[momokoko]

DCA is also one of the easiest airports in the US to access the metro(public transit) out of the terminal. Is there a reason you just don't hop on the yellow line and get off at a less congested stop closer to your final destination?

[cpitman]

Metro's hours are usually the problem for me, usually getting to the airport after the last train has left.

[momokoko]

Absolutely, but in that case, the issue about extreme traffic congestion is much less likely. Even though traffic in the area can be difficult at times, 1AM seems like an unlikely time to run into that.