How to Get from Reagan National Airport to Washington Union Station

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Metro is highly recommended for its speed, frequency, and low cost. The DCA Metro station is connected to Terminals 1 and 2 via an indoor walkway, making it accessible regardless of weather.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find the Station: Follow signs for “Metro” from the baggage claim area. The walk takes 5-10 minutes.
2. Purchase a SmarTrip Card: Buy a physical card ($2) or use a digital SmarTrip card via the official WMATA app. Load it with sufficient fare (minimum $2).
3. Board the Train: Take the Yellow Line in the direction of Fort Totten/Greenbelt. Ensure the train is marked for Greenbelt, not Huntington, to avoid a transfer.
4. Alight at Gallery Pl-Chinatown: Ride for about 10 minutes to this station.
5. Transfer to the Red Line: Cross the platform to board the Red Line towards Glenmont.
6. Arrive at Union Station: Ride for one stop (approx. 2 minutes) and exit at “Union Station”. Follow signs to the main train hall.

Key Details & Tips:

• Travel Time: 15-20 minutes total (including transfer).
• Fare: Peak (Weekdays 5-9:30 AM & 3-7 PM): ~$3.85. Off-Peak: ~$2.25. Pay with SmarTrip for the lowest fare.
• Frequency: Trains run every 6-12 minutes.
• Accessibility: All stations and trains are wheelchair accessible. Elevators are available.
• Luggage: Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM) if you have large suitcases.
• Direct Yellow Line? Some Yellow Line trains terminate at Mt Vernon Sq. Check the destination sign; a Greenbelt-bound train is required for a direct ride to Gallery Pl.

For direct service, especially with heavy luggage, late at night, or in a group, taxis and ride-shares are ideal but significantly more expensive.

Taxi Stands:

Official taxis are available at designated stands outside each terminal. The fare to Union Station is metered. Expect to pay:

• Base Fare + Distance/Time: Approximately $15 – $25.
• Potential Surcharges: Airport pickup fee, tolls (if using I-395 tunnel), and heavy traffic can increase the cost.
• Payment: Cash and major credit cards are accepted.

Ride-Share Services (Uber & Lyft):

Designated pick-up zones are located on the arrivals (lower) level. Use the respective app.

• Typical Cost Range:
  • UberX / Lyft Standard: $12 – $22
  • Uber Comfort / Lyft Preferred: $18 – $30
  • Uber Black / Lyft Lux: $35 – $50+
• Travel Time: 10-15 minutes in light traffic, but can exceed 25-40 minutes during weekday rush hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM).
• Tip: For the best price, compare both apps and consider Uber Pool / Lyft Shared if traveling solo and not in a hurry.

When to Choose This: Groups of 3-4 (cost can be comparable to multiple Metro fares), travelers with mobility issues, or those with very tight connections.

While slower, buses can be a scenic and ultra-cheap option. No direct bus runs between DCA and Union Station; a transfer is required.

Metrobus Option (WMATA Bus):

• Route: Take Metrobus B30 from DCA to the Greenbelt Metro Station (approx. 30-40 mins). Then, take the Green Line Metro to Gallery Pl and transfer to the Red Line to Union Station. This is not recommended for this short trip due to complexity.
• Better Local Bus: Use the DC Circulator or other Metrobus routes only if you are already familiar with the system.

Private Airport Shuttles:

Shared-ride shuttles like SuperShuttle (operating in some areas) or hotel shuttles are an option.

• Cost: ~$20-$35 per person for shared service.
• Drawback: Travel time can be lengthy (45-60 mins) as the van makes multiple stops.
• Booking: Pre-booking online is often required.

Verdict: For the specific journey from DCA to Union Station, the Metro is superior in every aspect to the bus. Shuttles are only worth considering if you have a lot of luggage and a hotel drop-off near Union Station is included.

While Union Station is a major train hub, taking a train from DCA is impractical. Here’s why and the rare scenario where it might make sense.

Virginia Railway Express (VRE):

• The nearest VRE station is Crystal City, a 10-minute Metro ride or taxi from DCA.
• VRE only operates on weekdays during peak commuter hours. It runs to Union Station, but the schedule is infrequent.
• Cost: ~$4.75 - $7.25.
• Conclusion: Not a viable option for most travelers due to limited schedule and the need to get to Crystal City first.

Amtrak:

There is no Amtrak service from DCA. You must take the Metro or a taxi to Union Station first to board an Amtrak train to other cities.

When This Section is Useful: If you are arriving at DCA and your final destination is a Virginia suburb served by VRE during weekday rush hour, you could theoretically take Metro to Crystal City, then VRE out. However, for going to downtown DC/Union Station, it's circuitous.

If you are picking up a rental car at DCA or being picked up, here’s what you need to know about driving to Union Station.

Driving Route:

• Most Direct: Take the George Washington Memorial Parkway north, then follow signs for I-395 North/US-1 North towards the city. Take the exit for Massachusetts Ave NE/US-50, which leads directly to the front of Union Station.
• Distance & Time: About 4.5 miles. Takes 10-15 minutes without traffic, but rush hour can easily double or triple this time.
• Tolls: The I-395 tunnel has a toll (approx. $2-$4) for cars without an E-ZPass during peak hours.

Parking at Union Station:

Union Station has a large short-term and long-term parking garage.

Parking Type	Rate (Approx.)	Notes
Short-Term (Hourly)	$6 - $12 per hour	Max daily rate ~$35-$45
Long-Term (Daily)	$25 - $35 per day	Better for overnight or multi-day parking.
Valet Parking	$40+ per day	Available for convenience.

Pro Tip: Use parking apps like SpotHero to reserve and prepay for parking in lots/garages near Union Station, often at a significant discount.

Essential Tips for a Smooth Journey:

• Download Essential Apps: WMATA Metro (for real-time schedules), Uber, Lyft, and SpotHero (for parking). Google Maps/Apple Maps are excellent for transit directions.
• Get a SmarTrip Card/App: This is the key to seamless Metro and bus travel. The physical card costs $2 but is reusable. The digital card in the app is even more convenient.
• Handle Luggage Smartly:
  • If you have very large bags and don't want to take them on Metro, consider a luggage storage service like Bounce near DCA or Union Station for a few hours (~$6/bag/day).
  • On Metro, use the end cars, which are often less crowded.
• Navigate Union Station Like a Pro: The Metro exit deposits you in the lower level. Follow signs for “Train Concourse” to reach Amtrak/VRE/MARC gates, or “Main Hall” for the beautiful waiting area, shops, and food court.
• Time Your Arrival:
  • Weekday Rush Hours (7-10 AM, 4-7 PM): Metro cars and roads are packed. Allow extra time.
  • Late-Night Arrivals (after 11 PM): Metro runs until midnight Sun-Thu, 1 AM Fri & Sat. For flights arriving after Metro closes, your only options are taxi, ride-share, or a 24-hour hotel shuttle if pre-arranged.
• Accessibility: All DCA terminals, the Metro, and Union Station are fully wheelchair accessible. Use elevators in Metro stations. For specialized paratransit, book MetroAccess in advance.