Dulles Airport comes up in a lot of travel conversations about Washington DC because it is the region’s major airport for both domestic and international flights. Whenever people plan a trip to DC, Dulles is often one of the first airports they consider. However, many first-time travelers do not know where is Dulles International Airport, what is Dulles Airport code or the best ways to get there.
Washington Dulles International Airport is one of the largest airports in the region. Washington DC holds significant political importance as the capital of the United States, which is why political visits, international delegations, diplomatic missions and corporate travel frequently take place here. A large portion of this international and business travel is handled through Dulles Airport.
This guide explains where Dulles Airport is located, its airport code, parking prices, Metro access, history and everything else travelers should know before arriving.
Where is Dulles Airport Located?
Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Loudoun County, Virginia. Some parts of its property extend into Fairfax County. The airport is not in Washington DC. It is in the state of Virginia, approximately 26 miles west of downtown Washington DC. The official address is 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles VA 20166.
What City Is Dulles Airport In?
Dulles Airport is technically located in the unincorporated community of Dulles, which falls within Loudoun County, Virginia. The nearest incorporated towns are Sterling and Herndon and both are in Northern Virginia. For mailing and navigation purposes the airport uses the address designation of Dulles, VA which is recognized by GPS systems, mapping apps and postal services.
Most people associate Dulles Airport with Reston, Herndon or Tysons Corner because these are the closest urban centers with hotels, offices and restaurants. But the airport itself is located in an area that was developed to support airport operations.
Is Dulles Airport in Virginia?
Yes, Dulles Airport is located in the state of Virginia not in Washington DC or Maryland. This is a common confusion because the airport is often referred to as a Washington DC airport.
Dulles contains the Washington name because it serves the entire Washington metropolitan area. However the physical location of the airport is within Virginia’s border. The Dulles Toll Road and the Dulles Access Road, which run parallel to Route 267, are the main highways that connect the airport to Northern Virginia and to the DC area.
Who Is Dulles Airport Named After?
Washington Dulles International Airport is named after John Foster Dulles, who served as the United States Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. Dulles was one of the most influential American diplomats of the Cold War era.
John Foster Dulles was born in Washington DC and spent much of his career in government service. Naming a major international airport after him was considered a good way to honor his contribution because he played an important role in shaping American foreign policy during a critical period of the 20th century.
When Was Dulles Airport Built?
Construction of Dulles Airport began in 1958. The airport opened on November 17, 1962, making it one of the first airports in the United States specifically designed for commercial jet aircraft. President John F. Kennedy officially dedicated the airport at the opening ceremony.
The main terminal building was designed by a Finnish-American architect and is considered one of the most architecturally significant buildings in American aviation history. Saarinen’s swooping roof design, which mimics the feeling of flight, has become an iconic image in modern architecture.
What is Dulles Airport Code?
The IATA airport code for Washington Dulles International is IAD.
| Code Type | Code |
| IATA Code | IAD |
| ICAO Code | KIAD |
| FAA Identifier | IAD |
When you book a flight to or from Dulles, you will see IAD on your boarding pass, your luggage tags and any flight tracking system. The code IAD stands for International Airport Dulles which was the airport’s original name changed in 1984 to Washington Dulles International Airport. Never confuse IAD with DCA when booking flights. They are very different airports located in different parts of the DC area.
How Far is Dulles Airport From Washington DC?
Dulles Airport is approximately 26 miles west of downtown Washington DC. The actual driving distance depends on the route you take.
| Starting Point | Distance to Dulles | Drive Time Off-Peak |
| Downtown DC | 26 miles | 35 to 50 minutes |
| Arlington, VA | 22 miles | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Tysons Corner | 12 miles | 18 to 28 minutes |
| Reston | 8 miles | 12 to 20 minutes |
| Georgetown | 25 miles | 35 to 48 minutes |
Does the Metro Go to Dulles Airport?
Most of the first time travelers ask this question frequently and the answer is yes. The Washington DC Metro Silver Line now connects to Dulles Airport. The Dulles Airport Metro station officially named the Washington Dulles International Airport station, opened as part of the Silver Line Phase 2 extension in November 2022.
The airport station is just outside the main terminal. It is accessible by a short walk or a free airport shuttle. From the Dulles Metro station you can ride the Silver Line directly into downtown DC. It stops at major stations including Tysons Corner, McLean, Ballston, Rosslyn and reaches stations like Metro Center and Union Station.
The ride from Dulles to downtown DC on the Silver Line takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on distance and time of day.
How Much Is Parking at Dulles Airport?
At Dulles Airport there are several parking options at different prices.
| Parking Option | Approximate Rate |
| Daily Garage | $17 to $20 per day |
| Economy Parking | $10 to $12 per day |
| Express Parking | $22 to $26 per day |
| Long-term Lot | $10 per day |
| Hourly Garage | $5 per hour, up to $32+ per day |
Economy and long term parking lots require a shuttle ride to the terminal. The shuttle service runs regularly but during peak travel time it gets rushed and wait times increase. For a week-long trip economy parking at $10 per day adds up to $70. Daily garage parking for the same trip costs around $119 to $140. Frequent Dulles travelers prefer a chauffeur car service because they are more comfortable and reliable.
How Do I Get to Dulles Airport?
- By car: The Dulles Access Road and Dulles Toll Road provide direct access to the airport from the east. The Dulles Access Road runs parallel to the toll road but is free of charge. From DC, take I-66 West and connect to Route 267. From the
- North, take I-495 to Route 267 West.
- By Metro: The Silver Line now provides direct Metro service to Dulles. Take the Silver Line to the Washington Dulles International Airport station or walk and take the free shuttle to the main terminal.
- By Metrobus and other transit: Many buses connect Dulles to various points in Northern Virginia and DC.
- By Rideshare: Uber and Lyft operate at Dulles with designated pickup and drop off zones.
- By pre-booked car service: Professional car service offers fixed rate, flight traced transportation to and from Dulles. For business travelers, early morning departures and late-night arrivals, a pre-booked service is the most reliable experience without the risk of surge pricing or ride cancellations.
What Is Dulles Airport Like Inside?
Dulles has one main terminal building, which is Saarinen’s iconic architectural masterpiece. This terminal is connected to four concourses labeled A, B, C and D. The concourses are accessed from the main terminal via an underground train. After clearing the security check in the main terminal passengers board this train to reach the departure gates.
Dulles has a wide range of dining and retail options. International Concourse D handles the majority of overseas departures and arrivals and has dedicated immigration and customs facilities for international travelers.
This airport has extensive lounge options including multiple United Club locations, the United Polaris Lounge for premium international passengers and the Centurion Lounge for eligible American Express cardholders.
Dulles vs Reagan National vs BWI: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Dulles (IAD) | Reagan National (DCA) | BWI |
| Location | 26 miles west of DC, Virginia | 4 miles from DC, Virginia | 30 miles northeast of DC, Maryland |
| Best for | International flights, United hub | Quick domestic, closest to DC | Budget domestic, Southwest hub |
| Metro access | Silver Line, 45 to 60 min to DC | Blue/Yellow Line, direct to DC | MARC train, 35 to 45 min to DC |
| Parking | $10 to $20 per day | $30 to $40 per day | $10 to $22 per day |
| International routes | Extensive | Very limited | Limited |
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We also offer a meet and greet service at Dulles Airport. In this service our chauffeur comes inside the terminal and waits for you at the baggage claim area with a sign displaying your name. Once you arrive and meet them, they confirm your name, assist with your luggage and escort you to the car staging area.
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FAQs
What state is Dulles Airport in?
Dulles Airport is in the state of Virginia, specifically in Loudoun County and parts of Fairfax County.
What is the code for Dulles Airport?
The IATA code for Washington Dulles International Airport is IAD. This code appears on boarding passes, luggage tags and all flight booking systems.
How far is Dulles Airport from Washington DC?
Dulles is approximately 26 miles from downtown Washington DC. The drive takes 35 to 50 minutes off-peak and can extend to 60 to 90 minutes or more during rush hour.
Who is Dulles Airport named after?
Dulles Airport is named after John Foster Dulles, who served as US Secretary of State under President Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. The airport opened in 1962, three years after his death.
When was Dulles Airport built?
Construction of Dulles Airport began in 1958 and it opened on November 17, 1962. It was designed by architect Eero Saarinen and was one of the first airports built specifically to accommodate jet aircraft.
Does the Metro go to Dulles Airport?
Yes. The Silver Line Metro extension, which opened in November 2022 has a station within walking distance of Dulles Airport. The ride from Dulles to central DC stations takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
How much is Dulles Airport parking?
Economy and long-term parking at Dulles starts at approximately $10 per day. Daily garage parking costs about $17 to $20 per day. Express parking costs $22 to $26 per day.