at DCA
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- American Admirals Club (Terminal B)
- The Club DCA (Terminal A)
DCA Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Five Guys, Starbucks, Good Stuff Eatery.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. DCA has 2 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 3 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
DCA Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at DCA?
Typical TSA security wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) average around 10 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest wednesday around 10 pm and longest friday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our DCA TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from DCA. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at DCA are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of DCA?
DCA is served by carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue and others. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is a hub for American Airlines.
How many terminals does DCA have?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has 3 terminal areas: Terminal A; Terminal B; Terminal C (New). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from DCA to downtown Arlington?
Popular ways to reach downtown Arlington from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport include Metrorail Blue & Yellow Lines; Ride-share & taxi; Capital Bikeshare. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does DCA have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like DCA also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at DCA?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Five Guys, Starbucks, Good Stuff Eatery, Cosi, Founding Farmers, District Doughnut. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is DCA located?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is in Arlington, Virginia (VA). Its IATA code is DCA and its ICAO code is KDCA. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.