DC Metro Airport Station Upgrades for Better Access

Reagan National Airport Metro station closes three weekends for Crystal City entrance work

Airport Station Closes Three Weekends in 2026

Metro riders heading to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport will need alternate plans for three weekends next year. The station will close March 7-8, May 9-10, and May 16-17 to allow construction of a second entrance at Crystal City, transit officials said. WMATA announced the closures December 29, though officials haven't released a completion date for the entrance project.

The Crystal City second entrance project aims to improve station accessibility and provide additional access points for riders. WMATA hasn't disclosed the total project cost or specific features the new entrance will include. Weekend closures are standard practice for major station construction work, allowing agencies to minimize disruption to weekday commuters. The airport station originally opened in 1977 and serves as a critical connection point for air travelers using the Metro system.

Free shuttle buses will run between affected stations during the six closure days, officials said. WMATA hasn't announced specific shuttle routes, pickup locations, or service frequency yet. Those details typically come closer to implementation dates. The agency said it'll release additional information about shuttle operations before the first closure weekend. Station-specific ridership data for the airport station wasn't available, though WMATA's system averages about 450,000 weekday riders.

The first closure takes effect March 7, 2026, with subsequent closures in May. Officials said they'll provide advance notice to riders before each weekend shutdown, though they haven't specified how far in advance that notification will occur. The March and May timing suggests construction will span at least three months, but WMATA hasn't released an overall project timeline.

Airport travelers and regular riders should plan extra time during closure weekends. Officials said shuttle service will maintain connections, but transfers typically add 15-30 minutes to trips. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on shuttle locations and alternative routes during the closures. WMATA said it'll announce additional details about the Crystal City entrance project as construction progresses.