DCA Terminal 2

DCA Terminal 2 is the larger, more modern of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport's two terminals. It is split into four concourses, B, C, D, and E, all connected behind security by National Hall. Terminal 2 is the main terminal for American Airlines at DCA, and it's also home to Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines.

Terminal 2 has two security checkpoints, most of DCA's lounges, and the bulk of the airport's dining and retail, centered on National Hall. This DCA Terminal 2 guide covers the layout, gates, airlines, and amenities, so you know what to expect before you travel.

Terminal 2 is split into four concourses: B (Gates B10 to B22), C (Gates C23 to C34), D (Gates D35 to D45), and E (Gates E46 to E59), 49 gates in total. Once you're through security, all four concourses connect to each other through National Hall, so you can walk between them without a second screening. Baggage claim is located on the north and south sides of Terminal 2. Terminal 2 is not connected to Terminal 1 once you're past security; a connection between them means exiting the secure area and clearing security again.

Terminal 2 has two security checkpoints: the North Checkpoint, closest to American Airlines, and the South Checkpoint, closest to Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, and United Airlines. The South Checkpoint also serves American Airlines.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR lanes are available at both checkpoints. DCA Terminal 2 checkpoints generally open at 4 a.m. The North Checkpoint closes at 11 p.m., and the South Checkpoint closes at 9 p.m. TSA's general guidance is to arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight. Make sure to check the live DCA TSA Wait Times before you leave for the airport, since actual wait times vary by time of day and season.

Parking 2 is Terminal 2's dedicated garage, connected by a covered walkway, with rates at $7 an hour up to $35/day. The Economy Lot is located farther from the terminal, with a free shuttle running passengers back and forth. Since the Cell Phone Lot is closed, drivers can park for free for up to 60 minutes in the Parking 1 or Parking 2 lots. If you need to park for a longer period, check our DCA Airport Parking guide for current rates and lot options, including onsite and offsite parking choices.

DCA has 5 airline lounges plus 1 American Express Centurion Lounge, all in Terminal 2 and entered from National Hall.

Terminal 2 has six nursing rooms: two post-security between Gates E46-E59, and four post-security in National Hall between Gates D35-D45 and Gates B10-B22. Each room includes a rocking chair, electrical outlets, a shelf, a mirror, hand sanitizer, and a baby changing table.

To get to DCA Terminal 1 from DCA Terminal 2, you can take the complimentary airport shuttle bus, which runs 24 hours a day between both terminals. Alternatively, you can walk directly between Terminal 2 and Terminal 1 pre-security via the covered pedestrian walkways, which takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are not connected post-security, transferring travelers must exit the secure area and pass through TSA security again at Terminal 1.

A few ways to pass a long layover include shopping at the Smithsonian Store in National Hall, eating at Ben's Chili Bowl, viewing rotating art exhibits near Terminal 2 baggage claim. DCA's Historic Lobby and Exhibit Hall covering the airport's history, are in Terminal 1 rather than Terminal 2.