Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of three major airports serving the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, located approximately 26 miles west of downtown in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, Virginia. The airport serves as a major hub for United Airlines and handles significant international traffic, with nonstop service to over 135 global destinations.

The airport features the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal with its distinctive curved roof. The terminal complex consists of:

• Main Terminal: Check-in, security, and Z Gates (commuter/regional flights)
• Concourse A: 32 gates (A1-A32), United Express and various carriers
• Concourse B: 45 gates (B35-B79), domestic and international including American, Delta, Southwest, British Airways
• Concourse C: 30 gates (C1-C30), United Airlines hub operations, Polaris Lounge
• Concourse D: 32 gates (D1-D32), United Airlines operations

Concourses A/B and C/D are housed in two parallel midfield terminal buildings, connected to the main terminal via the underground AeroTrain automated people mover.

Note: Concourse E (14 additional gates) is scheduled to open in 2026 as part of a major United Airlines expansion.

Washington Dulles is located 26 miles west of downtown Washington, D.C. The Silver Line Metro now provides direct rail access to the airport.

Typical travel times to downtown DC:

• Metro (Silver Line): 50-55 minutes to Metro Center
• Taxi/Rideshare: 40-60 minutes (highly traffic dependent)
• Rush hour warning: Commute times can double during peak hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM)

The Dulles Access Road/Toll Road connects the airport to I-66 and the Capital Beltway (I-495).

Taxi

Washington Flyer is the exclusive taxi service at Dulles, available 24/7.

Destination	Fare	Time
Downtown DC (Metro Center area)	$70-85 + tip	40-60 min
Arlington, VA	$55-65 + tip	25-40 min
Tysons Corner	$30-40 + tip	15-25 min
Reagan National Airport (DCA)	$75-90 + tip	45-60 min

Pickup location: Arrivals Level, follow signs to taxi stand at Doors 2 or 6.

Fares are metered: $3.50 first 1/4 mile, $0.54 each additional 1/4 mile, plus $3.00 airport surcharge. Tolls may apply.

Uber & Lyft

Both services operate at Dulles with designated pickup areas.

• Pickup location: Follow "Rideshare" signs on Arrivals Level
• Typical fare to downtown DC: $58-90 depending on service level and demand
• Typical fare to Arlington: $40-60
• Wait time: Usually 5-15 minutes

Tip: Request your ride before exiting baggage claim. Surge pricing is common during rush hour and late-night international arrivals.

Metro Silver Line

The Washington Metro Silver Line now provides direct rail service from Dulles Airport to downtown DC and beyond. The station opened in November 2022.

To Metro Center (Downtown DC):

1. Follow signs to "Metro" in the Main Terminal
2. Walk through the underground tunnel with moving walkways (approximately 5 minutes)
3. Take Silver Line toward Largo
4. Exit at Metro Center (approximately 50 minutes total)

Ticket Type	Price
Single trip to downtown DC	$6 (peak) / $3.85 (off-peak)
1-Day Pass	$13
7-Day Pass	$58

How to pay: Tap a contactless credit/debit card at the faregates, or purchase a SmarTrip card from fare vending machines.

Operating hours:

• Monday-Thursday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM
• Friday: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM

Frequency: Trains every 8-12 minutes

Bus Services

Fairfax Connector operates routes connecting to local destinations. The 5A Metrobus previously connected Dulles to L'Enfant Plaza but has been discontinued since the Metro Silver Line opened.

Dulles offers multiple parking options at various price points.

On-Site Parking

Facility	Location	Daily Rate
Terminal	Connected to terminal	$25-27/day
Garage 1 & 2	Short walk to terminal	$17-19/day
Economy Lot	Free shuttle to terminal	$12-15/day

• Short-term rate: $6/hour (Terminal and Garages)
• First 10 minutes: Free for drop-off
• Cell Phone Lot: Free for up to 1 hour (stay in vehicle)
• EV charging: Available in Garage 1 (Levels 1 and 3)

Tips:

• Book online at flydulles.com for discounts up to 40%
• Economy lot is best value for trips over 2 days
• Garage 1 is closest to the Metro station

Dining options are distributed across all concourses, with the best variety in Concourses A and D.

Main Terminal (Pre-Security)

• District ChopHouse: Steaks, burgers, full bar (11 AM - 7 PM)
• Cafe Americana: Coffee, sandwiches, pizza
• Dulles Gourmet Market: 24-hour convenience

Concourse A

• The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck (Gate A22): Upscale casual dining
• Matsutake (Gate A18): Japanese, sushi, teriyaki
• Firkin & Fox (Gate A3): British pub fare
• Smashburger (Gate A4): Burgers
• Luv'n Berry: Smoothies, acai bowls

Concourse B

• Five Guys: Burgers and fries
• Potbelly: Sandwiches
• Starbucks: Multiple locations

Concourse C

• Chef's Table by Wolfgang Puck: Gourmet dining
• Be Right Burger (Gate C14): Build-your-own burgers
• Auntie Anne's (Gate C9): Pretzels, snacks

Concourse D

• Bar Symon (Gate D14): Gastropub by celebrity chef Michael Symon
• Bistro Atelier (Gate D14): French-inspired, open 6 AM - 10 PM
• South Block (Gate D9): Acai bowls, smoothies, health food
• DC Craft Brews (Gate D23): Local beers
• Chick-fil-A (Gate D7): Fast food
• Wow Bao (Gate D18): Asian steamed buns

Budget tip: Dulles Gourmet Market locations throughout offer affordable grab-and-go options 24 hours.

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	#IAD Free WiFi
Registration	Email and zip code required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Good for browsing and streaming

To connect, select the network and enter your email. International visitors can skip the zip code field.

SIM cards and prepaid phone options are limited at Dulles. For better selection and prices, consider purchasing in Washington, D.C.

Airport Options

• InMotion Entertainment (Main Terminal): Prepaid SIM cards
• Best Buy Express (multiple locations): Some prepaid options
• Vending machines: Basic options available

Major US Carriers

Carrier	Prepaid Data	Typical Price
T-Mobile	10 GB	From $40
AT&T	8 GB	From $50
Verizon	5 GB	From $35

Better option: Purchase a SIM at carrier stores in downtown DC or order an eSIM before arrival.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal and all concourses, both landside and airside.

Currency

• US Dollar (USD) is the local currency
• Credit and debit cards accepted almost everywhere

Currency Exchange

Travelex counters are located in:

• Main Terminal (Arrivals and Departures levels)
• Concourse B
• Concourse C

Warning: Airport exchange rates include significant markups (often 7-12%). Better alternatives:

• Withdraw USD from ATMs using a no-foreign-fee debit card
• Use Wise or similar services before arrival
• Major credit cards offer competitive exchange rates

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available in international departure areas, operated by Dufry and DFS.

• Main Terminal: After security
• Concourse B: International departure gates
• Concourse C/D: International departure areas

Tax-free savings available on alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics for international departures.

Notable Stores

• America! (Main Terminal): DC souvenirs, political memorabilia
• Dulles International News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics, headphones, chargers
• Brighton Collectibles: Jewelry and accessories
• Hudson News: Multiple locations

Local Specialties

Look for DC-themed souvenirs, political memorabilia, and Smithsonian merchandise.

Dulles has an excellent lounge selection, with United operating multiple facilities as their hub.

United Lounges

United Polaris Lounge (Concourse C, near Gate C17):

• Access: United Polaris Business Class, Star Alliance Business Class (international itineraries)
• Hours: 5:30 AM - 10:00 PM
• Amenities: Full-service dining, bar, shower suites, quiet sleeping areas
• Quality: Premium experience, one of the best United lounges

United Club (Concourse C, multiple locations):

• Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, eligible credit cards
• Hours: Varies by location
• Amenities: Snacks, bar, WiFi, workstations

Priority Pass Lounges

Turkish Airlines Lounge (Concourse B):

• Access: Priority Pass, Turkish Airlines Business Class
• Notes: Considered one of the best Priority Pass lounges in the US
• Amenities: Hot food, full bar, excellent service

British Airways Galleries Lounge (Concourse B, opposite Gate B50):

• Access: Priority Pass (6 AM - 2 PM only), BA Business/First, Oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
• Hours: 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM (general), Priority Pass limited to mornings
• Amenities: Food, beverages, showers

Air France-KLM Lounge (Concourse B):

• Access: Priority Pass (restricted 3 PM - 6 PM), Air France/KLM premium classes, SkyTeam Elite Plus
• Amenities: Light buffet, beverages, workstations

Lufthansa Business Lounge (Concourse B):

• Access: Priority Pass, Lufthansa Business Class, Star Alliance Gold, day pass ($39)
• Note: Undergoing renovation October 2025 - end of 2026; alternatives available

Credit Card Lounges

Capital One Lounge (Main Terminal, past TSA before AeroTrain):

• Access: Capital One Venture X cardholders, day pass available
• Location: Accessible to all concourses before taking AeroTrain
• Amenities: Premium food, craft cocktails, wellness room
• Quality: Newest lounge at Dulles, excellent reviews

Airline-Specific Lounges

• Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Concourse B): Upper Class passengers
• Emirates Lounge (Concourse B): Business/First Class
• Etihad Airways Lounge (Concourse B): Business/First Class

On-Site / Adjacent

Washington Dulles Airport Marriott

• 0.5 miles from terminal
• Free shuttle every 15 minutes
• Indoor pool, fitness center
• From $150/night

Hilton Washington Dulles Airport

• 1.8 miles from terminal
• Free airport shuttle
• Full-service restaurant, pool
• From $140/night

The Westin Washington Dulles Airport

• 1.1 miles from terminal
• Free shuttle service
• Westin Heavenly Beds
• From $160/night

Budget Options

• Hampton Inn Dulles Airport: Free shuttle, from $110/night
• Fairfield Inn & Suites: Free shuttle, from $100/night
• Hyatt Place Herndon/Dulles Airport East: Free shuttle, from $120/night

Rest Options at Airport

• Minute Suites (if available): Bookable private rest pods
• Quiet areas: Designated rest zones in concourses
• Lounges: Some offer day passes for comfortable seating

Washington, D.C. is the capital of the United States, home to world-class museums, monuments, and the seat of the federal government. Most major attractions are free to visit.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
National Mall	50-60 min	Metro Silver Line to Smithsonian
White House	55 min	Metro to Metro Center, walk
Georgetown	60-70 min	Metro to Foggy Bottom, walk/bus
Arlington Cemetery	45 min	Metro to Arlington Cemetery
Capitol Building	55 min	Metro to Capitol South

Nearby Alternative: Udvar-Hazy Center

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum is located adjacent to Dulles Airport. If you have a long layover, this is a spectacular option:

• Distance: 10 minutes from airport
• Highlights: Space Shuttle Discovery, Concorde, Enola Gay (B-29)
• Admission: Free (parking $15)
• Getting there: Bus from airport (25 minutes) or taxi/rideshare

Travel Tips

• Purchase a SmarTrip card for Metro access
• The DC Circulator bus ($1) connects major downtown attractions
• Most Smithsonian museums are free, including Air and Space, Natural History, and American History
• Summer (June-August) is hot and humid; spring (April-May) offers cherry blossoms
• Tipping: 18-20% standard at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Udvar-Hazy Center (Space Shuttle, Concorde)
• 6-hour layover: Quick Metro trip to National Mall, see one museum
• 8+ hour layover: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, multiple Smithsonian museums

DC Specialties

• Half-smoke: DC's signature sausage (try Ben's Chili Bowl)
• Chesapeake Bay blue crab: Crab cakes and soft-shell crab
• Mumbo sauce: Sweet and tangy condiment unique to DC
• Ethiopian cuisine: DC has the largest Ethiopian population outside Africa