Parking at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), in Arlington County, Virginia, is far easier than at the majority of the country's other airports. Reagan Airport, which is the commercial airport closest to the city, serves the nation's capital, Washington, District of Columbia. It was previously known as Washington National Airport, but in 1988 it was renamed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in honor of a former US president. Over 18 million passengers pass through Washington Dulles International Airport each year.
There is hourly and daily parking available.
Over 9,400 parking spaces are currently available at National Airport, with approximately 2,956 of those spaces located in the airport's economy parking lot, which is located in the facility's southernmost section. Airport parking garages A, B, and C are available by the day or by the hour. The hourly parking rate can be quite expensive, ranging from $4 to $36 for the entire 24-hour period. This is useful when you need to be at the airport for up to two hours, such as when you have business there. If you need to park for an extended period of time, a daily parking space, which costs $20 per day, is preferable to parking in the economy lot, which costs only $12 per day.
Disabled Passengers Parking
At the National Airport, parking spaces are reserved specifically for passengers with disabilities, and these spaces are located in an accessible location near elevators and shuttle bus stops. To receive parking assistance, vehicles with handicapped or disabled passengers must present their government-issued license plates or placards to uniformed parking assistants. These parking attendants can also assist in the search for a suitable parking spot if the designated areas are already full.
Waiting Areas for Cell Phones
If you are picking up a friend or family member who is arriving at the airport, you are welcome to wait in the airport's cell phone waiting area. Although you are not permitted to leave your vehicle while inside the waiting area and can only stay for a maximum of two hours, this is still a better option than driving around the airport wasting gas or paying hourly parking rates at airport garages.
Parking for a Long Time
For those flying out of Ronald Reagan National Airport for extended business or vacation trips, daily parking is by far the most cost-effective option. However, due to their proximity to the terminals, airport-run facilities are almost always significantly more expensive than comparable facilities in any other city. If you are looking for less expensive options, you should go to a location outside of the airport that offers highly competitive rates.
Alternatives Located Outside of the Airport
The majority of good hotels near the airport offer long-term parking at very reasonable rates. For example, the Courtyard Crystal City and Sheraton Crystal City Hotel, both located along Jefferson Davis Highway, have a daily parking rate of only $8 at their indoor parking facilities. The Courtyard Crystal City is half a mile from the airport, and the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel is 1.20 miles away.
The Immediate and Present Danger
If you were to take a five-day trip, airport garages would cost you $100, the economy lot would cost you $60, and hotel parking lots would only cost you $40. When you consider the complimentary shuttle service that will take you to and from your terminal at the end of your trip, the choice of parking at the National Airport becomes quite clear.
Make Your Parking Reservations in Advance
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) has more stringent security measures than the majority of other airports due to its proximity to various federal government buildings, including the White House, and a lower flight capacity as well as fewer opportunities for international passengers. Despite this, finding parking at National Airport can be difficult, especially during the winter holidays, due to the airport's 18 million passengers per year. However, by being aware of your options and making parking reservations in advance, you can easily avoid this.