Washington Dulles International Airport
Dulles, US · 26 km (16 mi) west of downtown Washington, D.C.
Getting to the city
| Mode | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fairfax Connector 981 Bus | $2-3 (typical local bus fare range reported for Fairfax Connector) |
| Fairfax Connector 983 Bus | $2-3 (typical Fairfax Connector fare) |
| Greyhound Intercity coach | — |
| Loudoun County Transit Bus Bus | — |
Insider notes
If you're flying United but want better food, head to Concourse B before taking the AeroTrain to C/D; Concourse B boasts better sit-down restaurants and wine bars.
Use the pedestrian tunnel between the main terminal and A/B gates to save several minutes and avoid long queues for mobile lounges.
The Fairfax Connector 983 bus to Wiehle–Reston East and then Metro into DC can be cheaper than rideshare, especially in rush hour.
Welcome
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is a place of contrasts. An architectural marvel designed by Eero Saarinen, it's admired by aviation enthusiasts for its efficient long-haul routes and Star Alliance connections. Yet, it's infamous among locals for its dated people-mover shuttles and difficult landside access. Opportunities to save money and discover conveniences are woven throughout the airport's labyrinthine setup, from the unexpectedly comfortable Turkish Airlines Lounge in Concourse B to the cost-effective Fairfax Connector routes that outperform typical rideshare fares.
At a glance
Dulles processes approximately 23.5 million passengers yearly, supported by four operational runways. It serves as a major hub for United Airlines, with a mix of domestic and international flights. Located 26 km (16 miles) west of downtown Washington, D.C., it features a series of interconnected terminals: A, B, C, D, Z, and the Main Terminal. The airport hosts numerous airlines, from American and Delta in Concourse A to JetBlue and Southwest in Concourse B, with United dominating Concourses C and D.
Terminals & layout
The airport's Main Terminal handles all international arrivals, with satellite concourses spread across A, B, C, D, and a smaller Concourse Z primarily for United Express flights. Concourse A (24 gates) and B (31 gates) host a variety of domestic airlines such as Delta and Southwest. Concourses C and D are primarily dedicated to United Airlines and their 55 gates. The terminals are linked by the AeroTrain and pedestrian tunnels, creating a balance between the necessitated transfers and providing access to diverse dining and shopping options.
Getting to and from the city
Dulles' remote location can complicate the journey to and from Washington, D.C. The newly extended Silver Line connects to the city in about 50-70 minutes for $2-6, depending on the time and distance. The Fairfax Connector 983 bus is another economical choice, offering a $2-3 ride to get to Wiehle–Reston East Metro station. Taxis cost over $70 for a trip into the city, while rideshares like Uber or Lyft may charge similarly depending on traffic conditions.
Traveller essentials
The airport's parking situation includes daily fees that can accrue quickly. Terminal Parking costs $40 per day, whereas off-site options such as private lots start at around $6, providing substantial savings for long-term stays. On-airport options include Valet Parking at over $17 per day and various garages starting at $15. Free cell phone lots exist for quick pickups.
Dining & shopping highlights
Dining at Dulles varies by location, with Concourse B standing out for quality and variety. Highlights include Carrabba's Italian Grill and wine-centric Vino Volo. Must-try eateries in Concourse A include Capitol Grounds Coffee and District ChopHouse. In terms of retail, the Duty-Free Americas in the main terminal and multiple concourse-specific stores like Tech on the Go (A) and Hudson News (B) provide a range of shopping opportunities.
Lounges
Lounges at Dulles offer a refreshing respite for Priority Pass and business travelers alike. Noteworthy is the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Concourse B, praised for its superior amenities such as hot meals and showers. United Club lounges are available in Concourses C and D, with the exclusive United Polaris Lounge also situated in Concourse C. Other options include the Air France and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Concourse A and several more in Concourse B, catering to diverse passenger needs.
Insider tips
- Insider: If you're flying United but want better food, head to Concourse B before taking the AeroTrain to C/D; Concourse B boasts better sit-down restaurants and wine bars.
- Time: Use the pedestrian tunnel between the main terminal and A/B gates to save several minutes and avoid long queues for mobile lounges.
- Money: The Fairfax Connector 983 bus to Wiehle–Reston East and then Metro into DC can be cheaper than rideshare, especially in rush hour.
- Insider: Flying internationally with United? Allow at least 90 minutes for connections due to possible long walks and wait times in C/D corridors.
- Time: Consider using Mobile Passport Control or Global Entry for efficient immigration processing; it can drastically reduce wait times during peak hours.
- Money: For budget parking, opt for off-airport lots or hotel park-sleep-fly packages instead of daily airport rates that have been rising.