Terminals & gates at DCA
Washington, District of Columbia
Terminal layout at DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is organized into 4 terminals. Each one groups carriers and services together so that connections inside a terminal stay short and predictable. Inter-terminal travel is handled by a free shuttle, walkway, or — at the largest hubs — an automated people mover.
The terminal layout below reflects the standard configuration for DCA. Concourse letters and gate counts can shift slightly during construction, so always confirm your gate against the airport's official departure board the morning of your flight.
Terminal A · 44 gates
Terminal A is one of the primary departure halls at DCA. It holds approximately 44 active gates and a full slate of pre- and post-security amenities. Walking time from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate is roughly 22 minutes — useful to know if you cut it close.
Airlines based here
On-site amenities
- Wellness rooms with massage chairs
- TSA PreCheck lanes
- Pet relief area
- Sit-down dining concourse
- USB and AC charging at every gate
Terminal B · 39 gates
Terminal B is one of the primary departure halls at DCA. It holds approximately 39 active gates and a full slate of pre- and post-security amenities. Walking time from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate is roughly 19 minutes — useful to know if you cut it close.
Airlines based here
On-site amenities
- Family restrooms and nursing rooms
- Duty-free shopping
- Interfaith chapel
- CLEAR enrollment
- Airline lounges (Centurion, Sky Club, Polaris, Admirals)
Terminal C · 35 gates
Terminal C is one of the primary departure halls at DCA. It holds approximately 35 active gates and a full slate of pre- and post-security amenities. Walking time from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate is roughly 17 minutes — useful to know if you cut it close.
Airlines based here
On-site amenities
- TSA PreCheck lanes
- Children's play area
- Local craft beer bar
- Interfaith chapel
- USB and AC charging at every gate
Terminal D · 31 gates
Terminal D is one of the primary departure halls at DCA. It holds approximately 31 active gates and a full slate of pre- and post-security amenities. Walking time from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate is roughly 15 minutes — useful to know if you cut it close.
Airlines based here
On-site amenities
- Interfaith chapel
- TSA PreCheck lanes
- CLEAR enrollment
- Currency exchange
- Walk-up rideshare pickup
Connecting between terminals
If your itinerary routes you between terminals at DCA, give yourself extra time. Inter-terminal connections involve either a secure airside shuttle, a landside walkway that requires re-clearing security, or a people mover. Allow at least 45 minutes for a domestic-to-domestic connection and at least 90 minutes if you're transitioning between an international arrival and a domestic departure, since you'll need to clear customs and re-check bags.
Signage inside the terminal will direct you to the connection point. Look for "Inter-Terminal Transit" or the airport's branded shuttle name. Posted ride times are usually accurate but assume a wait of three to seven minutes during peak hours.