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Airport Transportation

Washington Dulles International Airport

Also known as: Dulles Airport, Dulles International Airport, IAD Airport, Washington Dulles.

IAD · KIAD · Washington, D.C.

Airport facts

Name
Washington Dulles International Airport
IATA code
IAD
ICAO code
KIAD
City
Washington, D.C.
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
38.9445, -77.4558
Time zone
America/New_York

About Washington Dulles International Airport

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is the main international airport for Washington, DC. It sits in Dulles, Virginia, in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, about 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington, and opened in 1962. Its smaller sister airport, Reagan National (DCA), is closer to the city and mostly domestic.

United Airlines runs a hub at Dulles and carries most of its passengers, and more than 50 airlines fly here, with many long-haul routes to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The airport handled about 29 million passengers in 2025, a record.

Check-in, baggage claim and the International Arrivals Building are in the Main Terminal, known for its swooping roof. The gates are in midfield Concourses A and B (non-United airlines) and C and D (United), reached by the underground AeroTrain or, for some gates, by the airport's mobile lounges.

The Metro Silver Line, opened in 2022, stops at the airport and runs into Washington, and most travelers continue to the city, Tysons, Reston or Northern Virginia.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)

Runways

Four in operation; the longest are 11,500 ft (3,505 m)

Passengers per year

About 29 million in 2025, a record

Opened

November 17, 1962

Hub

United Airlines

Arrival tips for Washington Dulles International Airport

At Dulles, your plane arrives at one of the midfield concourses or, for some flights, at a remote stand served by the mobile lounges. Domestic passengers take the AeroTrain or a mobile lounge to the Main Terminal, where baggage claim is on the lower level.

If you arrive on an international flight, you clear US Customs and Border Protection in the International Arrivals Building at the Main Terminal; many international passengers reach it by mobile lounge. United international arrivals at gates C1 to C14 have their own processing. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.

After baggage claim, follow the signs for taxis, ride apps and the Metro. Washington Flyer runs the airport's taxi service. The Silver Line Metro station is reached from the Main Terminal. Your driver meets you at the arrivals level outside baggage claim, as shown in your confirmation.

Ground transportation

  • Private transfer from Dulles

    A pre-booked driver meets you at the Main Terminal and takes you to downtown Washington, Tysons, Reston or elsewhere in Northern Virginia and Maryland. The easiest option with luggage, given the 26-mile distance.

  • Silver Line Metro

    The Silver Line runs from the airport station into Washington and through Northern Virginia. Cheap, but slower than driving and you carry your bags.

  • Taxi from Dulles

    Washington Flyer runs the airport's taxi service from the official stand outside baggage claim.

  • Uber and Lyft

    Ride apps pick up at signposted areas; an airport fee applies to each trip.

  • Fairfax Connector bus

    Routes 952 and 983 serve the Kiss and Fly area near the Metro station.

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Moving between terminals

  1. AeroTrain

    An underground train linking the Main Terminal with Concourses A, B and C.

  2. Mobile lounges

    Dulles's raised 'plane-mate' buses serve Concourse D, remote H gates and international arrivals to the International Arrivals Building.

Terminals

One Main Terminal with check-in and baggage claim, and midfield concourses with the gates.

Main Terminal

Check-in, baggage claim, the International Arrivals Building and the Z gates, used by Air Canada and United Express.

Concourse A

Mainly international airlines other than United, plus some United Express flights.

Concourse B

Some international airlines and nearly all non-United domestic and Canada flights.

Concourse C

United mainline flights, including international arrivals at gates C1 to C14.

Concourse D

United and United Express flights, reached by mobile lounge.

Airlines and destinations

Main airlines at Dulles and the concourse each uses, where known.

Air Canada Main Terminal

Airline guide

Air France Concourse A

Airline guide

British Airways Concourse B

Airline guide

Etihad Airways Concourse A

Airline guide

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Concourse A

Lufthansa Concourse B

Airline guide

Turkish Airlines Concourse B

Airline guide

United Airlines Concourse C

Also Concourse D and United Express flights at the Z gates.

Airline guide

Virgin Atlantic Concourse A

Airline guide

Facilities

  • International Arrivals Building

    US Customs and Border Protection at the Main Terminal.

  • AeroTrain

    Underground train to Concourses A, B and C.

  • Mobile lounges

    Raised buses to Concourse D, remote gates and international arrivals.

  • Silver Line Metro

    Washington Metro station serving the airport, opened in 2022.

  • Capital One Lounge

    In the Main Terminal past the TSA PreCheck checkpoint; see Airport lounges.

Airport lounges

  • Capital One Lounge (Main Terminal)

    Past the TSA PreCheck checkpoint, for eligible Capital One cardholders.

  • Air France/KLM Lounge (Concourse A)

    Across from gate A22.

  • Etihad Lounge (Concourse A)

    Next to gate A14.

  • Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Concourse A)

    Across from gate A32.

  • British Airways Galleries (Concourse B)

    Next to the AeroTrain station.

  • Lufthansa Senator and Business Lounges (Concourse B)

    At gate B51.

  • Turkish Airlines Lounge (Concourse B)

    Near gate B41.

  • United Polaris Lounge (Concourse C)

    Across from gate C17, for United Polaris business class passengers.

  • United Clubs (Concourses C and D)

    At gates C7, C17 and D8.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.

  • Reduced mobility

    Some gates are reached by mobile lounge, so tell your airline in advance if you need help boarding or getting to baggage claim.

  • Service animals

    Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.

  • Assistance on arrival

    Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Dulles airport from downtown Washington, DC?

Washington Dulles International Airport is about 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington, in Dulles, Virginia. The Metro Silver Line runs from the airport into the city, and by road the drive depends on traffic on the Dulles Toll Road and I-66.

Is Dulles the same as Reagan National Airport?

No. Washington has two main airports run by the same authority: Dulles International (IAD), 26 miles west of the city with most long-haul international flights and a United hub, and Reagan National (DCA), much closer to downtown and mostly domestic. Check which one your ticket shows.

Is there a Metro from Dulles airport?

Yes. The Silver Line of the Washington Metro has served Dulles airport since November 2022, running through Reston and Tysons into Washington, DC.

What are the mobile lounges at Dulles?

Mobile lounges, or plane-mates, are raised buses that carry passengers between the Main Terminal and some gates. Today they serve Concourse D, remote H gates and many international arrivals heading to the International Arrivals Building. Most other gates are reached by the AeroTrain.

Which concourse does United use at Dulles?

United Airlines uses Concourses C and D, where the United Polaris Lounge and several United Clubs are, and United Express also uses the Z gates in the Main Terminal. Most other airlines use Concourses A and B.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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