Reagan Airport Parking Southwest: Complete Terminal A Guide

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Reagan airport parking for Southwest Airlines passengers is straightforward once you know the layout. Southwest operates from Terminal 1 (Gates A1–A9) at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and the closest parking is Parking 1 (Terminal 1 Garage) at $35/day. Budget-conscious travelers can pay less with the Economy Lot at $25/day or with the two off-site hotel lots Triply sells near DCA, from about $9/day. That is about 74% less per day than Parking 1.

• Southwest flies from Terminal 1, Gates A1–A9, the smallest terminal at DCA.
• Parking 1 (Terminal 1 Garage) is the closest on-airport option at $35/day, with the first 60 minutes free.
• Economy Lot costs $25/day but capacity is reduced about 40% during 2026 construction, so reserve in advance.
• Triply sells two off-site hotel lots near DCA, about $9 to $11/day, each with a free shuttle. Neither shuttle runs overnight, so check the hours against your flight.
• The Cell Phone Lot is closed. Use the Parking 1 or Parking 2 garages for free 60-minute pickups instead.
• Book Parking 1, Parking 2 or the Economy Lot in advance at reserve.flyreagan.com (the airport's own site) to lock in your spot, especially during peak travel periods.

Where Do Southwest Airlines Passengers Park at Reagan National Airport?

Southwest Airlines operates exclusively from Terminal 1 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Terminal 1 houses Gates A1 through A9 and is shared with Air Canada Express and Frontier Airlines. It is a smaller, more compact terminal than Terminal 2, which makes navigation easier.

The dedicated on-airport garage for Terminal 1 is Parking 1, also called the Terminal 1 Garage. You can walk directly from Parking 1 into Terminal 1 via a covered connection — no shuttle needed. If you are driving to DCA for a Southwest flight, Parking 1 is the most convenient option for reaching your gate quickly.

That said, Parking 1 is not the only option. The Economy Lot serves both terminals via a free shuttle, and two off-site hotel lots, Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria and Westin Crystal City, offer a free shuttle to DCA at a fraction of the on-airport price. Your best choice depends on your trip length and how early your flight departs.

Compare DCA parking options for Southwest travelers from about $9/day: search current rates at Reagan National on Triply.

How Much Does Reagan Airport Parking Cost for Southwest Travelers?

Parking costs at DCA range from about $9/day for the off-site hotel lots Triply sells to $35/day for Parking 1, the garage directly connected to the Southwest terminal. Here is a full breakdown. On-airport rates were checked on flyreagan.com in October 2026. Off-site rates are for a 7-day stay booked ahead and change by date.

For a detailed breakdown of all DCA parking rates and what drives price differences by lot, see our Reagan Airport parking cost guide.

What Is the Closest Parking Garage to Southwest's Terminal A at DCA?

Parking 1 is the closest garage to Southwest's Terminal 1 (Terminal A) at Reagan National. The garage connects directly to Terminal 1 via a covered walkway, so you never go outside. This is the best choice for short trips, heavy luggage, or passengers with mobility needs.

The first 60 minutes are free in Parking 1 — useful for quick drop-offs or passenger pickups. After that, the rate is $7 per hour, capped at $35/day. The total capacity across all DCA facilities is 8,500 vehicles, per the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).

Note that the Cell Phone Lot is temporarily closed during ongoing construction. MWAA advises using the Parking 1 or Parking 2 garages for free 60-minute pickups in its place. If you are picking up a Southwest passenger, pull into Parking 1, and the first hour costs nothing.

Parking 2, which serves Terminal 2, also costs $35/day, the same as Parking 1, so it is a viable alternative if Parking 1 is full. However, you will need to travel between terminals, so factor in extra walking time. For a deeper look at the Terminal 2 garage, see our Reagan Airport Parking Garage 2 guide.

Should You Reserve Parking in Advance for Your Southwest Flight at DCA?

Yes — reserving ahead is strongly recommended, especially right now. The Economy Lot is operating at roughly 40% reduced capacity due to active construction of a new three-story parking deck. Phase 1 of that deck added 939 spaces in February 2026, with Phase 2 adding 1,230 more spaces expected in May 2026. Until then, drive-up availability is limited.

You can pre-book Parking 1, Parking 2, or the Economy Lot directly at reserve.flyreagan.com, the airport's own reservation site. The airport says reserving ahead gets you its lowest rates. The two off-site lots on Triply also take advance bookings, with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in, so there is no risk to booking early.

Southwest flights often depart early in the morning, and both off-site shuttles have set hours. The Westin Crystal City shuttle runs every 30 minutes from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, and the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria shuttle runs every hour on the hour from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Neither runs overnight, so for a very early flight or a late arrival you need your own ride. If your Southwest flight leaves before 7:00 AM, the Sheraton Suites shuttle will not be running yet. The Metro Yellow Line is a solid backup, since the Reagan National station connects directly to the airport.

What Are the Cheapest Off-Site Parking Options Near Reagan Airport?

Off-site hotel parking on Triply starts at about $9/day, about 74% less per day than Parking 1. Triply sells two lots near Reagan National, and both include a free shuttle with online purchase. Here are the options for Southwest travelers on a budget.

• Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria: about $9/day. 801 N St Asaph St, Alexandria, listed 2.6 mi from DCA. Covered underground garage (park on Level P2). Complimentary shuttle every hour on the hour, 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM, with no shuttle from 11 PM to 7 AM. No hotel stay needed.
• Westin Crystal City: about $11/day. 1800 Richmond Highway, Arlington, listed 0.8 mi from DCA, the closer of the two. Underground garage. Free shuttle every 30 minutes, 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with no shuttle from 10:30 PM to 4:30 AM; registered hotel guests board first. No room reservation needed.

For Southwest passengers, both lots work with Terminal 1. On return, the Westin Crystal City shuttle picks up at Terminal 1 Curbside 2. At the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria, call 703-836-4700 after you collect your bags and tell the desk your airline, since pickup zones vary by airline and terminal. Outside shuttle hours, plan on a taxi or ride share.

For more ways to reduce your parking spend, our Reagan Airport parking coupon guide lists active discount codes and promo rates across multiple booking platforms.

How Do You Get from the Parking Garage to the Southwest Terminal at DCA?

Getting from your parking spot to your Southwest gate is simple when you use Parking 1. Here is the step-by-step process.

1. Enter Parking 1 from the Airport Access Road (VA-233) or via George Washington Memorial Parkway following signs for Terminal 1 / Parking 1.
2. Take a ticket or use your reservation QR code at the entry gate.
3. Park on any available level — lower floors are closest to the terminal connection.
4. Follow signs for Terminal 1 / Southwest Airlines — the covered walkway leads directly into the terminal building.
5. Once inside Terminal 1, check in at the Southwest counter or use a kiosk, then proceed to Gates A1–A9.
6. Clear TSA security screening — Terminal 1 has its own dedicated security checkpoint, completed as part of the Project Journey renovation (finished April 2021).

If you park in the Economy Lot, a free shuttle drops you at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Budget an extra 15–20 minutes for the shuttle ride and any wait time. Economy Lot shuttles run frequently, but during peak travel days, lines can form.

If you park at one of the two off-site hotel lots, confirm your drop-off point with the hotel when you book. On return, the Westin Crystal City shuttle picks up at Terminal 1 Curbside 2, and the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria asks you to call the desk and name your airline. Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck to move through Terminal 1 security faster. Southwest participates in the PreCheck program.

Is There Long-Term Parking at Reagan National for Southwest Flights?

Yes. The Economy Lot is the best on-airport option for long-term parking at $25/day. For a week-long trip, that adds up to $175 — compared to $245 for Parking 1 over the same period. The savings are meaningful on longer trips.

Off-site hotel lots are even cheaper for extended stays. A week at the Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria comes to about $62 (the 7-night checkout shows $71.40), versus $245 at Parking 1 and $175 at the Economy Lot. The Westin Crystal City comes to about $76 for a week (checkout $86.94). That saves roughly $90 to $115 against the Economy Lot over seven days. The tradeoff is the shuttle, which does not run overnight at either lot, and the Sheraton Suites is about a 10-minute drive away.

The Economy Lot currently has reduced capacity due to the $40M parking deck under construction. Up to 1,100 of 2,680 spaces may be unavailable during peak construction phases. Pre-booking is essential. Our Reagan Airport long-term parking guide covers multi-day strategies in depth, including tips for the cheapest weekly rates.

For shorter stays — hourly or a few hours — Parking 1 and Parking 2 both offer the first 60 minutes free. The DCA airport hourly parking guide explains exactly how the grace period works and when it makes sense to use the garage instead of a ride-share.

Metrorail: The Parking-Free Option for Southwest Travelers

Skipping the car entirely is worth considering. The WMATA Yellow Line stops directly at Reagan National Airport — it is only 4 stops to L'Enfant Plaza and takes about 10 minutes. The Blue Line also serves the station. The airport Metro stop connects to the terminal via an enclosed walkway, putting you inside DCA in minutes.

For Southwest passengers, the Metro deposits you at Terminal 1 level. You will walk through the main terminal area to reach the Southwest check-in counters and Gates A1–A9. The total walk from the Metro platform to the gate is manageable even with carry-on bags.

Metro is also a backup if a hotel shuttle is not running for your early flight. The Yellow Line goes directly to DCA, so you can skip the shuttle entirely. Check the WMATA Reagan National station page for current schedules and fares.

Find the Best Reagan Airport Parking Rate for Your Southwest Flight

Southwest Airlines passengers at Reagan National have more parking options than most travelers realize. Parking 1 is the most convenient at $35/day. The Economy Lot saves you $10/day but requires a shuttle. The two off-site hotel lots Triply sells, about $9/day and $11/day, cost about 69% to 74% less per day than Parking 1 and include a free shuttle, though neither runs overnight. With the Economy Lot running at reduced capacity during 2026 construction, booking ahead is more important than ever.

Compare the off-site DCA parking options for your Southwest flight on Triply and find a Reagan National rate from about $9/day. Booking comes with free cancellation with a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in.

Compare DCA parking rates. The off-site lots Triply sells near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport cost about 69% to 74% less per day than the $35 terminal garages.