Introduction
Washington airports are not as many as those found in other states around the country. Washington DC only has three airports, all capable of serving the residents of this beautiful city. To determine which one of the Washington airports to depart from or check into, your destination in the Washington area is key. Prices will vary depending on which airport you depart from and where you are going. Likewise, flights from certain Washington airports may require you to make a stop and transfer to another flight while others will be direct. Below are Washington airports that you can use to visit or depart the state.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport – For years it was referred to as Washington National Airport. Less than five miles from Washington, DC, this is the nearest of all Washington airports to the downtown area. It does have high passenger traffic of up to 18 million, but air traffic is limited and usually averted to one of the other Washington airports. Most international flights are prohibited from landing into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Only those under the authorization of U.S. Customs and Border Protection may land into the foremost of Washington airports. Domestic flights however, like Delta Airlines, Alaska Airline and U.S. Airways, are allowed into the airport. For passengers interested in touring the city, especially the downtown area, this is the most appropriate airport to arrive into.
Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington Dulles International Airport – The second of Washington airports. This has the most passenger traffic of more than 23 million a year. It is the busiest of all Washington airports. It is open to both international and domestic flights. It has planes that fly off to over 125 places worldwide. There is an average of at least 60,000 people travelling from this airport every day. It’s easily accessible due to availability of taxis and airport shuttles to bring people to and from the airport. Washington Dulles International Airport is located on the west side of downtown Washington.
BaltimoBaltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport – It certainly has a title longer than the other two Washington airports. It is situated on the northeast of Washington D.C. It is most often referred to as BWI Marshall or BWI Airport. Though not as busy as Washington Dulles International Airport, Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport does have quite a bit of passenger traffic. Of the mentioned Washington airports, BWI Marshall has scooped a couple of awards within the last few years. It was deemed the best airport in the 15 to 25 million passenger size. It was also second in the Best Food and Beverage Program contest. It may not be graded highly as the other two Washington airports, but it is recognized in other avenues.
Washington airports may be few, but they are prestigious because they are based in the capital city of the United States. There are other local airports, though they are located a bit further away from the city. They are situated in Maryland and other parts of Virginia. If you are visiting Washington D.C., the three listed Washington airports are the best to travel through.