There is actually a shorter way:

From T1 (if you are arriving in T2, walk landside to T1, do not exit terminal for the transfer from T2 to T1):

1) use the outer lane upon existing T1 ticket counter and merge onto Smith Blvd. Once on Smith Blvd., you should see the statue of Ronald Reagan to your right where car lanes split to T1 and T2. Metro lines are overhead.

2) At the first marked cross walk, cross Smith Blvd to parking lot next to W Entrance Rd. Continue walking across the parking lot (shortcut)

3) (shortcut) Parking lot exits on the other side to Airport Access Rd, continue to follow the marked cross walks and hug the right side of the (overpass road). You should come across GW Memorial Parkway and railway underneath

4) Follow the sign and off ramp to Crystal City and and within 15 minutes or less, you should reach Crystal Drive near 23rd St.

The entire way is marked and the reverse direction is the same.



(google map above does not show the shortcut through the parking lot)