How to Get to Washington. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Washington D.C.

Major Airports Serving D.C.

Washington D.C. Is served by three main airports.

Airport Overview

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): Closest to downtown D.C., mostly domestic and short-haul international flights.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD): Main international airport, 26 miles west of D.C., handles long-haul international flights.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): Near Baltimore, 32 miles north of D.C., budget-friendly alternative with domestic and some international flights.

Airlines and Direct Flight Options

Each airport serves different airline hubs and routes.

Route Information

DCA: Aa hub, Southwest, Delta, United. Focus on East Coast U.S. cities.
IAD: United Airlines major hub, many Star Alliance partners. Numerous direct flights from major global hubs (London, Paris, Tokyo, Dubai).
BWI: Southwest Airlines hub, Spirit, Delta, American, United. Mainly domestic, some international to Caribbean and Europe.

Airport Facilities

All three airports offer standard facilities: dining, shopping, car rental, free Wi-Fi, ATMs, lounges.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Peak seasons (Cherry Blossom, summer, major holidays) see higher prices. Shoulder seasons (early fall, late spring) and low season (winter, excluding holidays) offer better fares. Book well in advance.

Flight Deals

Consider Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. Compare prices on Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers to City/Accommodation

DCA Transfer Options

Metrorail (Blue/Yellow Lines): Direct connection to the city center D.C. (20-30 mins, $2-6). Quickest and most cost-effective.
Taxi/Ride-share: Readily available. Downtown D.C. ride is typically $20-35.
DiscoverCars.com for rental car alternatives.
Shared-ride vans: May be available. Check for services like SuperShuttle.

IAD and BWI Transfer Options

IAD Metrorail (Silver Line): Direct connection to downtown D.C. (60-90 mins, $2-6).
IAD Taxi/Ride-share: Downtown D.C. ride is typically $50-70.
BWI (MARC Train/Amtrak): Shuttle to BWI Rail Station, then train to Union Station D.C. (MARC $8/30-40 mins, Amtrak $15-30/20-30 mins).
BWI Express Bus: To Greenbelt Metrorail station ($7/30 mins), then Green Line into D.C.

Travel Tip

Book Flights in Advance

Particularly for overseas travel or during peak domestic periods, booking well in advance is highly suggested.

Check Real-time Traffic

Use apps to estimate travel time to the airport or station, especially during D.C.'s busy rush hours.

Confirm Status

Always confirm your flight or train status before heading to the airport or station.

Land Transportation to Washington D.C.

Train Connections & Services

Union Station, at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, serves as D.C.'s main train hub.

Train Operators

Amtrak: National passenger rail service connects D.C. to cities across the U.S., including the high-speed Acela Express for Northeast Corridor cities.
MARC Train (Maryland Area Regional Commuter): Connects D.C. to points in Maryland and West Virginia (e.g., Baltimore, BWI Airport).
VRE (Virginia Railway Express): Commuter rail service connects D.C. to Northern Virginia.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Union Station also functions as the central hub for intercity bus travel.

Bus Companies & Routes

Companies: Major bus companies like Greyhound, Megabus, Peter Pan Bus Routes, and FlixBus operate routes from D.C.
Routes: These services connect D.C. to cities throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and beyond.
Often bring a more budget travel option than trains or flights.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car in D.C. Requires a valid driver's license (international with AN idp is advised for non-English licenses) and a major credit card. Minimum age is usually 21-25.

Important Notes

Traffic in Washington D.C. Can be heavy, especially during rush hours.
Parking is expensive and often difficult to find, especially downtown and near popular attractions.
For city center attractions, public transport is generally a better choice than self-driving.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally well-maintained. However, drivers should be cautious.

Driver Awareness

Be aware of aggressive drivers, heavy traffic, and numerous one-way streets.
Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise caution, as D.C. Drivers are often fast-paced.
Driving on the right-hand side of the road. Seatbelt use is mandatory.

Border Crossing Information

Not applicable for travel withwithin the United States.
If coming from Canada or Mexico, standard border crossing procedures apply at those international land crossings.
Always ensure you have appropriate travel documents for international border crossings.

For those arriving by road or rail from other U.S. States, no special border procedures are in place.
Be aware of traffic and local driving laws when entering D.C. From neighboring states.
Always verify any specific travel advisories before planning your trip.

Sea/River Arrivals in Washington D.C.

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Washington D.C. Is not a main international gateway for sea or river arrivals in the traditional sense.

No Major Cruise Port

D.C. Does not have a major cruise port for large international cruise liners.
Cruise ships typically dock in Baltimore, Maryland, requiring land travel to D.C.
Limited water taxi services run on the Potomac River for local transportation.

River Transportation Options

The Potomac River offers recreational transportation.

Local Water Taxis & Cruises

The Potomac Riverboat Company provides water taxis and sightseeing cruises.
These connect D.C. To nearby points like National Harbor and Old Town Alexandria.
Mainly serve as local transport or leisure activities, not arrival points from outside the immediate region.

Immigration Procedures

Not applicable for Washington D.C., as it does not function as an international seaport for passenger arrivals.

Connections to Land Transport

Water taxi services typically dock at locations with easy access to public transport (Metro/bus) or ride-share pick-up points.

Scenic Views

River transport brings unique scenic views of the city's landmarks from the water.

Departure Information from D.C.

Exit Fees & Departure Procedures

The United States does not impose specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers beyond those already included in your airline ticket prices.

Timing Recommendations

International Flights (IAD/BWI): Arrive 2-3 hours prior to scheduled departure.
Domestic Flights (DCA/IAD/BWI): Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior to departure.
Trains/Buses (Union Station): Arrive 30-60 minutes prior to departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

All departure points bring comprehensive facilities for travelers.

Available Services

Airports: Check-in counters, self-service kiosks, bag check, security checkpoints.
Wide array of restaurant and retail options. International terminals at IAD and BWI feature duty-free shopping. Lounges are also available.
Union Station: Historic station has comfortable waiting areas, various shops, and dining options.

Last-Minute Checks

Check Flight Status