Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), also known as Dulles International Airport, Dulles Airport, Washington Dulles, or simply Dulles, is located in Virginia's Loudoun and Fairfax counties, 42 kilometers west of Washington, D.C.

The airfield, named after John Foster Dulles, was built in 1962 to help meet the air traffic needs in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding area.

Dulles International Airport, operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, is one of the three major airports in the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area, along with Reagan National Airport and Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

It is considered the region's international air hub with dozens of nonstop international flights. Outside of the New York metropolitan area, Dulles has the most international passenger traffic of any airport in the Mid-Atlantic.

In 2021, it had 7,179,885 passengers. A total of 1,611,501 people traveled to international destination

Even though Washington National Airport (now Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) had only been open since 1941, the need for a second airport serving the National Capital Area became apparent shortly after WWII.

President Dwight Eisenhower chose a 10,000-acre site, 26 miles west of Washington, D.C., after a thorough study of many possible locations throughout the region.

The site, in Virginia's Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, was surrounded by open farmland and was far enough away from other airports to allow enough airspace for arriving and departing flights.

The vast size of the new site allowed for a buffer between the Airport and its neighbors, making it the first in the country to be designed for commercial jets.

Only 3,000 acres of the 10,000-acre site were graded for the new Airport, and all runways were set back at least 8,000 feet.

The Airport's construction began on September 2, 1958, seven and a half months after the site was chosen.

Dulles International Airport had a stunning Terminal Building when it opened four years later, in 1962, and it would become a landmark for travelers worldwide.

The Terminal was a two-story structure with a 600-foot length and 200-foot width. It was designed to be expanded up to 320 feet at either end, although it was built without extensions onto the airfield for aircraft loading (this expansion was completed 34 years later in 1996).

The Terminal was "topped off" with a 193-foot high, glass-enclosed control tower cab that gave air traffic controllers an unobstructed view for miles in all directions.

Dulles had two north-south parallel runways, each 11,500 feet long, 150 feet wide, and separated by 6,700 feet when it was finished (and after 11.5 million cubic yards of earth were excavated), and a third northwest-southeast runway, 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide.

Standard instrument landing systems (ILS) were installed on all runways and high-speed turn offs to increase runway availability and the most up-to-date lighting systems. Furthermore, all runways had 25-foot-wide paved shoulders to ensure clean surfaces and prevent jet engines from ingesting dirt and debris.

The specially-designed Mobile Lounges, used to transport passengers between the Terminal Building and their aircraft, parked on a jet ramp a half-mile away from the Terminal, were the feature that made the new Airport unique from the public's perspective in 1962.

The Chrysler Corporation designed the Mobile Lounge in collaboration with the Budd Company.

The Mobile Lounge is a 54-foot long, 16-foot wide, 17 1/2-foot high vehicle that can transport 102 passengers, 71 of whom are seated, from the Terminal to the aircraft.

The lounges shielded passengers from the elements, jet noise, and blast and reduced long walking distances. Because of the Mobile Lounges, passengers had very little space to walk after entering the Terminal before being seated in the Lounge for the short trip directly to the aircraft.

During the design of Dulles, a thorough examination of the possibility of modifying plans for future state and federal highways to ensure that the Airport would have adequate transportation arteries was conducted.

It was not feasible, so the airport development project included the construction of an access highway.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) selected four possible routes in collaboration with local communities, which were the subject of several public hearings.

The final route was a 16-mile stretch from the Airport to a point near Falls Church, Virginia, where it would be linked to the then-proposed Interstate Route 66 and the Capital Beltway later.

The first 13.5 miles of the highway, which connects the Airport to Routes 495 (the Capital Beltway) and 123 near McLean, Virginia, were built at the same time as the original airport construction.

Dulles Airport Access Highway was extended the final 2.5 miles to connect directly with I-66 after I-66 was completed through Arlington, Virginia, in early 1983.

Dulles International Airport opened in 1962 and could handle up to six million passengers annually. It was one of the world's most modern airports.

The Airport had to expand as the number of passengers increased. The first expansion, the widening of the jet parking ramp, was completed in November 1977.

A new passenger waiting area was added to the upper level in 1982, and a new baggage make-up area was added below.

In the 1980s, midfield Concourses C and D, five cargo buildings, an on-site hotel, and economy parking lots were added.

In 1996, the original Saarinen design for the Terminal was expanded. The first permanent concourse opened in 1998, followed by a concourse for regional aircraft in 1999.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's mission is to ensure that the entire Airport continues to meet the region's growing aviation needs, just as Eero Saarinen's vision was that the Terminal of Dulles International Airport could be expanded to meet future growth.

The Dulles Development Program (D2) was launched by the Airports Authority in the summer of 2000 to bring Dulles closer to its full potential.

Two new parking garages, a fourth runway, a new concourse, a new Air Traffic Control Tower, pedestrian walkways, the AeroTrain System, and an expansion of the International Arrivals Building were among the projects included in the program.

This program will continue to develop Dulles according to the Master Plan's vision. Dulles will handle 55 million passengers per year (150,000 per day) when fully operational, making it one of the world's major airports. Dulles' story continues to unfold as it adapts to the passenger and cargo needs of the twenty-first century.

Washington, D.C., is the capital and only federal district of the United States. It is also known as just Washington or simply D.C.

It is situated on the east bank of the Potomac River, which forms its southwestern and southern borders with the U.S. state of Virginia, and shares a land border on the remaining sides with the U.S. state of Maryland.

George Washington, a founding father and the first president of the United States, inspired the city's name. Columbia, a female personification of the nation, is the name of the federal district.

The city is a significant world political capital because it is home to the United States federal government and several international organizations. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, with over 20 million visitors in 2016.

Summers in Washington, D.C. is hot and humid, winters are cold and snowy, and the weather is partly cloudy all year. The temperature typically ranges from 29°F to 88°F throughout the year, with temperatures rarely falling below 17°F or rising above 96°F.

The best times to visit Washington, D.C. for general outdoor tourist activities are during the entire month of June and from mid-August to early October, with the first week of September scoring the highest.

From May 30 to September 16, the hot season lasts 3.5 months, with an average daily high temperature of over 79°F. July is the hottest month in Washington, D.C., with average highs of 88°F and lows of 71°F.

From December 1 to March 4, the cold season lasts 3.1 months, with an average daily high temperature below 52°F. In Washington, D.C., January is the coldest month of the year, with average lows of 30°F and highs of 44°F.

From April 10 to August 26, the wetter season lasts 4.5 months, with a greater than 30% chance of rain on any given day. June has the rainiest days in Washington, D.C., with an average of 11.2 days with at least 0.04 inches of rainfall.

From August 26 to April 10, the drier season lasts 7.5 months. In Washington, D.C., January has the fewest wet days, with an average of 6.9 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation.

We distinguish between days with rain only, snow only, or a combination of the two types of precipitation. June was the month with the most rain days in Washington, D.C., with an average of 11.2 days.

We show the rainfall accumulated over a sliding 31-day period centered around each day of the year to show variation within the months rather than just the monthly totals. Monthly rainfall in Washington, D.C., varies depending on the season.

Snowfall in Washington, D.C., varies dramatically from month to month. From November 25 to March 21, the snowy period lasts 3.9 months. February is the snowiest month in Washington, D.C.

Passengers at Dulles International Airport can take advantage of various services and amenities.

The Airport offers a variety of shopping options, including a 24-hour convenience store and several restaurants, in addition to traditional airport services such as baggage claim.

There are restrooms, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, taxis, buses, rental cars, and various other transportation options.

Dulles International Airport is a Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland transportation hub. Public taxis, shuttles, car rentals, rideshares, and other modes of transportation are available to meet your needs.

When arriving at Dulles International Airport, ensure you don't leave your personal belongings behind.

The Airport offers rental cars, hotel shuttle services, rideshares, buses, trains, and taxis.

The main Terminal and two parallel midfield terminal buildings, Concourses A/B and C/D make up the Airport's terminal complex.

Dulles International Airport has four active runways and covers 13,000 acres, and sits 95 meters above sea level at 38°56′40′′N and 077°27′21′′W in Loudoun County and Fairfax County, Virginia, USA.

Transfer Services at Dulles International Airport

The Airport provides state-of-the-art systems to ensure its customers' effective, safe, and efficient transportation.

Transportation services to/from Dulles International Airport include rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, trains, and public buses.

Passengers may plan their transfer options to avoid delays while in transit.

Rental Car Services at Dulles International Airport

The car rental facility is located separately from the airport complex at Autopilot Drive. From the Terminal Baggage Claim Level, exit through Doors 2 and 4.

You can find various rental cars and vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and vans. Prices range from affordable to high-end, so you can find a rental car that fits your needs.

In Washington, D.C. renting a car is a great way to get around. There are many attractions and places to visit in the city, and renting a car makes it easy to explore them all.

You can also use the rental car service to get around the surrounding area.

The Airport is only minutes away from some of the capital's most popular attractions, so renting a car is the best way to get there. See and compare all rental car companies at Dulles International Airport.

Passengers may contact the car rental company for more information.

Ride Shares at Dulles International Airport

Passengers traveling through Dulles International Airport will have tons of rideshare options.

To accommodate the growing number of passengers using ride shares, the Airport is investing in more taxis and Lyft cars by adding more taxi lots and Lyft stations.

The rideshares pickup and drop-off area are on the Ground Level, accessible through Doors 2, 4, and 6.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company's app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

Passengers may ask the driver to show proof of identity and booking records for their safety.

Taxis at Dulles International Airport

To encourage passengers to use taxis, the Airport has been providing each taxi with a taxi stand for their exclusive use. See more information about taxis at Dulles International Airport.

Passengers will also have plenty of taxis to choose from when they arrive at the Airport, which means that they will not be overcrowded and uncomfortable like in some other airports.

A Dulles airport taxi to downtown D.C. costs around $70.00 on average.

Proceed to the Ground Transportation Center on the lower level outside Doors 2, and 6 toward the taxi stand in front of the airport terminal building after exiting the Baggage Claim area.

Trains at Dulles International Airport

To get there, the Silver Line Express Bus provides a convenient, economical connection from Dulles International Airport. More information about train services at Dulles International Airport.

Catch the bus at the Airport Arrivals Level Door 4, in the center of the Terminal Building, for $5.00.

Buses at Dulles International Airport

Wait for the bus at the front door of Arrivals Level Door 4, in the center of the Terminal Building.

Silver Line Express Buses run 15 to 20 minutes from the Airport to Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station. Bus fares start at $5.00 one way. More information about buses to and from Dulles International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Dulles International Airport

One of the most important things to consider when traveling is how you will get from the Airport to your hotel.

Many airports offer shuttle services that will take you directly to your hotel, which can be a great option if you are looking for convenience and affordability.

Please check with your hotel if they provide this service at the Airport.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the Terminal or a designated location at the Airport, per instruction by the shuttle service provider.

Parking at Dulles International Airport

Customers have various options available to them when it comes to parking at the Airport. The parking garages are available at all times of the day and night.

Shuttle buses are readily available to transport passengers from the parking lots to the entrances and exits of the airport terminal building. See more information about short and long term parking at Dulles International Airport.

The following forms of payment are accepted: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Hotels

Whether you are coming for work, vacation, or visiting, this article has all the information you need about hotels in the Washington, D.C. area.

We will help you find your new favorite hotel by listing some of the top hotels in the area.

Attractions

Washington, D.C., is a great place to visit any time of the year with its museums, monuments, and incredible scenery. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around Washington, D.C..

This article will list the city's most famous outdoor sights, places, and attractions.