Unlike many major cities in the United States, the Washington, D.C., area is filled with hotels that routinely provide airport shuttle service for their arriving and departing guests. With dozens of hotels in the vicinity of both airports, it's easy to locate one that will meet you in the ground transportation area and deliver you to your hotel. Most shuttles are complimentary and operate 24 hours a day to and from the airports.
In addition to the shuttles provided by individual hotels, there are many private shuttle companies that operate out of both airports. These can be reserved ahead of time for arrivals and departures. The Super Shuttle company, commonly referred to as the "Blue Van," serves both D.C. airports. Go Airport Shuttle is touted as the world's largest airport shuttle company and has a reputation for being a reliable economy option.
Private limo, sedan and taxi services are at the beck and call of visitors into the D.C. area. The Airport Connection company offers all three of these options, allowing travelers to reserve ahead of time through its website. For walk-up service without reservations at Dulles, there is a "taxi passengers" area on the lower level of the Main Terminal, served exclusively by Washington Flyer taxicabs, with regulated fares. At Reagan National, taxicabs are located outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal, with dispatchers who match passengers to taxis according to the destination.
A third airport that is gaining popularity for visitors to Washington is the Baltimore-Washington International Airport, commonly referred to as BWI. Its location about 30 miles from the city reduces the likelihood of free hotel shuttles, but almost all of the independent commercial transportation companies service this airport. In addition, this airport has its own rail station, with convenient schedules into Washington, D.C. Once in the city, visitors can take taxis to their hotels, or a bus that will get them within walking distance.
