Air travel has improved our lives in so many ways. Decades ago, it could take days or even weeks to make a long-distance journey. Now, we can be on the other side of the world in a matter of hours. With dozens of airlines operating in thousands of destinations all over the globe, it’s never been easier to travel around. As you travel around, you may have noticed on your flight tickets that the airports you travel between all have three letter codes to identify them. These codes, known as IATA airport codes, are useful for quickly and easily distinguishing between airports. The airport code DCA is used for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
DCA Airport Code
Where is Airport Code DCA?
Airport code DCA, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, is located in Arlington, Virginia. It is one of the main airports serving the United States capital city of Washington DC. It's the closest airprot to the capital and is just five miles away from Downtown Washington DC.
Airport Code DCA Contact Information
The address for airport code DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) is Arlington, Virginia, 22202. The airport can be reached within ten minutes from Downtown DC. To contact DCA airport, simply visit the official site and fill in a contact information sheet.
History of Airport Code DCA
Airport code DCA, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, has a long history dating back many decades. Before DCA was built, Hoover Field in Arlington was the main airport for the Washington DC area. Hoover Field opened up in 1926, and the local authorities knew that another airport was needed but were prohibited from constructing one until 1938. Construction of Washington National Airport therefore began in 1940 and it opened up in June of 1941.
The airport was given its current name in Feburary of 1998, with Bill Clinton signing legislation to change the name to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in order to honor the former president. Additional terminals and facilities have been constructed at DCA airport over the years, and the airport has a unique rule that states no flights in or out of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport can travel further than 1,250 nautical miles. This means that international traffic heading to DC typically flies into Washington Dulles International Airport, with DCA serving domestic flights only. There are some exceptions to this rule, however.
Statistics for Airport Code DCA
DCA airport is the primary airport serving Washington DC for United States-based travelers. It's the closest airport to the American capital city and covers a total of 861 acres of land. More than 20 million passengers pass through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport each year and the airport is a fortress hub for American Airlines.
DCA airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, competes with Washington Dulles International Airport and Baltimore-Washington International Airport in serving the Washington DC area. The top destinations for DCA airport are Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Dallas, TX; and Orlando, FL.
Parking at DCA
Parking at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is very simple, with multiple lots and garages serving the different terminal buildings. There are three main options for parking at this Washington airport: the Terminal B/C garages, Terminal A garage, and the economy lot. The garages charge $25 per day, while the economy lot, which has over 2,600 spaces in total, charges just $17 per day and is the cheapest parking option at DCA.
Getting There
Getting To and From DCA
Traveling to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is quite simple, especially if you happen to be in the DC area. The I-395 South, George Washington Memorial Parkway South, leads straight to the airport. You can also choose to get in a taxi or reserve a spot in a rideshare to get to DCA airport. There are also several airport shuttles operating in the DC area that can take you directly to the terminals at DCA. The airport also has its own Metrorail station, offering quick and easy links with DC.
Getting Around DCA
DCA airport currently has four terminals and is quite a large airport, but is relatively easy to get around. All passengers will enter the large National Hall building and can easily find their terminal from there. The metro station is conveniently located near Terminals B and C, with terminal A being reached by a convenient underground walkway.
Hotels at DCA
Unlike some other airports around the United States, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport does not have its own on-site hotel at the moment. However, there are many hotels just a few minutes away from the terminal buildings, and these are the most convenient options for people traveling in and out of DCA airport. Many of these hotels will also offer free shuttles to and from the airport for guests, so read on for some addresses and contact details of the top hotels near DCA airport.
- Crystal Gateway Marriott - 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 703-920-3230
- Hyatt Regency Crystal City At Reagan National Airport - 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 703-418-1234
- Hilton Crystal City at Washington Reagan National Airport - 2399 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 703-418-6800
- Concord Residences - 2600 Crystal Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone:833-766-4584
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Washington DC Crystal City - 300 Army Navy Dr, Arlington, VA 22202, Phone: 703-416-4100
Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.