Fly & Drive guide
Fly into DCA, drive to Rock Creek Park
Your route
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Rock Creek Park
About 23 min · 9 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to DCA
Compare fares into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Find flightsPartner link · Aviasales · Photo: Daniel Tanner · CC BY-SA 4.0
02Car at DCA
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Rock Creek Park. Compare rental companies in one search.
Compare rentalsPartner link · EconomyBookings · Photo: Benespit · CC BY-SA 4.0
03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
Find storagePartner link · Radical Storage · Photo: formulanone · CC BY-SA 2.0
04 · First night near Rock Creek Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Rock Creek Park
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
Search ExpediaPartner link · Expedia · Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0
04Cabins & homes near Rock Creek Park
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
Search VrboPartner link · Vrbo · Photo: Starlightkanab · CC0
Before you land
Reservations
Picnic Grove and Planetarium Reservations
General park entry and hiking trails do not require reservations; picnic groves 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, and 24 require reservations for events from April 1 through November 30. Planetarium shows and indoor ranger programs at the Nature Center have limited seating and require checking the daily schedule upon arrival. The National Zoo, while adjacent, operates under a separate timed-entry system which must be checked independently.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
April – June, September – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Rock Creek Park?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from DCA to Rock Creek Park?
Roughly 23 min (about 9 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Rock Creek Park?
General park entry and hiking trails do not require reservations; picnic groves 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, and 24 require reservations for events from April 1 through November 30. Planetarium shows and indoor ranger programs at the Nature Center have limited seating and require checking the daily schedule upon arrival. The National Zoo, while adjacent, operates under a separate timed-entry system which must be checked independently.
