10% of DMV flights have been cut due to the government shutdown. It looks poised to end soon, but if you’re flying for the upcoming holidays, it's critical to plan ahead.
Here’s everything you need to know to get to your flight on time, and what to do at the airport.
✈️ Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Logistics:
- Distance from D.C.: Four miles
- Metrorail access? Yes, take the Blue or Yellow line to the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport stop.
- Estimated Uber cost: $20-$30
- Parking cost: $29/day at Terminal Garages and $19/day for the Economy Lot.
Where To Eat:
- Capital One Landing — José Andrés designed the menu behind this fancy new credit card lounge. It’ll cost non-card holders $90. But once you're in, everything from cocktails to elaborate charcuterie is free. (Post-security, Concourse D)
- Page — YouTube famous chef Carla Hall opened this Southern cooking restaurant with dishes like pimiento cheese, Chesapeake oysters, and crab soup. (Post-security, Concourse A)
- Timber Pizza Co. — Everyone’s favorite Petworth Pizza joint can be found dishing up made-to-order pies by Gate E51. There are also seasonal empanadas. (By gate E51)
What To Do:
- Lego Display — Before you go through security in Terminal 2, be sure to stop and admire the new 150,000-piece Lego model of Reagan National Airport located by the Alaska Airlines check-in counter!
- Art Walk — DCA was designed intentionally with art built in so the main hall is almost like a museum! Ten giant floor mosaics line the floor of the main concourse with pieces by artists Gregory Henry and Frank Stella.
Arriving at Dulles Airport via the Silver Line Metro. (The Washington Post/Getty Images)
🚕 Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Logistics:
- Distance from D.C.: 32 miles
- Metrorail access? No, but it’s easily accessible via MARC and Amtrak train routes from Union Station.
- Estimated Uber cost: $70-$90
- Parking cost: $29/day at Terminal Garages and $19/day for the Economy Lot.
Where To Eat:
- Miss Shirley’s Cafe — A Baltimore classic serving up Southern comfort food and all day breakfast. Dishes include chicken and waffles and pimiento-cheese biscuits, and challah French toast. (Post-security, Concourse A)
- Obrycki's Restaurant & Bar — Well-known for great steamed crabs and the freshest crab cakes in town (or maybe just the airport). (Post-security, between B-7 and B-9)
What To Do:
- Award Winning Bathrooms — Don’t miss BWI’s national award-winning bathrooms in Concourse B with smart sensors and LED stall occupancy lights.
- Get Your Steps In — BWI has a designated Cardio Trail consisting of two different loops through Concourses A and B. Each loop takes approximately 20 minutes.
- The Observation Gallery — Adjacent to Security Checkpoint C is a museum-like space with model planes, binocular viewers, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s also perfect for kids!
🚇 Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Logistics:
- Distance from D.C.: 26 miles
- Metrorail access? Yes, take the Silver line to the Washington Dulles International Airport stop.
- Estimated Uber cost: $60-$80
- Parking cost: $32/day at Terminal Garages and $12/day for the Economy Lot.
Where To Eat:
- Vino Volo Wine Room — A wine bar with small bites, sandwiches, and charcuterie. But mostly, go for the wine. (Post-security, Gate B63)
- Cava — You know her, you love her. It’s one of the few quick but not fast food options in Dulles. (Post-security, Concourse B)
☝️There are lots of new food options coming to IAD next fall (thank goodness) like Ellie Bird and Bonchon!
What To Do:
- Get Yourself To a Lounge — if you have an eligible card or are willing to pay a few bucks to enter, IAD has some worthwhile lounges, The Capital One lounge and Etihad Lounge are especially nice with great food!
- Shop — Dulles added a bunch of high-end retailers recently including Burberry, Mont Blanc, and L’Occitane.
