LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
LHR → London CityNRT → TokyoCDG → ParisJFK → ManhattanICN → SeoulSIN → SingaporeDXB → DubaiHKG → Hong Kong
DCAUnited StatesTPL: night-owl-plan
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Washington, D.C., United States
Drop-off
Downtown Washington, D.C. (Metro Center / L’Enfant Plaza)
Pin before customs
Fastest
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
metro · 6-12m
Data
Nov 28
Audit
Quick verdict
Fastest into town
Service
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
metro
Headway
6-12
Backup
Metrorail Yellow Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport L’Enfant Plaza) · 6-12m
Note
Direct Blue Line trains from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station run via Pentagon and Rosslyn to central DC stations such as Farragut West and Metro Center; typical daytime headways are about every 6–12 minutes, with reduced frequency late nights and weekends. Service patterns and exact intervals can vary by time and day, so riders should confirm schedules on WMATA’s trip planner before travel.
Late arrivals
Washington, D.C.: Night-Owl Operations
After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likewashington, d.c. airport busanddca to city centerfor eSIM funnels.
Lines that keep running
Brief
This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.
Service
Metrorail Blue Line (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Metro Center)
Mode
metro
Freq
6-12m
Note
Direct Blue Line trains from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station run via Pentagon and Rosslyn to central DC stations such as Farragut West and Metro Center; typical daytime headways are about every 6–12 minutes, with reduced frequency late nights and weekends. Service patterns and exact intervals can vary by time and day, so riders should confirm schedules on WMATA’s trip planner before travel.
Backup when rail sleeps
Brief
If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.
Service
Metrobus 16E Columbia Pike–Pentagon City–Federal Triangle
Mode
bus
Freq
20-30m
Note
Metrobus route 16E serves stops near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and runs via Pentagon City and Columbia Pike toward downtown DC, terminating near Federal Triangle close to the National Mall. Service generally runs every 20–30 minutes during much of the day, with less frequent service at night and on weekends; verify current times on WMATA’s website.
Ticketing tips
Brief
Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.
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FAQs
KB
01Are there 24/7 buses?
A
Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?
A
Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.