Layover in Washington (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | About 1h 47m in the city | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 3h 47m in the city | About 2h 12m in the city |
| 8 hours | About 5h 47m in the city | About 4h 12m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 9h 47m in the city | About 8h 12m in the city |
Getting into Washington
About 19m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 5 km (3 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Worth seeing near the center
- Dupont Circle
- Capitol Hill
- National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- American Legion Freedom Bell
- General Jose de San Martin Memorial
- Hahnemann Monument
- Bernardo de Galvez
- 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence Memorial
- Guglielmo Marconi Statue
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Washington?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 4 hours or more to get into Washington and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 6 hours or more.
How do I get from DCA to central Washington?
Allow about 19m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 5 km (3 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to DCA?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.