Washington Dulles Airport And Parking Information Guide

An Introduction To Washington Dulles Airport Parking

IAD Airport has plenty of parking options. With over 20,000 spaces available on-site, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. There are hourly, daily and even economy and valet options for those looking for more convenience. There's also a cell phone lot located close to the economy lot in case someone needs to pick you up. And if you're driving an electric vehicle, don't worry — they've got charging stations available too! So, come by and see for yourself why IAD is the place to go for parking.

Washington Dulles Airport Facilities

Dulles Airport is definitely the place to be for food, drinks and shopping! Right now, Concourse B has the biggest selection - but if you're looking for something different, no worries. All of the concourses are connected to each other in the main terminal building so it's a breeze to navigate around. If you need any help just look out for the Airport Ambassadors or Travelers Aid team - they can be found at information desks and all around the airport wearing their yellow and blue uniforms. So come on over to Dulles and check it out!

Washington Dulles Airport Hotel And Parking

Looking for somewhere to stay near Dulles Airport? Several hotels offer great packages with free parking for up to two weeks and a complimentary shuttle bus to the airport terminal. You can choose from high-end or budget accommodations, with lots of familiar hotel chains available. Homewood Suites by Hilton Dulles is one of the more luxurious options, with fully equipped suites, a kitchen, stove and grocery shopping service. The Wingate by Wyndham Chantilly/Dulles and Best Western Dulles offer fitness centers and free breakfast, whilst Sheraton Herndon Dulles Airport Hotel provides room service and hotel restaurants. For something a bit cheaper, why not try Comfort Inn Dulles or Hyatt Place Herndon Dulles? Both offer a free breakfast, and Aloft Dulles Airport North provides a comfortable room with WiFi and TV. Make sure you book in advance to make sure you get the package, but cancelations are usually allowed. Enjoy your stay near Dulles!

Top Things To Do In Washington Dulles Airport

Enjoy The Airport Arts Program

Dulles International Airport is full of art and entertainment all year round! From installations which show off the beauty of our local area to rotating exhibitions with subjects from DC, by DC artists and even from our local school kids. There are historical displays like the Daedalus 87 aircraft - which is record-breaking for being human-powered - to live music, singing and dancing performances. In November we even have a classical music series going on! Visit the Dulles International Arts Program website to stay up-to-date with all the exciting events at the airport.

Opportunities To Unwind Before Flying

Heading to Dulles Airport? Need some time to unwind? There's something for everyone! The Be Relax Spa has back, neck and hand massages, plus manicures, pedicures and facials. Or check out the FunWay play area for kids - a great way to tire them out before takeoff. Plus, there's even smoking lounges inside the terminal if you don't want to go back outside. So take some time out, recharge and relax before your flight!

Browse The Airport Shopping

Head to Concourse B if you're looking for designer brands! You can find items from Michael Kors and Vera Bradley, luggage from Coach and Tumi, and even jewelry from Landau. If that's not enough, head over to Concourse A for Burberry, Erwin Pearl and Montblanc stores. Don't worry about any last-minute purchases - there are plenty of bookstores and general apparel stores for those forgotten items. So why not give yourself a treat at the airport? Happy shopping!

Relax In An Airline Lounge

If you're stuck with a delay or layover, why not treat yourself to a day pass at one of the many lounges at IAD? You'll find plenty of options, each offering comfortable seating areas, free snacks and drinks, WiFi, newspapers and TVs. For those looking for something extra special, Lufthansa, British Airways and Air France all have the added luxury of shower facilities - a rarity in most airports these days. So why not make the most out of your time waiting during your travels? It could be the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind!

Find The Best Airport Restaurants

Head to Dulles for some serious fine-dining! Wolfgang Puck has opened up a restaurant there, with its internationally-inspired menu full of Italian, Asian and American dishes. There's also Chef Geoff's offering delicious American favorites like burgers, &pizza serving quick-cooked pizzas, and Bistro Atelier bringing all the flavors and quirks of a French bistro. Yum! You won't be disappointed! Happy travels!

Top Things To Do Near Washington Dulles Airport

Smithsonian National Museum Of Natural History

Heading to DC? Make sure to allot some time for the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History! It's open every day and it's one of the most visited museums in the world. You'll find over 127 million specimens on display, including stuff on geology, human origins, paleobiology, mammals, insects, oceans and more. It's a great family activity if you've got a few hours to spare! Just 27 miles away from Dulles International Airport, it's definitely worth the trip. Enjoy!

National Portrait Gallery

Head to the National Portrait Gallery - part of the Smithsonian Institution and about 28 miles (45 kilometers) from Dulles International Airport. It shares a building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and is home to portraits of famous Americans and world stars. You'll find paintings and photography of US Presidents like Lincoln, Washington, Franklin up to Obama and Trump, plus artists and entertainers like Charlie Chaplin, Beauford Delaney and Ethel Waters. Plus you can spot historical figures like John Brown, Frederick Douglass and Osceola. The iconic images are almost breathtaking to see in real life - yet it's usually relatively quiet due to its location away from the National Mall. So it's a real pleasure to explore at any given time. Enjoy!

US Capitol

The Capitol building in Washington DC is a must-see for anyone interested in American history and politics. Just 31 miles from Dulles International Airport, this impressive neoclassical structure houses separate wings for the House of Representatives and Senate, all sheltered under a giant cast-iron dome that weighs over 8 million pounds! Daily tours are available with expert guides who will share the history and functions of the building and its legislature. You can also explore the museum, cafeteria and take a direct tunnel to the Library of Congress. Even if you’re only casually interested in politics, it’s worth visiting The Capitol just to take in all the magnificent architecture, murals and sculptures. It’s sure to be a memorable experience!

International Spy Museum

Head over to the International Spy Museum in D.C., the largest of its kind in the world, for an amazing espionage experience! Just 27 miles from IAD Airport, this unique museum covers all aspects of spying - from Biblical times to present-day cyber surveillance. Get a look into real-world operations and significant figures through World War II, and check out the rotating exhibitions featuring espionage in the movies. Plus, you can even try your hand at a spy mission with an interactive experience - it's educational and fun for kids! Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind museum.

Martin Luther King Jr Memorial

If you're in Washington DC, a must-see is the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial. The four acres (1.6 hectares) memorial site is situated just 29 miles (46.7 kilometers) from Dulles International Airport and certainly worth the trip for its inspiring atmosphere - especially when it's lit up at night! It features some of King's most famous speeches inscribed, which will evoke the same emotion today as when they were first spoken. Definitely a great spot for some thoughtful reflection. Go check it out!

Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral is an awe-inspiring sight - it's the sixth largest in the world and one of the tallest structures in all of DC! You can easily get there from Washington Dulles Airport, just 26 miles (41.8 kilometers) away. It's designed in a Neo-Gothic style with an impressive rose window, vaulted ceilings and intricate stone carvings. Plus, one of the most famous stained-glass windows in the world is there – a commemoration of the Moon landings. You can explore for hours, take tours to learn more about its history and design, or climb up to the observation gallery for some incredible views. It's definitely worth a visit.

Blues Alley

Blues Alley in Georgetown is just 25 miles from IAD Airport and it's an amazing place to experience authentic blues and jazz. Many renowned artists have played here, including Tony Bennett, Eva Cassidy, Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, Charles Mingus, Gil Scott-Heron and Sarah Vaughan. The performance room is small and intimate and you can get up close to the stars, plus there's a bar and kitchen to keep you going while you enjoy the music! Gigs happen almost every night of the year - don't miss out!

Ford’s Theatre

Ford's Theatre has been a staple of the city since 1860, but it's most famous for one very tragic event - the assassination of President Lincoln. For many years afterwards, it was closed out of respect, but in 1968, it was restored and re-opened as a theater. In 2012, the Petersen House next door was made into a museum, creating the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. It's definitely worth visiting both buildings to really get an understanding of the history and tragedy that surrounds this place, located just 45 kilometers (around 28 miles) from Washington Dulles Airport.​

Which Terminal?

Heading to Washington Dulles International Airport? It's got an unusual layout - it has a main terminal building and then two satellite concourse buildings. The first set is A and B, followed by C and D in the second one. You can use the AeroTrain people-mover to get between them all. Most flights depart from concourses A and B, while C and D are mainly used by United Airlines. Air Canada and Frontier use the small set of gates in the main terminal building - these are referred to as Concourse Z. If you need help finding your way around, there are information desks or look out for members of the Ambassadors program and IAD Travelers Aid. They'll be able to answer basic questions and provide directions.

How To Get To Washington Dulles Airport

Car

If you're heading to Dulles International Airport in the VA 20166 ZIP code, it's about 27 miles (43.4 kilometers) from Washington DC city center. The most direct route is the Dulles Access Road and should take around 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take I-66 out of the city and then north on Sully Road, which takes a little longer at 45-60 minutes. If you're coming from outside DC, the I-95 will get you to the region and connects with the I-66 for the airport via I-495 loop road. Or if you're further west, you can take either I-66 or I-270 and then onto the I-495 and I-66 to get you to the airport. Hope this helps! Have a safe journey!

Bus

Various Metrobus services run straight to the airport, with one route running from the L'Enfant Plaza Station right in the heart of DC all the way out to Dulles Terminal. If that's not enough for you, there's also Fairfax Connector buses taking passengers to Wiehle-Reston East Station on the Metrorail Silver Line. If you prefer Greyhound buses, those will take you to Union Station in the city center - from there you can hop on the Metrorail Red Line and switch at Metro Center Station to the Silver Line for a direct ride to the airport. Easy peasy! Another option is to take a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. They offer door-to-door transportation, so all you have to do is choose your destination, confirm the price and book your ride. Plus it's usually cheaper than traditional taxi services! So whether you prefer public transport or a car service, there's definitely something for everyone when it comes to traveling to and from the Dulles International Airport. Going on a road trip? The airport offers convenient parking facilities located around the terminal, making it easy to find a spot close by. There are also shuttles available so you can quickly get your bags and be on your way. No matter what mode of transport you choose, you'll find the Dulles International Airport is well connected to the rest of DC and beyond. Enjoy your journey!

Train

If you're looking to travel by rail to IAD Airport, unfortunately there's no direct route. Your best bet is to take the WMATA Metrorail Silver Line which stops about seven miles (11.3 kilometers) away from the airport terminal. From there, shuttle buses are available to take you all the way. Alternatively, Amtrak services run to Union Station in central DC, where you can switch over to the Metrorail Red Line and then transfer to the Silver Line to get you directly to the airport.

Useful Tips

Avoid The Worst Security Queues

At Dulles Airport, the early morning and mid-afternoon tend to be the busiest times for security checkpoints; bad weather only makes things worse. Fridays are especially hectic since that's when congressmen and their aides head home. To avoid any delays, make sure you get there two hours before a domestic flight and three hours ahead of an international one. Also double-check with your airline to make sure you have enough time for any connecting flights.

Workarounds To Big Queues

If you're ever at Dulles Airport and it's super busy, don't stress! TSA does a great job of moving the lines quickly, but if you're in a hurry, try heading to the smaller security checkpoint near the baggage claim. You might get through quicker!

It’s An Overnight Ghost-town

If you're stuck at IAD Airport overnight due to a layover or delay, don't worry! The airport is open 24 hours, but most of the concessions close in the evening. Consider taking the complimentary shuttle bus to one of the nearby hotels and they'll bring you back for free in the morning. That way, you can get some rest and be ready to go when you get back!

Be Prepared For The Mobile Lounges

You might not expect it, but Dulles Airport has something pretty cool - mobile lounges! These are mini-lounges on wheels that take you across runways to your waiting flight so you don't have to do a lot of walking. So next time you head off on a journey from Dulles Airport, keep an eye out for the mobile lounge - it can make your adventure a lot easier!

Washington Dulles Airport FAQs

How Much Is Hourly Parking At Dulles Airport?

Looking to park your car at the Dulles airport? Usually, it costs about $6 per hour. But why not make use of our website and get a great discount on weekly parking? That way, you'll have your spot reserved for the entirety of your vacation! Check it out now!

How Much Is Short Term Parking At Dulles Airport?

Looking for a short-term parking spot at Washington Dulles airport? Garage 1 is your best bet, with rates of only $10 per day or $6 per hour! To make sure you get the best deal, simply input your dates in our quote bar above to see what discounts you can get. Happy travels!

How Much Is Economy Parking At Dulles Airport?

Economy parking at Dulles airport is a breeze! Just hop on the free shuttle and you'll be at the terminal in no time. Plus, Looking4 offers great discounts on economy parking - so why pay more? Get to your flight quickly and park for less with Dulles economy parking. Sounds like a win-win!

Where To Park At Washington Dulles Airport?

If you're flying out of Washington Dulles, there are plenty of parking options for you to choose from. For those looking for a more efficient way to get to the terminal, valet parking is the perfect choice! If your priority is saving money, then park and ride or economy parking may be best for you. Whichever option fits your needs, you'll get the same great service.

Where Is Dulles Airport?

Heading to Washington DC but flying into Dulles International Airport? You'll have a bit of a journey ahead of you! Dulles is located in Virginia, around 27 miles (43.4 kilometers) away from Downtown DC. It's close to the states of West Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania, as well as the cities of New York and Philadelphia. Driving between the airport and DC usually takes an hour, or you can take Metrorail which should take around one hour. So be prepared for a journey when heading to Washington DC from IAD!

What Destinations Can I Fly To And From Washington Dulles Airport?

Flights from Washington Dulles Airport can take you to all sorts of exciting destinations, either directly or with connecting flights! Planning your next getaway has never been easier. Where will you go?