Getting Around
How to get to and from Washington Dulles International Airport — taxis, public transport, shuttles and car rental.
Transport Options at IAD
Washington Dulles International Airport is connected to Dulles and the wider United States transport network by multiple ground transport options.
The Silver Line Metro runs directly from the airport station to downtown DC in 60-75 minutes for $6.75 on weekdays (as low as $2.25-2.50 late nights and weekends) — slower than a taxi but by far the cheapest option.
Washington Flyer and regional bus connections exist but are limited; most travelers use the Silver Line or a car for the roughly 42km trip into DC.
Metered taxis run the Washington Flyer tariff, roughly $64 plus tip for the 40-70 minute ride depending on traffic — Dulles sits far enough out that rush hour (6:30-9:30am, 4-7pm) meaningfully lengthens the trip.
Uber and Lyft pick up from a designated arrivals-area zone; app-quoted fares comparable to taxi, with surge pricing of 1.3-1.8x common late at night.
All major agencies operate on-site; worth considering if you're planning to explore Virginia or Maryland beyond DC itself, since Dulles is notably farther from downtown than Reagan National.
At 42km out, Dulles is the farthest of DC's three airports from downtown — if your schedule allows it, the Silver Line's flat, predictable fare is usually a better bet than fighting rush-hour traffic in a taxi.
Pre-Book Your Transfer
Skip the taxi queue. Book a private transfer from IAD to Dulles in advance and have a driver waiting when you land.
Recommended · Airport TransferPrivate and shared airport transfers — fixed price, no meter surprises. Driver meets you in arrivals.
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Car Rental at IAD
Exploring United States beyond Dulles? Renting a car at the airport gives you maximum flexibility from the moment you land.
Recommended · Car RentalCompare rates from major and local car rental companies. Free cancellation on most bookings.
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