Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Washington, US 🇺🇸 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

KDCA

IATA

DCA

Elevation

15 ft

Region

US-DC

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: KDCA

Local Code: DCA

Location: 38.8521° N, -77.037697° E

Continent: NA

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: WAS

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

Official Website Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent traveler reviews for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) present a mixed but generally improving picture, with many praising its convenience and recent upgrades, while some still point out areas for improvement. Overall sentiment indicates that while the airport has its strengths, particularly for domestic travel, there are inconsistencies in traveler satisfaction across different terminals and services. An AirHelp survey from June 2024 to May 2025 even ranked DCA as the 5th worst airport in the U.S. based on factors including service quality and on-time performance.

What Travelers Love

Convenient Location: DCA is highly appreciated for its close proximity to Washington, D.C., making it very accessible, especially via the Metro.
Efficient Terminal Design (Terminal 2): Many travelers find the terminal layout, particularly in Terminal 2, intuitive, modern, and easy to navigate.
Recent Upgrades and Amenities: Significant improvements in Terminal 2 have been noted, including better seating, more dining and shopping options, charging stations, clean and upgraded restrooms, kid's play areas, and pet relief areas.
Generally Quick Security: Security checkpoints are often described as well-managed and efficient, with many reporting short wait times, especially for those with TSA PreCheck. New security checkpoint buildings opened in late 2021 have helped improve passenger flow.
Good Food and Retail Options: Travelers appreciate the variety of dining and shopping choices available, particularly in the upgraded areas.

Common Complaints

Inconsistent Efficiency and Ground Operations: Some travelers report significant delays related to plane parking and baggage return, leading to missed connections.
Dated Terminal Facilities (Terminal 1): Terminal 1, primarily serving Southwest, is frequently described as "very old and run down," with limited food options and fewer bathrooms compared to other terminals.
Overcrowding and Uncomfortable Seating: During peak times, the airport can feel crowded. Some areas lack comfortable seating for extended waits or overnight stays, with reports of uncomfortable, small seats, and even occasional pest sightings.
Expensive On-Site Parking: Parking directly at the airport can be costly, though off-site alternatives with shuttle services are available and more affordable.
Variability in Security Wait Times: While often quick, security wait times can be longer during peak travel periods such as early mornings, late afternoons, holidays, and legislative sessions.

DCA is generally praised for its accessibility and recent enhancements, particularly in Terminal 2, which have improved the passenger experience. However, the contrast with the older Terminal 1 and occasional operational inefficiencies remain points of frustration for some travelers.

Generated False weeks ago

This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)

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Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 219 routes are indexed for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

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Top Airlines

Operating at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
PSA Airlines `JIA` / `OH`	61	447	61	Dec 10, 2025
Republic `RPA` / `YX`	42	366	42	Dec 10, 2025
American Airlines `AAL` / `AA`	35	334	35	Dec 10, 2025
Southwest `SWA` / `WN`	18	259	18	Dec 9, 2025
Delta Air Lines `DAL` / `DL`	8	132	8	Dec 9, 2025
United `UAL` / `UA`	4	90	4	Dec 9, 2025
JetBlue `JBU` / `B6`	7	74	7	Dec 9, 2025
Jazz `JZA` / `QK`	3	55	3	Dec 9, 2025
GoJet `GJS` / `G7`	1	50	1	Dec 10, 2025
Envoy Air `ENY` / `MQ`	18	48	18	Dec 6, 2025

Showing top 10 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`01/19`	7169 ft	150 ft	ASP	Active Lighted
`04/22`	5000 ft	150 ft	ASP	Active Lighted
`15/33`	5204 ft	150 ft	ASP	Active Lighted

Type	Description	Frequency
APP	-	`119.85 MHz`
APP	-	`124.2 MHz`
CLRD	-	`128.25 MHz`
DEP	-	`118.95 MHz`
DEP	-	`125.65 MHz`
GND	Washington Ground	`121.7 MHz`
GND	-	`257.6 MHz`
TWR	Washington Tower	`119.1 MHz`
TWR	-	`134.35 MHz`
TWR	Washington Tower ;Helicopters	`257.6 MHz`
UNIC	UNICOM	`122.95 MHz`
WXAS	WX ASOS: (703-418-1177)	`132.65 MHz`

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency
`DC`	Oxonn	NDB	`332 kHz`
`DCA`	Washington	VOR-DME	`111000 kHz`
`GTN`	Georgetown	NDB	`323 kHz`

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis are readily available outside the baggage claim area of each terminal. A dispatcher will direct you to the next available cab. Fares are metered, and no advance reservations are required for standard taxi service.

Rental Cars

Rental car counters are located in Terminal Garage A. Free 'Parking / Rental Car' shuttle buses run continuously from the terminal baggage claim curbside to the garage. Major companies like Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National are represented.

Public Transportation

The airport has a dedicated Metrorail station (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) served by the Blue and Yellow lines, providing direct access to downtown Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region. The station is connected to Terminals B and C by covered pedestrian walkways. Metrobus service is also available.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.