Reagan National Airport Map & Terminal Guide 2026

Reagan National Airport Map

The Reagan National Airport map below shows the full layout of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA/KDCA) — one of the closest major airports to a national capital anywhere in the world, sitting just 4 miles from the National Mall in Arlington, Virginia. DCA is a hub for American Airlines and a major operating base for Southwest, Delta, United and Alaska, serving more than 25 million passengers a year across 111 nonstop destinations.

As you can see on the DCA airport map, the layout follows a J-shaped footprint: the compact Terminal 1 (Concourse A) sits at the southern curve, while the much larger Terminal 2 (Concourses B, C, D and E) stretches north along the Potomac River. Study the Reagan National Airport map before you travel so you know which terminal and concourse your airline uses — the two terminals are not connected once you clear security.

Reagan National Airport Location Map

Reagan National Airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, on the west bank of the Potomac River, directly across from Washington D.C. The airport is accessed via the George Washington Memorial Parkway and I-395. The DCA airport location map below shows its position relative to downtown DC and the wider Northern Virginia road network.

DCA Airport Terminals — Overview

Reagan National Airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the original 1941 building with its historically restored exterior, housing a single concourse (A) with nine gates. Terminal 2 is the modern César Pelli-designed complex that opened in 1997, covering four concourses (B, C, D and E) with 50 gates. The two terminals handle check-in, security and baggage claim independently and are not connected post-security — make sure you arrive at the right terminal for your airline.

Reagan National Airport Security Checkpoints

Terminal 1 has its own security checkpoint near the terminal entrance. Terminal 2 has two dedicated security checkpoint buildings that opened in November 2021, one serving the south piers and one serving the north piers. All checkpoints at DCA offer TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes.

Reagan National Airport Terminal 1 — Concourse A

Terminal 1 is the oldest building at DCA, originally opened in 1941 with its Art Deco-influenced facade now fully restored. It is a compact, easy-to-navigate terminal with a single concourse and nine gates, making it one of the most straightforward terminals in any major US airport. The entire building is ground-level, and security to gate takes just a few minutes.

Reagan National Airport Terminal 2 — Concourses B, C, D and E

Terminal 2, designed by Argentine architect César Pelli and opened in 1997, is the main terminal at DCA. It is a single building with four concourses arranged along a long central hall known as National Hall. The Metro station is directly attached to Terminal 2 via covered pedestrian bridges, making it one of the most convenient airport Metro connections in the US. National Hall has a wide selection of shops, restaurants and services accessible before and after security.

Terminal 2 — National Hall

National Hall is the central landside spine of Terminal 2, running north to south. It contains airline ticket counters, baggage claim carousels, the Metro station bridges, ground transportation access, and the main food court. From National Hall, passengers proceed to the appropriate security checkpoint building to reach their concourse.

Walking Between Concourses at DCA

Within Terminal 2, passengers can walk freely between all four concourses (B, C, D and E) once past security — the piers are connected by the internal concourse corridors. Allow 5–10 minutes to walk between adjacent concourses; Concourse B to Concourse E takes around 15 minutes at a brisk pace. Moving walkways are available on key sections.

Terminal 1 (Concourse A) is separate post-security. If you need to transfer between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 after clearing security, you will need to exit the secure zone, use the landside connector walkway, and re-clear security at the other terminal. Allow a minimum of 45 minutes for this type of connection.

Getting to Reagan National Airport

The Metro station at DCA is one of the best airport transit connections in the United States, with covered walkways linking directly into Terminal 2. All ground transportation picks up and drops off at the arrivals level of the respective terminal.

Reagan National Airport Parking

Pre-book DCA parking in advance — the airport serves more than 25 million passengers annually and spaces fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends.

Reagan National Airport Map — Arrivals

Arriving passengers land at their respective concourse and proceed through the terminal to baggage claim. In Terminal 1, baggage claim is at the north end of the building. In Terminal 2, baggage claim carousels are on the lower level of National Hall, divided into east and west sides. International arrivals at DCA — which are limited to flights from pre-clearance airports in Canada and the Caribbean — have already cleared US Customs and Border Protection before departure, so there is no separate customs hall.

Ground Transportation from Arrivals

From baggage claim, follow signs to the appropriate exit for Metro (Terminal 2, covered walkway), taxis and ride-shares (arrivals level, each terminal), rental car shuttles, and parking garage elevators. If picking someone up by car, use the cell phone lot on the airport grounds and collect your passenger from the designated pick-up lanes at the arrivals curb.

Reagan National Airport Map — Departures

Departing passengers should enter at the correct terminal for their airline — Terminal 1 for Southwest, Frontier and Air Canada Express; Terminal 2 for all other carriers. Check in at the ticket counter or use a kiosk, then proceed to the appropriate security checkpoint. In Terminal 2, use the South checkpoint for Concourses B and C, or the North checkpoint for Concourses D and E. After clearing security, walk to your concourse — all Terminal 2 concourses are connected landside.

Recommended Arrival Times

Arrive at least two hours before domestic flights. Check-in desks and bag drop typically close 45 minutes before departure. Morning peak hours (5–8 a.m.) and Friday afternoons can see lengthy security queues at the Terminal 2 North checkpoint — allow extra time. Gate assignments appear on the flight information screens throughout both terminals and on your airline’s app.

Insider Tips

DCA’s proximity to DC is its greatest strength — the Metro ride from Metro Center to the airport is under 20 minutes and costs a few dollars, making it one of the cheapest and fastest airport connections in the US. If driving, note that I-395 into DC is notorious for rush-hour congestion; leave extra time in the morning and late afternoon. The 1,500-mile perimeter rule restricts most long-haul nonstop flights from DCA — if you’re flying to the West Coast or beyond, you may need to connect or use Dulles (IAD) or BWI instead. Always double-check your terminal before leaving home, as Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have separate drop-off roads and parking garages.