Airports

Washington has three major airports within its vicinity, all with pros and cons for traveling through them:

Dulles Airport (IAD): Dulles airport is not the most public-transport friendly airport, but it does serve international flights, something Reagan National does not. It's a pain to get to and through, but sometimes the fares are much cheaper than National or BWI, depending on where you're going. Allow plenty of time to get through security and to your gate. Passengers must take shuttle buses from the main terminal to their gate which can add up to 15 minutes to your travel time.

The fastest way to get to DC from Dulles is by car. A cab costs about $50 to downtown DC. You can also take a connector bus from the airport to the metro, which will take longer. In general, if someone can come pick you up or drop you off, that's your best bet. Economy lot parking at the time of this writing is about $8/day, but the shuttle bus ride takes at least 10 minutes to get to the main terminal.

Reagan National Airport (DCA): National airport is great for short haul flights. It's convenient to the city (only about 15 minutes to downtown), metro-accessible, and a breeze to get in and out. However, the runway is short, so the planes are generally smaller and don't fly long distances. Shopping and food choices are better than at Dulles or BWI, and include California Pizza Kitchen, Wilsons Leather, Cheesecake Factory, and of course the omnipresent Starbucks.

The easist way to get to National is via metro on the Yellow Line. Cabs into downtown DC will cost about $15. If you're waiting in the cab line, the attendant will ask you whether you're going to Virginia or DC; DC cabs are not metered, Virginia cabs are.

Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI): BWI has been going through quite a bit of growing pains the past few years. Consequently, flying in and out of there is not the most convenient. Security lines are notoriously long, and parking and public transport are not the best. However, discount carriers such as Southwest only offer flights out of BWI, so for discount fares this may be your best bet. BWI's international terminal is brand spanking new and quite impressive.

BWI airport is at least a 45 minute drive from downtown DC. Getting there via train is doable, but allow yourself enough time. The MARC train runs from Union Station in DC to the BWI rail station, but you must take a shuttle bus from the train station to the terminal so allow plenty of time.