How to get to MGM National Harbor from DCA, IAD and BWI
From Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA): a 15–25 minute drive (depending on traffic) across the 495 beltway and Woodrow Wilson Bridge to 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill. From Dulles (IAD) or BWI: expect roughly a 35–45 minute drive depending on traffic; both airports are about 34 miles from the resort. Ground options from all three airports include rideshare/taxi, prearranged hotel shuttle or private car, and public transit combinations; water taxi and local buses serve the National Harbor waterfront but may require a short walk from the resort entrance.
In this guide
Getting from Reagan National Airport (DCA)
DCA is the closest airport to MGM National Harbor. Driving time is typically under 30 minutes when traffic is light; cross the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and follow signs to National Harbor/Oxon Hill to reach 101 MGM National Ave.
Ground-transport options include rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxis, rental cars, and prearranged private transfers. Some guests prefer a taxi or rideshare for door-to-door service directly to the hotel entrance.
- Typical drive time: about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic
- Address to use for GPS: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Parking: MGM National Harbor offers self and valet parking (fees apply)
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Fastest door-to-door option; surge pricing and airport pickup rules may apply |
| Rental car | Use hotel address; note posted onsite parking fees and height restrictions |
| Public transit + walk | Metro + bus options exist but require transfers and a short walk |
Getting from Dulles International Airport (IAD)
IAD is farther out (roughly 34 miles). Expect about a 35–45 minute drive in normal traffic; allow more time during rush hours. The most direct driving routes use the Dulles Access Road onto the Capital Beltway toward Woodrow Wilson Bridge.
Ground transport options include airport shuttles, private car services, taxis, rideshare, and rental cars. There is no single direct public transit line from IAD to MGM National Harbor without transfers; plan for at least one transfer if using buses and Metro.
- Typical drive time: roughly 35–45 minutes (longer with peak traffic)
- Public transit: requires bus or shuttle to a Metro station, then Metro + bus/ride to National Harbor
- Private transfer: book in advance for fixed pricing and pickup convenience
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Private car / Shuttle | Groups or travelers with luggage who want direct service |
| Rideshare / Taxi | Single travelers or small groups wanting flexible pickup |
| Public transit | Budget travelers who accept longer transfer times |
Getting from Baltimore/Washington International (BWI)
BWI is a similar driving distance to IAD—about 34 miles—so plan on roughly a 35–45 minute drive under typical conditions. Routes usually head south on the Baltimore–Washington Parkway (or I-95/I-495 depending on traffic) then across the Beltway toward National Harbor.
Ground options include rideshare/taxi, private car services, rental cars, and scheduled shuttles. Public transit to National Harbor from BWI requires at least one transfer and can take considerably longer than driving.
- Typical drive time: roughly 35–45 minutes (allow extra time at peak periods)
- Shuttles/private cars can simplify travel for groups and those with luggage
- Public transit routes exist but involve transfers and longer total travel time
| Transport | Consideration |
|---|---|
| Rideshare / Taxi | Convenient, available at BWI terminals |
| Shuttle / Private car | Good for groups or fixed pricing |
| Public transit | Cheapest but slowest; plan extra time |
Public transit, water taxi and getting around National Harbor
National Harbor is served by regional buses and a local free Circulator that connects the waterfront area and Tanger Outlets; bus stops are a short walk from MGM National Harbor. The closest Metro access requires a bus or rideshare for the last leg.
A Potomac-area water taxi connects National Harbor with Alexandria and Georgetown seasonally or year-round depending on the operator; terminals sit on the waterfront and may require a 5–15 minute walk to the hotel depending on your landing spot.
- Free Circulator bus: runs around National Harbor and to Tanger Outlets (check local schedules)
- Water taxi: useful for scenic trips to Alexandria or Georgetown—confirm current routes and schedules before you travel
- Metro + bus: possible but requires transfers; expect longer travel times
| Mode | Distance to MGM |
|---|---|
| National Harbor Circulator | Short walk (varies by stop) |
| Water taxi | Waterfront dock to hotel: 5–15 minute walk depending on docking point |
| Metro + local bus | Transfer required; walking or a short bus/rideshare segment to hotel |
Parking, hotel pickup and arrival at MGM National Harbor
MGM National Harbor’s address is 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. The property offers on-site self-parking and valet parking for a daily fee; height restrictions apply in some parking areas. If you plan to drive or rent a car, follow signs for resort parking on arrival.
If you prefer not to drive, ask your transfer or rideshare driver to drop you at the hotel entrance or porte-cochère. For groups or special pickups, contact the property or your transfer provider in advance to confirm the best roadside spot.
- Hotel address for GPS: 101 MGM National Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- On-site parking: self and valet available (fees apply; check current rates with the hotel)
- For assistance: BookResorts agents (24/7) at +1 (888) 605-1350 can help with reservations and transfer questions
| Arrival detail | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Check-in time | 3:00 PM (standard; earlier arrivals may be possible subject to availability) |
| Check-out time | 11:00 AM |
| Minimum age to check in | Guests must be 21 years or older to check in |
Practical tips for airport transfers
Allow extra time during DC-area rush hours—morning and late-afternoon commutes can substantially increase drive times from any airport. If you have a flight arrival during peak traffic, consider prebooking a private transfer or allow extra buffer in your schedule.
If you’re traveling with family or a lot of luggage, private car services or hotel-arranged transfers reduce the hassle of multiple transfers. Confirm pickup locations and any terminal pickup rules for rideshares or shuttle services at each airport.
- Prebook private transfers for fixed pricing and a meet-and-greet at the airport
- Rideshare pickup rules vary by airport—check the airport’s ground transportation information
- If using public transit, check current Metro/bus schedules and water taxi timetables before you travel
| Scenario | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Arrive late at night | Taxi or prearranged private car |
| Budget traveler | Public transit (allow extra time) or shared shuttle |
| Group or lots of luggage | Private shuttle or multiple rideshares |
