DCA TSA wait times at Ronald Reagan Washington National

This page is currently backed by 3 live DCA checkpoint readings, so the terminal and checkpoint spread matters more than a single airport-wide average.

Terminal 1 serves the A-gate area, while Terminal 2 covers the B, C, D, and E gate groups.

DCA checkpoint hours are published by the airport and generally start at 4:00 AM, useful for early first-bank departures.

CLEAR operates at DCA and also supports TSA PreCheck enrollment or renewal at the airport.

Terminal 1 checkpoint serves gates A1-A9 and is listed from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Terminal 2 North checkpoint serves Terminal 2 traffic and is listed from 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Terminal 2 South checkpoint serves Terminal 2 traffic and is listed from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Airport materials note checkpoints generally open around the early-morning departure bank and close after final departures.

Because Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are separate gate groupings, confirm A versus B/C/D/E before choosing your checkpoint.

Use the gate group on your boarding pass first: A gates point to Terminal 1, while B, C, D, and E gates point to Terminal 2.

If you are not sure which side your airline is using that day, verify the gate in the airline app before heading to security.

DCA has three security checkpoint locations: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 North, and Terminal 2 South.

Terminal 2 North is listed as the latest-running checkpoint, so it matters most for late Terminal 2 departures.

Official sources do not clearly state that Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are fully interchangeable after security, so use the checkpoint tied to your gate area.