Washington, DC is served by three major airports Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). All of them have both US and international flights every day, making it convenient to get to and from the Nation’s Capital.

Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

Reagan is the closest to DC, located just on the other side of the Potomac in Virginia. Visitors love flying into this airport because the great views of DC landmarks that it offers during landing. You can easily reach the airport by cab, limo, or you can even grab the metro; the airport has its own stop on the blue and yellow lines. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a senator or two, rushing to or from their official duties. If you plan on taking a cab from the airport, grab your luggage and head to the taxi stand just outside of the baggage claim. Cabs to and from the airport are pretty reasonable, with most rides costing somewhere between $15-$20. Ride share lovers will also be thrilled to know that Uber offers low cost and luxury rides from DCA.

Passengers can often spot notable landmarks, like the Washington Monument, as they fly in and out of the nearby Reagan National Airport.

If you have to endure a long layover, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained and restaurants to keep you well-fed. Highlights include exhibits from the DCA Art Program at the Gallery Walk, an interfaith chapel with Catholic and Protestant services, airline club lounges for privileged American, Delta, and United passengers, and of course premium shopping from fine retailers, including Brooks Brothers, Lacoste, and Vineyard Vines. To satisfy a rumbling stomach, head to the upscale Cibo Bistro & Wine Bar, grab a microbrew at Gordon Biersch, or indulge your sweet tooth at Pinkberry or Dunkin’ Donuts. Be aware that most shops and restaurants are only open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., though you can snag Dunkin’ 24/7.

Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Situated in suburban Virginia, about 25 miles from downtown DC, Dulles is too far to catch the metro from Washington. However, there is a dedicated access road that makes getting in and out of the city via taxi, airport shuttle, Uber or Lyft, or your own car relatively easy. Washington Flyer is the only cab company that serves Dulles Airport, so if you’re flying into DC and want to cab it into the city, you can grab one outside either door 2 or door 6. Getting into the city will run you between $60-$70. There is also a Silver Line Express Bus that takes passengers from the airport to the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station, about 15 minutes away. You can grab a $5 ticket at the arrivals door 4 for a one-way trip.

The Dulles Airport is an architectural gem designed by famed Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen.

Dulles often plays host to senators, representatives, and diplomats rushing to and from their districts, so the shopping here suits that type of clientele. The airport offers upscale goods from Burberry, Coach, Erwin Pearls, and Michael Kors right on the concourse. Additionally, if you want to enjoy some fine dining before your flight local favorite Chef Geoff’s has an outpost at the airport. Dulles also features a number of airline club lounges, including digs for members of Air France, American, British Airways, United, Virgin, and Lufthansa; military personnel may relax pre-flight at the USO Lounge.

Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

At 45 miles from downtown DC, BWI is the farthest away of the three airport options. Despite the hassle of getting to this out-of-the-way airfield, many prefer to fly out of this airport rather than Reagan or Dulles because of the great flight deals. Driving to and from this airport may seem a bit onerous, but you can easily get to BWI via Amtrak from Union Station in the heart of DC. The train ride is comfortable, quick, and only costs between $15-$30.

Amtrak offers convenient service from Union Station to BWI.

If you find yourself getting restless, with lots of time to kill, you may want to check out the airport’s bike share program. Ten bikes are available for rental at the Zagster Bike Share just outside the International Terminal. On your bike tour, make sure to stop off at the historical Benson Hammond House, an historical home perched on the edge of the airport grounds. Of course, you can just as easily stretch your legs by strolling the BWI terminals which are filled with shops and restaurants. When you tire of shopping, stop at the BWI Observation Gallery, which has children’s play equipment, an art exhibit, and charging stations to keep you connected.

Whether you live in DC or you’re visiting for business or pleasure, the area’s three world-class airport make travel to and from the Nation’s Capital easy and convenient.