Washington DC Airport (airport code DCA) is also known as the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the former US President. It is a large airport with more than 18 million annual passengers. Many of them are there to do important business on Capitol Hill but of course plenty of tourists want to marvel at the historic buildings of the nation’s capital.
For executives the airport is only 5 kilometres south of the central business district and with Washington DC car rentals you can drive to anywhere you want in Arlington County. Book now and get great deals.
Washington DC Airport Mini Guide
Tell me About Washington DC?
Washington is the capital of arguably the greatest country in the world and bursting with history. It wasn’t the original capital of the country but was planned and built from land donated by neighbouring states so that it could remain unbiased in ruling the collection of states that make up America. It’s the home of the White House, the Capitol and many other buildings of state. Sadly, due to terrorist concerns, access is severely restricted to many of the monuments, even to the extent of looking at them from a distance, but the visitor will still get a sense of the power of the city and the people who run the country from it.
How can I get to Washington?
There are three airports serving Washington; Dulles, Baltimore and Ronald Reagan, with the latter being the closest at only three miles from the south of the city. Ronald Reagan Airport, named after the president and actor is an international airport but currently only accepts international flights from
Canada. Travellers from the
UK and Europe would have to take a connecting flight from one of the myriad destinations in the US or use Washington Dulles as their way of getting to the capital. Access to the city is simple using either the metro station for a route straight into the centre or bus, taxi or rental car.
What is Ronald Reagan Airport Like?
It is a modern and large airport which has undergone many changes over the last twenty years. It’s now comprised of three terminals with B and C being built in the late 90s. It has a wide range of facilities including a museum exhibit of artefacts from the adjacent historic Abingdon Plantation.
What Should I Expect When I Arrive at Ronald Reagan?
All flights to Ronald Reagan disembark via air bridges onto concourses with Terminal A’s being the longest. Don’t forget that if you think you might need assistance in getting around the airport, you must let your airline know at least two days in advance of your flight. Once through security, which is found at the end of each concourse, you’ll see that you are on the main shopping level.
Between the concourses there are information desks should you get disorientated and to find your luggage you’ll need to go down a level, unless you’ve arrived at Terminal A. Once they’re collected, Terminal B and C passengers will need to go back up a level if they’re using the metro to get into the city or if hoping to pick up a rental car, you’ll need to walk ten minutes to the rental garage or wait for the shuttle service outside baggage reclaim.
How Good are the Facilities for Departing Passengers?
Shopping at Ronald Reagan Airport is great. Set out like a covered mall, you’ll want to get your bags checked in as soon as possible to make the most of your time in the shops. Over forty, with a wide range of products, await your dollars and the story is the same with dining at the airport. From fast food to fine dining, snacks to sandwiches, you’re bound to find something to suit your timescale, budget and tastes. When you need a rest before your flight, but still want to be entertained, log on to the airport’s wireless internet for films, games, emails and more.
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