Reagan National (DCA) Airport Parking — Off-Site, Economy, Garage & Metro Comparison

DCA Parking at a Glance: Every Option Including Metro (2026)

Reagan National Airport has four active off-airport options in the ParkingAccess network, plus on-site official parking, plus the DC Metro as a real alternative. This table puts them all in the same view — because Metro is a legitimate option that most parking pages omit.

Key insight this table reveals: For trips of 1–2 days, the Metro round trip ($5–$10) costs less than one day of parking at the cheapest lot. Metro only loses the math when your trip exceeds approximately 5–7 days from the $8 base rate, or when your home location makes Metro genuinely impractical (far Maryland suburbs, car-dependent NoVA). The sections below work through this calculation in detail for every major Washington area departure point.

DC Metro to Reagan National: When the Train Is Obviously the Right Answer

No other major US airport has Metro access like DCA. Reagan National Airport sits on the bank of the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia, directly adjacent to the Crystal City neighborhood — and directly adjacent to the Crystal City Metro station on the Blue and Yellow Lines. The airport has its own dedicated Metro connection. This is not a 20-minute bus ride to a transit hub; this is a covered walkway from Terminals 2 and 3 to a station that sits on two of DC's most useful Metro lines.

For perspective: Chicago O'Hare has Blue Line access, but it's a 45-minute ride. JFK has the AirTrain, but it requires a $9.00 surcharge plus LIRR or subway fare. LaGuardia, one of the busiest airports in the country, has no direct rail whatsoever. Boston Logan requires a bus or ferry. At DCA, you walk off the plane, follow signs to the Metro, and board a train. That's it.

The Physical Connection: How to Actually Get to/from the Metro

The Metro connection at DCA works slightly differently depending on which terminal you're using:

• Terminals 2 and 3 (American Airlines, Delta, United, most carriers): A covered walkway connects directly from the main terminal building to the Crystal City Metro station. The walk takes approximately 5–10 minutes depending on where in the terminal you exit. It is flat, climate-controlled, and well-signed. You do not need a shuttle.
• Terminal 1 (Southwest Airlines): Terminal 1 is the older original terminal and sits slightly further from the Metro walkway. MWAA operates a free inter-terminal shuttle bus that connects Terminal 1 to the Metro station. The shuttle runs frequently — approximately every 10 minutes during peak hours. Budget an extra 10–15 minutes if you are flying Southwest.
• Pentagon City Metro station: Some travelers prefer Pentagon City, one station north on the Blue/Yellow Line from Crystal City. A free MWAA shuttle also connects the terminals to Pentagon City station. Pentagon City is marginally useful if you're connecting to the Pentagon or the Pentagon City Mall, but Crystal City is closer and the better default.

Metro Fares: What You Actually Pay from Key DC Area Points

WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) uses distance-based peak/off-peak fares. These are approximate 2026 figures.

What these fares mean in practice: A DC resident in Capitol Hill or Dupont Circle pays $5–$5.50 round trip on Metro. The cheapest parking lot charges $8 per day. Metro wins for any trip of 1 day. Metro wins for 2-day trips unless you drive solo and factor in nothing else. Metro wins outright for 3+ days against any off-airport lot, by a significant margin.

The Metro Break-Even Point: When Parking Gets Cheaper Than Transit

The break-even calculation depends on your Metro fare (which varies by origin station) and your chosen parking rate. Here is the complete matrix:

The central takeaway: If you live on or near the Metro and your trip is 1–3 days, Metro almost always wins on pure cost. At 5+ days, even the cheapest Metro fares become more expensive than the $8/day lot. At 7+ days, all parking options beat a standard Metro round trip.

The break-even shifts dramatically if:

• Multiple travelers: Metro fares multiply per person. Two travelers paying $5 each round trip ($10 total) compete with two people sharing one parking spot at $8. For two people, parking wins faster.
• Heavy luggage: Metro is possible with luggage, but DCA's covered walkway only has elevators in some sections. Heavy or multiple bags make Metro less appealing, especially for Terminal 1 (Southwest) where the shuttle adds time.
• Odd hours: Metro runs roughly 5am–11pm on weekdays, 7am–midnight on Fridays, 7am–1am on Saturdays (). Red-eye or very early morning departures may not be Metro-viable.
• Origin location: Montgomery County or Prince George's County Maryland suburbs without direct Metro access, or far NoVA locations like Loudoun County, represent situations where driving to DCA and parking becomes pragmatic even for short trips.

Why DCA Is the Most Transit-Accessible Major US Airport

The claim requires a quick defense, because it's frequently made loosely. Here is what makes DCA genuinely exceptional:

DCA's Metro station is physically connected to the terminal building via covered walkway. No bus, no shuttle, no separate fare. The station serves two Metro lines (Blue and Yellow), which between them cover most of DC's core, all of Arlington, Alexandria, and connect to the Orange, Silver, and Red lines for the broader region. The station is directly under Terminals 2 and 3.

Newark Liberty (EWR) gets mentioned as comparable because the AirTrain connects to NJ Transit and Amtrak. EWR's transit is excellent for Manhattan travelers. But it requires two-fare payment (AirTrain + NJ Transit/Amtrak) and serves a narrower geographic area unless you have a midtown Manhattan destination. DCA's single-fare Metro covers a broader catchment area at lower cost.

Chicago O'Hare has the Blue Line — but the Blue Line runs 45–55 minutes into the Loop, a much longer ride than DCA's 12–25 minutes to most DC destinations. LAX has no direct rail whatsoever (the LAX-it shuttle to the future Metro station is still in progress as of 2026). SFO has BART but the Millbrae extension adds distance and cost for most SF neighborhoods.

DCA is not just good at transit; it is purpose-built for it. The perimeter rule (explained in detail below) concentrates DC's domestic short-haul traffic at DCA, and those routes are disproportionately flown by business travelers working in DC who live near Metro. The airport, the Metro connection, and the traveler profile all reinforce each other.

Crystal Gateway Marriott vs. Sheraton Old Town Alexandria: The DCA Parking Decision

When Metro is not an option — because of your location, your travel time, your luggage load, or the length of your trip — you have four off-airport choices at DCA. Two of them are worth considering. Here is how they compare in depth.

Crystal Gateway Marriott: The Recommended Pick

Address: 1700 Jefferson Davis Hwy (Jefferson Hwy), Arlington, VA 22202.

At $9.50/day with a 4.2-star average across 1,467 reviews, the Crystal Gateway Marriott is the highest-rated lot in the DCA off-airport market with meaningful review volume. The 15-minute shuttle frequency is the fastest among the off-airport options. Crystal Gateway sits in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, directly south of Reagan National — the same neighborhood as the Metro station. The Marriott is approximately 1 mile from the terminal by road.

The 4.2★/1,467 reviews combination represents real confidence in this property. A single-star rating is easy to game; 1,467 reviews at 4.2 stars means this property has been used extensively and consistently delivers. For comparison, the Westin Crystal City has more reviews (1,621) but they represent a 4.1★ average at $12.25/day — the Westin costs 29% more for a worse experience.

Who should choose Crystal Gateway Marriott:

• Travelers from car-dependent Northern Virginia or Maryland suburbs where Metro adds more than 30 minutes of driving to access
• Trips of 5+ days where $9.50/day beats Metro round trips for solo travelers
• Early morning or late-night flights outside Metro hours
• Travelers with heavy luggage or family travel where Metro is genuinely inconvenient
• Anyone who wants the most reliable, well-reviewed off-airport option at DCA

Seven-day cost: $66.50. That compares to a round-trip Metro fare of $5–$8.50 depending on your DC area origin. Metro is still cheaper for a week if you're a solo traveler based near a Metro station.

Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria: Good Value, Geographic Caveat

Address: 801 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, VA 22314.

At $8.50/day with a 4.0★ rating across 1,434 reviews, the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria is solid. The review volume is comparable to Crystal Gateway and the rating is respectable. The price point — $1/day cheaper — is a real difference over a week ($59.50 vs. $66.50).

The geographic caveat: Old Town Alexandria is not in Crystal City. While both are served by the Metro's Yellow/Blue Line (King Street/Old Town is the station), the driving distance from the Sheraton to DCA is longer than from the Crystal Gateway Marriott. The shuttle described as "brief" in our database requires .

Old Town is a pleasant neighborhood and the Sheraton Suites is a well-regarded property. But if your goal is proximity to DCA with minimum shuttle time, Crystal Gateway has the geographic advantage. The Sheraton wins on price; Crystal Gateway wins on location and rating.

Who should choose Sheraton Old Town:

• Budget-conscious travelers where $7 over a week matters
• Travelers from Alexandria or points south of the airport where Old Town is on the way
• Anyone who values hotel quality and is comfortable with a slightly longer shuttle

Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South: The Budget-Constrained Option

Address: 4641 Kenmore Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.

At $8.00/day and 3.7★ across 1,141 reviews, the Courtyard Alexandria Pentagon South is the cheapest off-airport option with meaningful review data. The 30-minute shuttle cycle is slow — the worst frequency among the non-Westin options. The 3.7-star rating puts it below average for hotel parking operations in this database; most airport hotel lots with 1,000+ reviews cluster at 3.9–4.2 stars.

The Kenmore Ave address in Alexandria (22304 ZIP code) is south of Old Town, further from DCA than either the Sheraton or the Crystal Gateway. The combination of low rating, slow shuttle, and greater distance makes this the least compelling option even at the lowest price. The $1.50/day savings versus Crystal Gateway comes to $10.50 over a week — a real number, but not significant given the tradeoffs.

When Courtyard makes sense: Only when price is the absolute constraint and you have flexibility on arrival time to accommodate a 30-minute shuttle cycle.

Westin Crystal City's 60-Minute Shuttle: Why Walking Distance Is Not Always Walking Distance

The Westin Crystal City deserves its own analysis because it represents a specific kind of trap that harms travelers who don't read carefully.

Address: 1800 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202.

Crystal City is the neighborhood immediately adjacent to Reagan National Airport. If you look at a map, the Westin Crystal City and DCA's Terminal 2/3 appear to be a short distance apart. Travelers book the Westin at $12.25/day — the most expensive off-airport option in this market — expecting a quick shuttle or even the possibility of walking.

The shuttle runs every 60 minutes.

This is the central absurdity. Crystal City is 0.7–1.2 miles from the airport depending on the exact route. A determined traveler could walk this distance in 15–20 minutes, though the route crosses Richmond Highway and is not pedestrian-friendly. The Westin is not offering a walking option. It is offering a shuttle that runs every 60 minutes — meaning if you miss it, you wait an hour.

For context: the Crystal Gateway Marriott, also in Crystal City, offers a 15-minute shuttle at $9.50/day. That is $2.75/day cheaper and 45 minutes faster per shuttle cycle. There is no rational reason to choose the Westin over the Crystal Gateway Marriott for DCA parking purposes.

The Westin's 1,621 reviews at 4.1 stars are real, but they reflect the hotel experience — not the parking operation. People who stay at the Westin and give it good reviews are reviewing comfortable beds, attentive staff, and the overall property. They are not necessarily reviewing the experience of sitting in the lobby at 5am waiting 45 minutes for a shuttle that was missed by 10 minutes.

If you want Crystal City proximity at DCA: Book the Crystal Gateway Marriott at $9.50/day with a 15-minute shuttle. Or take the Metro — Crystal City Metro station serves both properties and costs $2.25–$5 each way depending on your origin.

The bottom line on the Westin Crystal City: Highest price. Worst shuttle frequency. Walking distance from the airport but not actually walkable. Avoid for parking specifically; the hotel itself may be fine for other purposes.

DCA's Perimeter Rule: What It Means for Travelers Choosing Between DCA and IAD

Reagan National Airport operates under a federal perimeter rule that limits most flights to destinations within 1,250 miles of DCA. This is not a scheduling preference; it is a congressionally mandated regulation originating from the 1960s and periodically revised, designed to protect Dulles International Airport from competitive destruction by its more convenient neighbor.

The perimeter rule has profound effects on which travelers use DCA, which airlines serve it, and why the airport is disproportionately oriented toward Metro commuters and business travelers.

What the Perimeter Rule Covers and Allows

The 1,250-mile perimeter from DCA covers:

• All Northeast Corridor cities: New York (JFK, LGA, EWR), Boston (BOS), Philadelphia (PHL), Providence (PVD), Hartford (BDL), Portland Maine (PWM)
• Southeast: Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Raleigh (RDU), Miami (MIA), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), Jacksonville (JAX), Nashville (BNA)
• Midwest: Chicago (ORD, MDW), Detroit (DTW), Cleveland (CLE), Indianapolis (IND), Cincinnati (CVG), Columbus (CMH), Minneapolis (MSP)
• South/Southwest within range: Dallas (DFW, DAL), Houston (IAH, HOU), New Orleans (MSY), Memphis (MEM), Kansas City (MCI), St. Louis (STL), Oklahoma City (OKC)
• Northeast Canada: Montreal, Toronto

Notable destinations outside the perimeter that cannot fly direct to DCA:

• All West Coast destinations: Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN)
• Honolulu (HNL) and Hawaii
• All international destinations
• Some Mountain West cities that are within 1,250 miles but subject to slot restrictions

The Exemptions: Long-Haul Slots

Congress has periodically granted specific long-haul exemptions. As of 2026, a limited number of slots exist for flights beyond the perimeter, including to certain western cities. These exemption slots are valuable and contested. Airlines that hold them operate routes like DCA–LAX, DCA–LAS, and DCA–SFO — but service is limited compared to IAD.

Why the Perimeter Rule Shapes the DCA Traveler Profile

The perimeter rule means that the vast majority of DCA passengers are flying domestic short-haul routes, primarily the Northeast Corridor and Southeast. These routes are dominated by:

• Business travelers: Washington is the federal government and lobbying capital. Government workers, consultants, and lobbyists fly Boston–DC, New York–DC, and Chicago–DC constantly. Many of these travelers live near Metro and travel frequently enough to have airport routines that favor speed and convenience.
• Political staffers and frequent flyers: Congressional staffers, think tank employees, and federal contractors represent a disproportionate share of DCA passengers compared to other airports. These are exactly the passengers who live near Metro, know how to use it, and prefer it.
• Leisure travelers from the DC area going to East Coast destinations: A DC resident flying to see family in Florida or Chicago will often use DCA for its convenience.

The result: DCA has the highest proportion of Metro-riding passengers of any major US airport. The physical proximity to Metro wasn't an accident — it was designed to serve this traveler profile.

Perimeter Rule in Practice: When to Use IAD (Dulles) Instead of DCA

The choice between Reagan National (DCA) and Dulles International (IAD) is one of the most common questions in Washington area travel planning. The 28-mile distance between the two airports (approximately 45–60 minutes by car from central DC, depending on traffic) makes this a real decision with meaningful cost and time implications.

Choose DCA When:

• You are flying to any East Coast, Midwest, or South destination within 1,250 miles. DCA's perimeter route network covers nearly everything worth flying to in the eastern two-thirds of the country. If your destination is in this range, DCA's Metro access and terminal convenience are advantages worth the slightly higher fares often commanded by DCA routes.
• You are flying American Airlines. American operates a major hub at DCA with extensive domestic connections. DCA is American's most important East Coast hub outside of Philadelphia for short-haul routes.
• You are flying Southwest Airlines. Southwest's DCA operation out of Terminal 1 covers most of their East Coast network. Southwest's point-to-point model works well at DCA.
• You live near Metro or in Arlington/Alexandria. The time advantage of DCA over IAD for Metro-accessible DC residents is enormous. IAD involves a 45-minute drive (or $35+ Uber) from central DC; DCA involves a 15-minute Metro ride.
• You want the most convenient domestic US airport in the Washington region. DCA's terminal layout is more navigable than IAD's sprawling main terminal and AeroTrain system.
• You are a business traveler on a short domestic trip. DCA's combination of frequent flights, fast Metro access, and close-in location from DC neighborhoods makes it ideal for the business travel use case.

Choose IAD (Dulles) When:

• You are flying internationally. All international flights from the Washington region operate out of IAD (and to a lesser degree BWI for some international routes). DCA has no international service.
• You are flying to the West Coast, Hawaii, or destinations beyond the perimeter. Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver (depending on exemption status), Portland, and all Pacific destinations require IAD.
• You are flying United Airlines on a long-haul route. United operates a major hub at IAD with extensive international and transcontinental connections. United's DCA presence is limited compared to its IAD operation.
• You live in Loudoun County, western Fairfax County, or other NoVA locations that are closer to IAD than to DCA. For a Leesburg or Ashburn resident, IAD is geographically closer. The Silver Line extension to Dulles has also improved IAD's transit access — Dulles now has a Metro connection, though IAD is at the end of the Silver Line and requires a long ride from central DC.
• You need a larger route network with more transfer options. IAD's United hub offers more connection options for complex itineraries.
• Price is the primary driver. IAD's lower real estate costs sometimes translate to lower base fares, though this is route-dependent and not consistent.

DCA vs. IAD: The Parking Comparison

If you are driving to either airport, the parking economics differ significantly. DCA off-airport parking starts at $8/day. IAD off-airport parking starts lower — around $5–$6/day for economy lots — but the airport itself is further from most DC area population centers, meaning the drive time cost is higher even if the parking rate is lower.

The IAD Metro connection (Silver Line, Dulles airport station) opened in 2022 and gives IAD genuine transit access for the first time. However, the Silver Line ride from Dulles to DC takes 60–75 minutes to reach Metro Center, compared to 12–25 minutes on the Yellow/Blue from DCA. For time-sensitive travelers, DCA's Metro access remains vastly superior even with IAD's new Silver Line connection.

DC Suburbs and Metro: Who Should Park at DCA and Who Should Ride

The answer to "should I park or take Metro to DCA" is highly dependent on where in the Washington metropolitan area you live. This section breaks down the decision by geographic zone.

Zone 1: DC Proper — Almost Always Take Metro

If you live in any DC neighborhood with reasonable Metro access — which includes nearly all of Northwest DC, Capitol Hill, NoMa, Shaw, Columbia Heights, Brookland, and most of Southeast — the answer is almost always Metro. Round-trip fares from most DC stations range from $4.50 to $5.50. At $8/day parking, Metro wins for any trip under 2 days and remains competitive through 4–5 days for solo travelers.

The exceptions within DC: very early morning flights (before 5am Metro start), very late arrivals (after 11pm on weekdays), and travel with significant luggage or multiple people. For two adults flying together, Metro costs $9–$11 round trip combined, still cheaper than $8/day parking for a 1-day trip, but the advantage narrows.

Zone 2: Arlington and Alexandria — Strong Metro Preference

Arlington and Alexandria are directly served by Blue/Yellow Line stations. Pentagon City, Crystal City, Braddock Road, King Street/Old Town, and Van Dorn Street stations all connect to DCA with one transfer or less. Round-trip Metro from these stations costs $4–$5.

Arlington and Alexandria residents face a unique situation: the Sheraton Old Town Alexandria and Crystal Gateway Marriott lots are in their own neighborhoods. Driving to a hotel in Crystal City from Rosslyn to then shuttle to the airport is less efficient than taking the Metro directly. Metro is strongly preferred here unless trip length exceeds 7+ days.

Zone 3: Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Montgomery County Maryland — Metro Usually Wins for Short Trips

Bethesda and Chevy Chase (Maryland side) are served by the Red Line. Getting to DCA requires a transfer — typically Red Line to Metro Center or L'Enfant Plaza, then Yellow Line south to Crystal City. Total trip time: 40–50 minutes. Round-trip fare: approximately $7.70–$8.50.

At these fares, parking at $8/day wins at 2 days ($16 parking vs. $15.40+ Metro for solo). For 1-day trips, Metro is marginally cheaper. For trips of 3+ days, parking at $9.50/day is clearly cheaper ($28.50 vs. $24+ Metro).

However: the traffic on I-495 and I-270 from Bethesda toward DCA is among the worst in the nation during peak hours. A 15-mile drive from Bethesda to DCA can easily take 60+ minutes in rush hour. Metro's 40–50 minutes is competitive in total door-to-airport time once you factor in traffic, parking lot check-in, and shuttle time.

Montgomery County residents further from Metro — Rockville, Gaithersburg, Germantown — face a different calculus. These areas have MARC train access but limited direct Metro connectivity. For these travelers, driving to a DCA Metro station (Pentagon City lot, or even King Street in Alexandria) and riding Metro from there can offer the best of both worlds: reduced parking cost in the outer suburbs, Metro convenience to the terminal.

Zone 4: Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William) — Mixed, Distance-Dependent

Northern Virginia is a wide geographic band. The inner ring — McLean, Falls Church, Vienna, Annandale — is served by the Orange, Silver, and Blue Lines. These residents can reach DCA via Metro, typically with one transfer and a 30–45 minute ride. Round-trip fares: $6–$8. For these travelers, Metro is competitive for 1–2 day trips.

The outer ring — Herndon, Reston, Sterling, Leesburg, Ashburn, Manassas — is beyond practical Metro range to DCA. The Silver Line runs through Reston and Herndon toward Dulles, making IAD the better-connected airport for these travelers. Those who insist on DCA for its route network will typically drive. At a 25–40 mile drive each way, they arrive at DCA rather than a Park-and-Ride, and parking at Crystal Gateway Marriott ($9.50/day) makes sense for trips of any length.

Zone 5: Prince George's County and Southern Maryland — Driving Is Often Practical

Prince George's County Maryland is served by the Green and Orange Lines, but DCA is on the Blue/Yellow Lines. Reaching DCA from PG County requires a transfer, adding 10–15 minutes. From the college area, Hyattsville, or Landover, Metro to DCA is 45–55 minutes with a transfer. Fares run approximately $3.50–$5 each way.

Calvert County, Charles County, and Southern Maryland have no practical Metro access. These travelers drive. For DCA trips from Southern Maryland, driving to the airport and using one of the off-airport lots is standard practice.

The Luggage Variable Deserves Its Own Note

Everything above assumes a solo business traveler or a couple with carry-on luggage. The Metro calculus changes significantly with:

• Checked bags: Managing checked luggage on Metro is possible but awkward. Rolling suitcases work; large groups with multiple pieces are genuinely difficult. Most airports have elevators, but they are not always where you need them.
• International connections at another airport: If you are flying through a hub (DCA–Chicago–international), you typically check bags to final destination, which reduces the baggage handling problem.
• Family travel with children: Car seats, strollers, and children under 5 on Metro with luggage is a workout. Most families with young children will find parking easier despite the cost.

Official Reagan National Parking vs. Off-Airport: The Rate Comparison

Reagan National Airport's on-site parking is operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). DCA offers multiple garage levels and surface lot types with different pricing tiers.

Official DCA Parking Structure (General)

DCA's on-site parking is organized into several categories, which are common to most major US airports:

• Hourly/Express Parking: Located in the terminal garages, typically the most expensive per-day rate. Designed for short stays, meeters/greeters, and travelers who need immediate garage access. Approximate daily rate: .
• Daily Parking Garage: Standard multi-level garage parking near the terminals. Shorter walk than economy lots. Approximate daily rate: .
• Economy Lot: Surface or garage parking at the periphery of the airport property, typically requiring a shuttle to the terminal. Approximate daily rate: .

How official DCA parking compares to off-airport options: If official DCA economy parking is in the $8–$12/day range (), it overlaps with the off-airport options — particularly the Crystal Gateway Marriott at $9.50/day and the Sheraton at $8.50/day. The on-site advantage is no shuttle: you walk directly from your car to the terminal. For short trips where shuttle time matters (a 2-day trip where you want fast departure and return), official DCA parking can be competitive when its rates fall in the same range as off-airport options.

The official garages become expensive for long-term parking. At $20/day for a week, that is $140 — versus $66.50 at Crystal Gateway Marriott. The off-airport advantage grows with trip length.

Booking Official DCA Parking

Official DCA parking can be reserved through the MWAA's website. Pre-booking typically locks in a rate; drive-up rates are often higher. . For the highest-value off-airport booking, the ParkingAccess network covers the Crystal Gateway Marriott, Sheraton Old Town, Courtyard Alexandria, and Westin Crystal City.

Valet vs. Self-Park at DCA

DCA offers curbside valet services for travelers willing to pay a premium for the fastest possible turnaround. Valet pricing is substantially above daily garage rates. This option is specifically useful for: same-day business trips, travelers who do not want to manage a garage transaction, and situations where time spent in the terminal is literally more expensive than valet fees (per-hour business value).

Complete Break-Even Matrix: When to Park vs. When to Ride

This matrix synthesizes the fare and rate data from earlier sections into a single reference. Values use approximate 2026 fares. "Park wins" means parking is cheaper in total over the specified number of days. "Metro wins" means Metro round trip is cheaper.

Notes on how to read this matrix:

• "Metro wins" means Metro round-trip costs less than that day's parking total in aggregate.
• The matrix uses $8/day (Courtyard), $9.50/day (Crystal Gateway), and $12.25/day (Westin) as reference points.
• All values are approximate and should be verified against current WMATA fares and lot pricing before booking.
• These calculations are for solo travelers. Add Metro fare per additional traveler sharing one parking spot.
• Time value is not included — Metro may cost less but takes longer from some origins.

Reagan National Airport Parking: Frequently Asked Questions