Airport
Washington, DC is served by three major airports: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). All three airports offer convenient access to downtown Washington, DC via public transportation, taxis, and ride-share services.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is the closest airport to downtown Washington, DC, located approximately 5 miles (8 km) south of the city center. Travel time is typically 15–25 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
Metrorail
The airport is directly connected to the Washington Metro via the Blue and Yellow Lines at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station. Most downtown destinations can be reached in 15–25 minutes with one train or a single transfer.
Metro fares vary based on the time of day and destination but generally range from $2.25 to $6.75. SmarTrip cards can be purchased at station vending machines or added to Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
More information: https://www.wmata.com/
Taxi and Ride Share
Official taxi stands are located outside each terminal. The trip to downtown Washington typically costs $20–$35, depending on destination and traffic.
Ride-share services including Uber and Lyft operate from designated pickup areas at the airport.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Washington Dulles International Airport is located approximately 27 miles (43 km) west of downtown Washington, DC. Travel time is generally 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
Metrorail
The airport is connected directly to the Washington Metro via the Silver Line, providing convenient service to downtown Washington without the need for a shuttle transfer.
Travel time to downtown is approximately 50–60 minutes.
More information: https://www.wmata.com/
Taxi and Ride Share
Taxi service is available outside the main terminal. Fares to downtown Washington generally range from $70–$90.
Uber and Lyft also provide service from designated pickup locations.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
BWI Airport is located approximately 32 miles (51 km) northeast of downtown Washington, DC. Travel time ranges from 45–75 minutes, depending on the transportation option selected.
MARC Train and Amtrak
A complimentary airport shuttle connects the terminal with the BWI Rail Station, where both MARC commuter trains and Amtrak provide service to Washington Union Station.
Travel time is approximately 30–40 minutes by train, followed by a short Metro, taxi, or ride-share trip to downtown.
More information:
Taxi and Ride Share
Taxi fares to downtown Washington typically range from $90–$120, while ride-share prices vary depending on demand and traffic conditions.
Public Transportation
Washington’s Metrorail and Metrobus systems provide convenient transportation throughout the metropolitan area, including major hotels, attractions, and government buildings.
Visitors are encouraged to use a SmarTrip card or a mobile wallet version for travel on Metro trains and buses.
For route planning, schedules, and fare information, visit:
https://www.wmata.com/
Taxi and Ride Share
Taxis are readily available throughout Washington, DC. Ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft are widely used and offer convenient transportation between airports, hotels, and conference venues.
Visitors should use official airport taxi stands or designated ride-share pickup locations.
Driving and Parking
If traveling by car, downtown Washington, DC is accessible via Interstate 395, Interstate 66, and Interstate 495 (Capital Beltway). Traffic can be heavy during weekday morning and evening rush hours, and attendees are encouraged to allow additional travel time.
Parking is available at many downtown hotels and public garages, although daily parking rates may vary. Public transportation is recommended whenever possible.