How to Get to Downtown Washington, D.C., from Dulles International Airport

The majority of international travelers to Washington, D.C., arrive at Dulles International Airport.

The majority of international travelers to Washington arrive at Dulles International Airport. The airport is 28 miles from downtown D.C.

Things You'll Need

• Map of Washington, D.C.
• Metro map
• Cash

Instructions

1. Take the bus. Metrobus runs a D.C.-Dulles bus (5A) that originates at the airport and takes you to the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in downtown D.C. It makes three other stops along the way. Proceed outside the airport at the departures level to the bus stop area. Look for signs for the 5A bus. Buses depart Dulles about every 40 to 50 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. weekdays and about hourly from 6:32 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. weekends. The trip to or from L'Enfant Plaza takes about 50 minutes and costs $3.10, as of 2008. Cash only, exact change only. Once you arrive outside the Metro station, you can take the Metro or take a bus to your hotel or other destination.

2. Take the Metro. To get to the Metro, you must first take a Washington Flyer express bus. The Washington Flyer buses depart Dulles every 30 minutes starting at 5:45 a.m. weekdays and 7:45 a.m. weekends and holidays until 10:15 p.m. daily. The trip is 20 to 30 minutes and costs $9 one way, $16 round trip. Buses depart Dulles at Door 4 on the arrivals level of the main terminal.

3. Take a taxi. Fares will run approximately $60 to downtown Washington. Follow the signs inside the terminal on the arrivals level. The taxi line originates inside the terminal, not outside.

4. Take a shuttle service. SuperShuttle and other shuttle services can ferry you into the city for less than the cost of a taxi. Make a reservation in advance.

5. Hire a private car service. Arrangements should be made in advance. Confirm your reservation before boarding your flight to Washington.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your taxi driver in advance what the approximate fare will be. Confirm it with the attendant at the taxi stand.

• Taxis cost more money during rush hour. Also be aware of whether a fuel surcharge is being assessed.

• Do not accept the services of a driver who approaches you in the airport and offers a ride; it's likely he or she is not properly licensed.

Resources

• Dulles International Airport
• Washington Metro
• Washington Flyer