Car Rental at Arlington Airport (DCA)

Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington is the Washington D.C. region's closest and most centrally located airport, just 6 km south of Capitol Hill and with direct connection to Metro Blue and Yellow Line. With a total of 10 rental companies in the car rental hall, DCA offers the region's absolute best selection of rental car options and competitive prices. The airport primarily serves domestic flights and is the obvious starting point for car rentals in northern Virginia.

From DCA's car rental hall, it's just 8 km to National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial via Memorial Bridge - one of D.C.'s most beautiful approach routes with views over the Potomac. Arlington National Cemetery is located 3 km north of the airport and is a must-see for history enthusiasts. George Washington Memorial Parkway begins at the airport and offers a scenic drive along the river south toward Mount Vernon (16 km).

With 10 rental companies at DCA, it always pays to compare prices directly on SmartCarRental.com - the differences can be significant, especially during peak season. Avoid driving out from the airport during morning rush hour (07:00-09:00) on I-395 north - instead take George Washington Parkway for a calmer and more beautiful drive. Return your car in good time before departure - security checks at DCA can take time during peak traffic.

How long does it take to drive from Reagan National Airport to Washington D.C. downtown? It's 6-8 km and normally takes 15-25 minutes via Memorial Bridge or 14th Street Bridge, but up to 45 minutes during rush hour traffic. Which rental companies are available at Reagan National Airport?

DCA has 10 rental companies gathered in a shared car rental hall, and we compare prices from them all, including Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo and several others. Can I take Metro instead of a car from DCA to D.C.? Yes, Metro Blue and Yellow Line depart directly from the airport to D.C. downtown in 15-20 minutes - an excellent alternative if you only need to get into the city and don't need a car until the next day.

We compare prices from all major providers at Arlington Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.