LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
DCAUnited StatesTPL: fare-hacker-playbook
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Washington, D.C., United States
Drop-off
Downtown Washington, D.C. (Metro Center / L’Enfant Plaza)
Pin before customs
Fastest
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
metro · 6-12m
Data
Nov 28
Audit
Quick verdict
Fastest into town
Service
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
metro
Headway
6-12
Backup
Metrorail Yellow Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport L’Enfant Plaza) · 6-12m
Note
Direct Blue Line trains from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station run via Pentagon and Rosslyn to central DC stations such as Farragut West and Metro Center; typical daytime headways are about every 6–12 minutes, with reduced frequency late nights and weekends. Service patterns and exact intervals can vary by time and day, so riders should confirm schedules on WMATA’s trip planner before travel.
Budget focus
Washington, D.C.: Fare Hacker Playbook
Ways to shave costs without blowing your schedule. Targets queries likewashington, d.c. airport busanddca to city centerfor eSIM funnels.
Cheapest viable route
Brief
Usually slower but dramatically cheaper than the flagship airport express.
Service
Metrobus 16E Columbia Pike–Pentagon City–Federal Triangle
Mode
bus
Freq
20-30m
Note
Metrobus route 16E serves stops near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and runs via Pentagon City and Columbia Pike toward downtown DC, terminating near Federal Triangle close to the National Mall. Service generally runs every 20–30 minutes during much of the day, with less frequent service at night and on weekends; verify current times on WMATA’s website.
Passes and bundles
Brief
Look for day passes that include the airport zone plus metro, tram, or ferry transfers. Load value online to avoid kiosk surcharges.
When to splurge
Brief
Worth the premium when you have back-to-back meetings or tight onward connections downtown.
Service
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
Mode
metro
Freq
6-12m
Note
Direct Blue Line trains from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station run via Pentagon and Rosslyn to central DC stations such as Farragut West and Metro Center; typical daytime headways are about every 6–12 minutes, with reduced frequency late nights and weekends. Service patterns and exact intervals can vary by time and day, so riders should confirm schedules on WMATA’s trip planner before travel.
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FAQs
KB
01Can I tap with a foreign bank card?
A
Most systems now support open-loop contactless. Keep a backup paper ticket when traveling with a group to avoid tapping each person manually.
02Any luggage fees?
A
Buses rarely charge extra, but airport expresses may require storing big bags in designated racks.