Travel Stack Exchange
Travel Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [iad]

Questions about Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), serving Washington, D.C. in the USA.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD; ICAO: KIAD) is one of three commercial serving , the capital of the . It is located in northern approximately 27 miles (43km) to the west of downtown Washington.

is significantly more convenient to the city center, and is popular with low-cost carriers; however, most international and long-haul flights into the area are handled by Dulles, due to restrictions and due to the airport's status as a hub and transatlantic gateway for .

The airport has a main terminal, where ticketing, baggage claim, and security facilities are located, and two midfield terminals connected by a peoplemover and so-called "mobile lounges." United uses concourses A, C, and D, and most other airlines use concourses A and B.

An extension of the Washington Metro's Silver Line is under construction and expected to open in 2020; until then, there are local and regional buses and shared van services connecting the airport to the area. For canonical answers on airport transfers, see

The airport's location makes it impractical to visit the city on most connections; however, visitors may be interested in the Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air and Space Museum, which is a short taxi ride away from the main terminal.

24 questions
19
votes
3 answers

How to get to/from Washington Dulles International Airport?

How do I get to/from Dulles Airport in Washington, D.C.? I've reviewed the options on the website and it's hard to tell what's actually the easiest/cheapest combination. We're staying near Eastern Market if that makes a difference.
dlanod
  • 14,586
  • 7
  • 46
  • 103
15
votes
2 answers

Using APC kiosk with new ESTA/passport

I'm a Dutch citizen flying to Dulles from Amsterdam next week. I have visited the US multiple times, the last time being in 2012. Since then, I've renewed my passport (new passport number), and since an ESTA is only valid for 2 years, I've gotten a…
EMotion
  • 1,602
  • 1
  • 12
  • 19
13
votes
2 answers

Transfer from Washington National (DCA) to Washington Dulles (IAD)

I've got a transfer (on United) from Washington National (DCA) to Washington Dulles (IAD) airports, landing at DCA at 15:22. What's a quick, low stress way of doing this change (price isn't especially important), at a time of day that I'm concerned…
CMaster
  • 13,475
  • 8
  • 63
  • 102
11
votes
4 answers

Which airport should I choose, DCA or IAD?

I am coming from outside the US, Which airport should I choose, DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport) or IAD (Washington Dulles International Airport)? Details: I have two options DCA or IAD at the same cost. Destination: Washington…
HappyBee
  • 213
  • 1
  • 2
  • 6
7
votes
2 answers

Public transportation tickets in Washington DC / arriving at Dulles Airport (IAD)

I am going to be in Washington DC for 7 consecutive days. I have a couple of questions please: 1- I am planning to buy a SmarTrip card. What are the cons of using such a card? 2- On the website, it is mentioned that the 7-Day Fast Pass is available…
din
  • 395
  • 2
  • 7
5
votes
1 answer

Is a layover of 1 hour 30 mins enough at IAD (Washington Dulles) given it's the port of entry and immigration will be required?

I have an Indian Passport, and I am traveling FRA-IAD-BUF (Frankfurt-Washington(Dulles)-Buffalo. I have a single Lufthansa ticket, however the connecting flight from Washington to Buffalo is United Airlines. Given that Washington is the port of…
Outflanker
  • 175
  • 1
  • 4
4
votes
2 answers

How to travel from/to Washington Dulles and Annapolis?

I've seen a related post on how to get to/from Dulles airport, but I wanted to see if there is any specific further advice to traveling from the airport to Annapolis. Maybe the advice given will also be generally applicable to other places in…
Juan A. Navarro
  • 181
  • 1
  • 7
3
votes
1 answer

Do I have to clear customs when transit via the US on my way to / coming from somewehere else?

I shall arrive at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) by Emirates flight to catch a united airlines flight to Detroit after 3.5 hours. What steps shall I have to go through? Is the connection time enough? I have US F1 visa.
Snehes datta
  • 33
  • 2
3
votes
2 answers

Rechecking bags at customs on international flight from Heathrow to Toronto via Washington

I am flying from Heathrow to Toronto via Washington with checked-in bags. I know I cannot check my bags all the way through and will have to pick them up at US customs, but where do I check them in again on the Washington to Toronto leg of my…
cdn_travel
  • 41
  • 2
3
votes
1 answer

Connecting Flights

I will be flying from San Diego to Dubrovnik in July through SAS airlines. I booked my ticket through SAS and one of the domestic flights is being operated through United. I have a layover in Dulles (DC) and another one in Copenhagen. Will I be able…
Mary Bo Berry
  • 31
  • 1
2
votes
1 answer

How to get from Washington Dulles Airport to Edgewood Conference Centre?

I'm traveling from Washington Dulles Airport to Edgewood Ramada conference centre with a suitcase etc. and don't want to take an expensive taxi to get there. Any options?
Rose
  • 29
  • 1
2
votes
1 answer

Cheating the Dulles Access Road: How Do the Police Know?

Disclaimer: cheating by "backtracking" via the Dulles Access Road for non-airport business is illegal. I don't do it, and you shouldn't either. I was recently introduced to the oddity that is the Dulles Access Road (DAR), a free, limited access road…
Bunji
  • 1,906
  • 1
  • 14
  • 24
2
votes
1 answer

Connecting flight from Munich,Germany to Phoenix Az ( via IAD,Washington)

I am flying from Munich by Lufthansa 9280, operated by United Airlines, on August 11th to IAD Washington, and I have a connecting flight to Phoenix, AZ (Lufthansa 9074, also operated by United Airlines). Which terminal in IAD Washington will I fly…
Mirjana
  • 21
  • 1
1
vote
2 answers

What is the least expensive way to get from Dulles airport to Virginia beach, VA

Please help me get from Dulles Airport to Virginia Beach, VA.
Karen Connor
  • 11
  • 1
1
vote
2 answers

Brussels Air: LAX to IAD to NAP Is 1.5h at IAD sufficient given change of planes, but both United?

Brussels Air: LAX to Washington Dulles (IAD) to NAP Is 1.5 h at Washington Dulles IAD sufficient given change of planes, but both United?
Dee
  • 11
  • 1
1
2