Washington Dulles International Airport - IAD

Washington, United States of America (US)

Getting around the airport

1 main terminal, 2 satellite terminals, 4 concourses

Washington Dulles Airport is located 42 km west of downtown Washington. It consists of one main terminal as well as two satellite terminals.

The iconic main terminal houses ticketing, check-in facilities, baggage claim, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, an international arrivals building for passenger processing, information facilities, as well as H Gates and the four Z Gates (Air Canada Express and Frontier Airlines).
The main security checkpoints are located at the mezzanine level, another one can be found on the baggage claim level. 
The main terminal is connected to an hourly parking lot and daily garage 1 by an enclosed walkway with moving sidewalks. The curb level is for shuttle buses and MetroBus 5A; ground transport level offers rental cars, taxis, hotel information, and parking. The subway station is near the entrance to the passenger walkway and B gates.

Most flights are being operated out of the two linear satellite terminals

  • the first satellite building houses A gates and B gates, handling all United Express flights as well as all non-United flights
    It can be reached by a walkway from the main terminal, by AeroTrain connecting either to the main terminal or to the C Gates in the second terminal building or by a shuttle service connecting A and C Gates as well as A and Z Gates
  • the other terminal contains C and D gates, operating all United Airlines flights.
    This terminal can be reached by AeroTrain arriving at the C Gates or by shuttle service from either the Z Gates in the main terminal or from the A Gates in the first satellite terminal building
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Getting into Washington DC

Ground transport

Silver Line Express

This bus service runs between the airport and Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, on the silver line of Washington, D.C.’s metro system. Arriving passengers can purchase bus tickets at the ticket counter of the arrivals hall. The trip takes approximately 15 minutes and there is free Wi-Fi onboard. 

Location: Main Terminal, before security, arrivals, baggage claim level, door 4
Cost: USD 5 each way
Operating hours: 06:00-22:40 every 15-20 minutes Mon-Fri; 07:45-22:40 every 20 minutes Sat-Sun

MetroBus

MetroBus Route 5A is the bus to Washington, D.C. The bus stops at L’Enfant Plaza station, Rosslyn station, and the Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride Lot. The total trip time to L’Enfant Plaza is about an hour, depending on the time of day.

Location: Main Terminal, before security, curb level outside, Curb 2E
Cost: USD 7.25 (exact fare is required)
Operating hours: 05:50-23:35 every 30-60 minutes Mon-Fri; 06:35-23:35 every hour Sat-Sun

Taxi

Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve IAD airport exclusively 24 hours a day. Payment can be made by cash, credit card or airline voucher. Distance to Washington, D.C. is approximately 30 miles.

Location: Main Terminal, before security, arrivals, lower level, Door 2 or Door 6
Cost: approximately USD 60-68 to Washington, D.C.

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Security Checkpoint

Shorter lines

Security checkpoints are busiest on weekday and Sunday mornings and late afternoons. There are two checkpoints on either end of the Main Terminal, but there is a third smaller checkpoint on the Baggage Claim level. It is for passengers heading to Z Gates so it is not as busy as the main checkpoints; however, you can take the Aerotrain from the Z Gates to Concourses A and C.

Main Terminal, landside, lower level (baggage claim), hall to Z gates

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Play Area

The Kids’ FunWay

In cooperation with NASA, the airport has very recently launched a new play area for the kids. The highlight of this new facility is the "Tommy Tower", which has the airport's historic air traffic control tower as its model. To protect and educate the children at the same time, the area is covered with walls decorated with child-friendly information on aviation and airplanes. The Kids' FunWay admits children younger than 12 years and no taller than 42 inches (106 cm).

Location: In Concourse B, after security, near Gate B70.

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Massage Bar

Relaxation in concourse B

The Massage Bar stop offers seated massages and wellness services to make travelling a little more relaxing. 

Midfield Terminal, airside, concourse B, middle of concourse across from hall to gates B64-70
Hours: 07:00-20:00

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Car rental

Lowest Price Guaranteed

All rental car companies are located on the airport grounds. A free shuttle bus takes customs between the rental lot and the Main Terminal. Shuttle buses are operated by each individual company – look for the company’s logo on the bus before boarding.

Main Terminal, landside, baggage claim level, exit down the ramp towards door 2, 4, or 6.

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Showers

Business class passengers only

There are showers available in British Airways, Etihad, Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa lounges. These lounges can only be accessed by business and first class passengers. See Lounges content for details.

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Power outlets

Available on each concourse

Charging stations are available on each concourse, near the gates.

Midfield Terminal, airside, concourse B, near gate B73 and food court

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Share your airport knowledge with us

Help us improve!

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No matter whether you are travelling for business, leisure or you work at an airport, we could always use airport intel to help make our app even better and improve things for travellers all over the world!

Share your experience with us by sending an email to feedback@flio.com with any hints, tips or general information on any airport.

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Buy access to Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington D.C.

Concourse B. Next to Gate B43.

Relax, refresh, and unwind in a spacious, luxurious oasis away from the bustling crowds. Enjoy serenity and calm in the Zen Corner, where you can read or meditate by a lush green wall, tranquil waterfall, and roaring fireplace. Savor the rich cuisine at one of two food buffets, and enjoy refreshing beverages from the drink stations or premium bar. NOTE: Children under 6 years old are admitted free with an adult. NOTE: You may book access through LoungeBuddy when flying with any carrier. NOTE: All passengers departing from Washington Dulles can physically access this lounge - all concourses are connected by people movers. If you are not departing from Concourse B, please leave sufficient time to reach your gate.
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