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
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GPS Code: KDCA
Local Code: DCA
Location: 38.8521° N, -77.037697° E
Continent: North America
Type: Large International Airport
Keywords: WAS
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
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.
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Airport Routes
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) offers 231 flight routes operated by 10 airlines. Major carriers include PSA Airlines, American Airlines, Republic and others. Popular destinations from Washington include Hartsfield-Jackson Intl, Boston Logan Intl, Kansas City Intl, Raleigh-Durham Intl and Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) 6
- Boston Logan Intl (BOS) 5
- Kansas City Intl (MCI) 5
- Raleigh-Durham Intl (RDU) 5
- Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) 5
- OKC Will Rogers Intl (OKC) 5
- Nashville Intl (BNA) 5
- Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP) 4
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) 4
- Bradley Intl (BDL) 4
- Orlando Intl (MCO) 4
- John Glenn Columbus Intl Airport (CMH) 4
Newly Discovered
- Newark Liberty Intl (EWR) new
- Boston Logan Intl (BOS) new
- San Francisco Int'l (SFO) new
- Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl (PHX) new
- Toronto Pearson Int'l (YYZ) new
- Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) new
- Houston Bush Int'ctl (IAH) new
- Orlando Intl (MCO) new
- William P Hobby (HOU) new
- Minneapolis/St Paul Intl (MSP) new
- Hartsfield-Jackson Intl (ATL) new
- Bradley Intl (BDL) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Ronald Reagan Washington National AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PSA Airlines
JIA
/ OH
|
64 | 578 | 64 | Feb 6, 2026 |
American Airlines
AAL
/ AA
|
35 | 443 | 35 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Republic
RPA
/ YX
|
46 | 442 | 46 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Southwest
SWA
/ WN
|
18 | 338 | 18 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Delta Air Lines
DAL
/ DL
|
8 | 188 | 8 | Feb 6, 2026 |
United
UAL
/ UA
|
4 | 110 | 4 | Feb 6, 2026 |
JetBlue
JBU
/ B6
|
7 | 107 | 7 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Jazz
JZA
/ QK
|
3 | 68 | 3 | Feb 6, 2026 |
Envoy Air
ENY
/ MQ
|
21 | 64 | 21 | Feb 6, 2026 |
GoJet
GJS
/ G7
|
1 | 62 | 1 | Feb 3, 2026 |
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 |
Ground Transportation
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.
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