Getting into Washington DC from Washington Dulles (IAD) without a car
/In the second iteration of Tools for Getting Around we are looking at how to get to and from Washington DC from Washington Dulles International (IAD). Most recently updated February 22, 2020.
Public Transit to Washington DC
Cabs, Ride-Sharing, and Other options
Washington Dulles international airport main terminal - CC: Amanda Walker
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is Washington DC region's least busy major commercial airport with about 21 million passengers per year, but the region's most important international airport, with over 90% of Washington DC area international departures leaving from Dulles. Dulles is about 27 miles from downtown, about 10 miles closer than BWI, but about 20 miles further than Reagan/National. United Airlines has a hub at Washington Dulles, flying over 60% of the passengers arriving and departing the airport.
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Public Transit to Washington DC
Future Washington Dulles Airport Metro Station under construction - CC: Airbus777
Washington Dulles Airport will soon be one of the few U.S. airports that are directly connected to a rail system without requiring a shuttle. The Silver Line will be extended out to the airport in 2020 - in fact, you can see the line and airport station being built. Once it is complete, it will be a one seat ride to significant portions of Tysons Corner, Arlington, and downtown Washington DC.
However, even now, the Silver Line express bus brings travelers to the closest metro station on a regular basis. There are other options to get there without a car or through car sharing.
As a warning, Dulles has a number of public transit options that will get you to Washington DC. However, the variety of options that are running or the fastest one depends on the time of day. I suggest you use Google Maps, or the timetables below, to determine which lines up best.
Silver Line Express Bus to the Washington Metro Silver Line
For now, the closest Metro station to Dulles Airport is about 7 miles away from the Airport. This station is the Wiehle-Reston East station - the current western terminus of the Silver Line. However, there is a convenient bus the airport runs that takes you to and from this station - intuitively called the Silver Line Express Bus. The bus runs every 15 minutes during peak time, and every 20 minutes while in operation. For the most updated operating times, please see here: link.
To catch the Silver Line Express Bus, go to Door 4 on the arrivals level, where there is a ticket counter. The bus costs $5, and can be paid in either cash or credit. If you are taking the bus to the airport, you will pay at the end of the ride. The bus drops you off at the Wiehle/Reston Metro Station, where you can catch the Metro Silver line into town.
The trip from Washington Dulles Airport to the Farragut West Metro Station takes about an hour and costs between $8.85 to $11, depending on whether it is rush hour.
5A Bus - WMATA Metrobus
WMATA also runs a bus service from the airport to Washington which stops at both the Rosslyn Metro Station as well as the L'Enfant Metro Station. In reality, the 5A only makes sense if your ultimate destination is either Rosslyn or L'Enfant Plaza, as it provides a single seat trip; otherwise the Silver Line Express is likely to be cheaper and likely faster. It costs $7.50 - cash is accepted but no change is given. To find these buses, once you reach the baggage claim, exit down the ramp, and the stop is on the second curb.
Cabs, Ride-Sharing, and Other Transportation Options
Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing from IAD
Lyft, Uber, or other app-based ride services pick up passengers at the terminal curbs just up the ramp from the baggage claim - the same place normal car pickups happen. You will specify the door number you want to be picked up when you request the car. The base fare for UberX or Lyft is about $50 before tipping, if heading to Farragut North; as always, beware of surge pricing.
Cabs from IAD
Washington Flyer is the only taxi company allowed to solicit pick ups at the airport. The taxi stands are located just down the ramp from the baggage claim area - follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi. The stands are near door 2 and door 6. Expect a cab to Farragut North to cost between $60 to $68.
Bottom Line
Because of the distance and the less frequent public transportation, taking mass transit, cabs, or ride sharing into Washington DC from IAD will take longer and be more expensive than from Reagan/National, but it is generally faster than BWI. However, it is pretty easy and a generally comfortable ride. All things being equal, IAD would be my second choice, but it is more similar to BWI than it is to DCA, which is one of the most convenient airports in the country.
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