Washington DC travel Forum

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)

Location: The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Baltimore and 30 miles (50km) north of Washington DC.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 410 859 7111.
Getting to the city: The airport train station has trains going to both central Baltimore and Washington DC; the BWI Marshal Station (Tel: 410-672-6169) is connected to the terminal by free shuttle buses from the airport. Both MARC (Tel: 866-RIDE-MTA) and Amtrak (Tel: 800-872-7245) run trains to Union Station in DC. A light rail service goes from the airport to Baltimore costing US$1.60 (Tel: 410-539-5000). Taxies are available outside of baggage claims and cost about $25 to Baltimore and $63 to Washington DC. Public buses include Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Bus Service which serves the greater Washington area. There are also various bus shuttle services to both cities, some dropping off at the central hotels.
Car rental: A car rental facility is linked to the airport terminals by a free shuttle service, which leaves from the lower level terminal. Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and others.
Airport Taxis: Metered taxis are available outside the Arrivals hall and cost around $25 to Baltimore and $63 to Washington DC. Ensure the metre if reset before the journey commences. The journey time varies a great deal according to traffic conditions.
Facilities: There are ATMs, bureaux de change and postal services throughout the terminal. Facilities for the disabled are good. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, shops and duty-free, a business service centre and information help desk. Wireless Internet access is also available.
Parking: A short-term car park is in front of the terminal, and long-term parking is available that is connected to the terminal by shuttle buses.
Departure Tax: None.
Website: www.bwiairport.com
See full guide to Baltimore-Washington International

Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Location: The airport is situated 26 miles (41km) west of Washington, DC.
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 703 572 2700.
Getting to the city: The Washington Flyer Coach Service provides a direct link between the airport and the West Falls Church Metrorail (Tel: 202-637-7000), operating every 30 minutes to downtown, with a fare of $8. The coach service tickets are bought at arrivals door 4 in the main terminal and cost $10. A public bus service is available at the station for transport to areas not serviced by Metrorail. The Washington Flyer taxis are available from the airport and cost $54 dollars to the city centre (Tel: +1(0)703 661 6655). SuperShuttle operates a door-to-door shared van service. Hotel/Motel courtesy transportation can be arranged by using the phone hook-ups attached to the hotel courtesy boards on the Baggage Claim Level.
Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz and National.
Airport Taxis: Taxis are also available 24 hours from the lower level of the main terminal. The only taxis that may serve the airport is Washington Flyer (Tel: +1(0)703 661 6655). Taxis charge around $60 for the 30 to 60 minute drive into the city; you may pay by credit card.
Facilities: There are ATMs and foreign exchange services available. Facilities for the disabled are good. Other facilities include restaurants, bars, shops and duty-free, business services, cellular phone rental, tourist information and hotel reservations.
Parking: Hourly parking at Washington Dulles International Airport is available in the parking garage adjacent to the terminal and starts at $4 and goes up to $36 per day. Daily parking garages 1 and 2 cost $17 per 24 hours and the garages are connected to the terminal via a shuttle service. A cell phone waiting lot is provided for drivers picking up passengers at the airport.
Departure Tax: None.
Website: www.metwashairports.com
See full guide to Washington-Dulles International

Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA)

Location: Three miles (4.8 km) south of Washington DC
Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).
Contacts: Tel: +1 (703) 417-8000.
Getting to the city: The airport has a Metrorail station connected to the councourse level of Terminals B and C which offers connecting service to downtown Washington DC. Metrobus provides service to Washington DC on weekend mornings when the Metro isn't operating. There are several shuttle companies that offer door-to-door service within the city.
Car rental: There are several car hire companies with offices at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty and Enterprise.
Airport Taxis: There are taxi stands located near the baggage claim exits of each terminal. The taxis are metred and charge additional fees per person and bag.
Facilities: The airport has ATMs, charging stations for computers and cell phones, foreign exchange offices, a chapel, post office, and a number of shops and restaurants within the terminal. There is also a USO Lounge available for American military personnel. There is complimentary wireless internet access throughout the airport.
Parking: Parking at DCA ranges from hourly lots costing $2 per 30 minutes for the first two hours, to $4 per hour thereafter and $36 per day. Daily lots charge $5 per hour or $20 per day. The economy lot rates start at $ 3 per hour and go up to $12 per day.
Website: www.metwashairports.com/reagan/reagan.htm
See full guide to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

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