Route overview

Route overview

A transfer from Union Station to DCA Reagan National covers about 5 miles and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The route follows Louisiana Avenue NW or First Street NE to I-395, crosses the 14th Street Bridge, and continues on the GW Parkway to the airport. Union Station is at the eastern edge of downtown, and DCA is directly across the Potomac, so the distance is short. The trip is popular for Amtrak passengers connecting to flights and for Capitol Hill staff heading home. Union Station serves MARC, VRE, Amtrak, and Metro on multiple levels, so curb pickups require clear coordination. Our dispatch team is a New York-based company that arranges Washington DC service through vetted local affiliate operators.

Roads and traffic

We use Louisiana Avenue NW or First Street NE to reach I-395 south, then the 14th Street Bridge and the GW Parkway. The 14th Street Bridge is the main choke point; it backs up from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. southbound and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. northbound. Midday, late evening, and weekends are usually smooth. Motorcades and Hill security activity can also cause sudden lane closures near the Capitol. The I-395 3rd Street Tunnel can add a few minutes but usually moves better than surface streets.

Pricing

Sedan transfers from Union Station to DCA start at $160, and SUV transfers start at $160. Rates include tolls, gratuity, and pickup at the Union Station garage or curb. Additional stops, wait time, or late-night service may increase the fare. SUVs are useful for luggage or groups.

When to add buffer

Add 15 to 25 minutes during weekday rush, congressional vote schedules, and Nationals games at Nationals Park. The 14th Street Bridge is brutal in the morning, and a single crash can cascade across downtown ramps. If your train arrives at 8 a.m. and your flight is at 10 a.m., schedule tight but call us if the train is delayed. Friday afternoons are consistently the worst day for this route.