Transfer to/from - Dulles airport - Washington D.C. (IAD)

Dulles International Airport offers a wide range of ground transportation options connecting the terminal with Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland. The integrated Metro station and dedicated ride-app zones make getting to and from the airport easier.

Ride-sharing Apps

Uber and Lyft are authorized to operate at the airport. Once you request your ride through the app, you must head to the designated pick-up area.

Location: Arrivals Level (ground floor), exiting through doors 2, 4, or 6. You must walk across to the Third Curb (Curb 3), where you’ll find the signed ride-share pick-up zones (typically from 3A to 3H).

Metro (Silver Line)

The airport has its own Silver Line Metrorail station, directly connected to the Main Terminal via an underground pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways. This service provides a direct and affordable connection to downtown Washington D.C. and the suburbs in Virginia.

Destinations: It connects to key stations such as Rosslyn, Foggy Bottom, Metro Center, L'Enfant Plaza and Downtown Largo to the east, and Ashburn to the west.

Operating Hours:

• Monday to 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.

Fares and Payment: The cost varies by distance and time of day (peak vs. off-peak), generally between USD 2.25 and USD 6.75. Payment is made exclusively with a SmarTrip card (physical or digital via Apple Wallet/Google Pay). Cash is not accepted at the faregates.

WMATA trip planner

Public and Regional Buses

Several bus routes connect the airport with museums, residential areas, and more distant cities in Virginia.

Fairfax Connector

Local bus service operating from Stop 2E (Second Curb, Arrivals Level).

Route 983: Connects to the National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center and the Innovation Center Metro station. Operates 7 days a week.

Route 952: Service to Reston Town Center and the Herndon Metro station. Runs frequently on weekdays and weekends.

Fare: Approximately USD 2.25 (SmarTrip and exact cash accepted).

Fairfax Connector schedules

Virginia Breeze

Intercity coach service connecting Dulles with western and southern Virginia.

Location: Stop 2A (Second Curb).

Valley Flyer: Connects to Blacksburg, Harrisonburg, Staunton and other Shenandoah Valley communities.

Virginia Breeze official website

Megabus

Offers direct connections to Union Station in Washington D.C. and to Charlottesville, Virginia.

Location: Stop 2A (Second Curb).

Megabus official website

Taxis

The official and exclusive taxi service authorized to pick up passengers at the airport curb is operated by Washington Flyer Taxi. These vehicles are available 24 hours a day and use regulated taximeters, ensuring transparent fares and safety.

Location: Head to the Arrivals Level (Main Terminal, ground floor). Follow the "Ground Transportation" signs and go down the ramps to Doors 1 or 7, where the official, dispatcher-managed taxi stands are located.

Estimated Fares: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on traffic and the exact location of your final destination.

• Washington D.C. (Downtown): USD 70.00 – 90.00
• Reagan National Airport (DCA): USD 75.00 – 85.00
• Richmond, VA: USD 290.00 – 310.00

Additional charges may apply for excess luggage, extra passengers, snow conditions, or tolls on certain routes.

Payment Methods: Cash and major credit cards (American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover) are accepted. There is no need to book in advance; simply walk up to the taxi stand.

If you prefer to use a different taxi company (not an official Washington Flyer cab), you must arrange your pick-up directly with the operator in advance, as they are not allowed to solicit passengers at the curb.

Official fares and details