Washington DC

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI)

Location

The airport is situated 9 miles (14km) south of Baltimore and 32 miles (51km) north of Washington DC.

Getting to the city

The Antrak train station has trains going to both central Baltimore and Washington DC; the BWI Marshall Station offers free and frequent shuttle services between the station and terminal, with a shuttle operating every 25 minutes. Both MARC and Amtrak run trains to Union Station in DC. A light rail service goes from the airport to Baltimore costing US$1.60. 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. App-based ride services are available. They pick up and drop off passengers at the terminal curbs.

Time

GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).

Car rental

A car rental facility is linked to the airport terminals by a free shuttle service, which leaves from the lower level terminal every ten minutes. Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Next Car, Paylesss, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are available from the lower level of the main terminal. The only taxi service that is authorised by the airport is BWI Airport Taxi. Taxis charge upwards of $60 for the 30-60 minute drive into the city; credit cards are accepted.

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

The Hourly Garage is in front of the terminal and costs $4 per hour and $22 per day. The daily garage is connected to the terminal by shuttle buses and costs $12 per day. Long-term parking costs $8 a day.

Departure tax

None.

Website www.bwiairport.com

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Location

The airport is situated 26 miles (42km) west of Washington DC.

Getting to the city

The Washington Fly Silver Line Express Bus provides a direct link to the airport, operating every 20 minutes to the Metro Silver Line station, with a fare of around $5. The coach service tickets can be bought at arrivals door 4 in the main terminal. A bus service is available at the station for transport to areas not serviced by Metrorail.

Time

GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).

Car rental

Car rental companies include Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis

Taxis are also available all day and night from the lower level of the main terminal. The only taxi service authorised to serve the airport is Washington Flyer. Taxis charge around $68 for the 30 to 60 minute drive into the city; you may pay by credit card. Ride-hailing apps are available.

Facilities

There are ATMs and foreign exchange services available. Other facilities include a multitude of restaurants, bars, shops and duty-free shopping, business services, tourist information, and hotel reservations.

Parking

Hourly parking at Washington Dulles International Airport is available in the parking garage adjacent to the terminal building and starts at $6 per hour, going up to $30 per day. Daily parking garages 1 and 2 are cheaper and are connected to the terminal by shuttle buses available at curb 2D and 2F.

Website www.flydulles.com

Ronald Reagan Washington Airport (DCA)

Location

Three miles (4.8 km) south of Washington DC.

Getting to the city

The airport has a Metrorail station connected to the concourse 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.

Time

GMT -5 (GMT -4 from March to November).

Car rental

There are several car hire companies with offices at Ronald Reagan Washington Airport, including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Payless, and Enterprise. Rental car counters are located on the first floor in the Terminal Garage A.

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, a spa, 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 costs $6 per hour in the terminal parking lots and $25 per day. The Economy parking has no hourly rate, but cost $17 per day. Shuttles are available to transport passengers from the parking lots to the terminals.

Website www.flyreagan.com

A shuttle service is available throughout the airport to various terminals and parking. There are walkways between the terminals that allow passengers to walk between concourses without re-clearing security.