Questions About DC Metro Into Reagan Airport?

Question

I have a couple questions about the DC Metro into Reagan Airport(DCA). First of all, does it the stop within walking distance of the terminal? Second, if I have a 6:30am flight, is a 5:41am train arrival too little time? In other words, how bad are security lines on a typical Friday Morning. Personally, I think 50 minutes is cutting it close. Still, that's the earliest train into DCA from Maryland.

Answer 1

You are really cutting it close.  If you have carry on luggage, you might make it...if you have carry-on...you will not as they begin loading the plane 30 minutes before flights.

The entrance is fairly central, however, there are two terminals.  So it depends on which terminal your flight originates out of.  Northwest, for instance, is in the old terminal which requires a shuttle.

I fairly suggest a cab as you are cutting way too close for comfort and Fridays and Mondays are the worst for travel.

Answer 2

It stops just outside of the airport main entrance, however! 50 minutes is definately NOT enough time. To be safe, allow atleast 90 minutes, you never know what the security issues are on any given day at Reagan. Seriously, give yourself the time, and if you are waiting around, better to be safe than sorry...........NOT to mention the possible metro delays!  

Answer 3

You can use the DC Metro-rail blue or yellow line to get to Reagan National. It's fairly close to the terminal however, airports in any major city will be busy on a Friday morning so give yourself more than an hour after arrival.

Answer 4

Weekday mornings can be really crowded with all the consultants and contractors flying home for the weekend, and on Fridays, you add all the pleasure travelers too.  I really think 50 minutes won't be enough.  I know on United, the computers won't even let you check in for a flight that departs within 45 minutes.  

I'd take a taxi to be on the safe side.

Answer 5

The Metro does stop right outside the airport, but as others have said, 50 minutes is cutting it really close.

Answer 6

Whether you have enough time with 50 minutes depends on a number of factors:

*Can you check in beforehand with only carry-on luggage?  If so, you could proceed straight to security with your bags and save a lot of time.  If you have to check luggage or wait to check in, you might not have enough time.

*Which airline are you flying?  The metro stops right near the main terminals where most of the airlines fly, but there is another terminal which is a good 10-15 min. walk away, or you have to take the airport shuttle to get there.  This smaller, farther away terminal services Northwest, AirTran, I think maybe Southwest?  If you are flying from this terminal, you probably won't have enough time to make it from the metro.  

*Is the train nearly always on time?  If it's not very regularly on time, you run the risk of it coming in late and you missing your flight.

So basically if you're flying from the main terminals, and check in before hand with carry on luggage, you should be fine as long as your train is on time.