If you have seen IAD on a flight booking, a boarding pass or a travel itinerary and were not sure which airport it refers to, you are not the only one. The Washington DC area has three major airports with three different codes and they easily get mixed up.
This guide answers every question about IAD, from what the code stands for to where the airport is, how big it is, how much parking costs and how to get there from across the region.
What Airport is IAD?
IAD is the airport code for Washington Dulles International Airport. It is one of three major airports in the Washington DC metropolitan area alongside Reagan National Airport, which uses the code DCA and Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, which uses the code BWI.
IAD is one of the largest airports among three DC area airports. It is known as the primary gateway for international flights in the region.
What Does IAD Airport Stand For?
The letter IAD stands for International Airport Dulles. The name indicates the original purpose of this airport to serve as an international aviation gateway for the Washington area. The airport was named after John Foster Dulles who served as United States Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower from 1953 to 1959. Dulles was one of the most prominent American diplomats of the Cold War era and was born in Washington DC.
When the airport opened in 1962 the IATA code IAD was assigned to it. The name of this airport changed from Dulles International Airport to Washington Dulles International Airport but the code remained unchanged.
What Airport Code is IAD?
IAD is the official IATA code assigned to Washington Dulles International Airport. IATA stands for International Air Transport Association, which manages the global system of three letter codes used to identify airports on tickets, baggage tags, flight tracking systems and booking platforms worldwide.
| Airport | IATA Code | Location |
| Washington Dulles International | IAD | Dulles, Virginia |
| Reagan National Airport | DCA | Arlington, Virginia |
| BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport | BWI | Linthicum, Maryland |
Where Is IAD Airport Located?
Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Loudoun County, Virginia and some portions of the airport property extend to Fairfax County. The airport is not in Washington DC. It is in the state of Virginia, approximately 26 miles west of downtown DC.
The official airport address is 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles, VA 20166.
| Destination | Distance from IAD | Approximate Drive Time |
| Downtown Washington DC | 26 miles | 35 to 50 minutes off-peak |
| Tysons Corner | 12 miles | 18 to 28 minutes |
| Reston | 8 miles | 12 to 20 minutes |
| Arlington | 20 miles | 28 to 40 minutes |
| Baltimore | 50 miles | 55 to 75 minutes |
| Annapolis | 55 miles | 60 to 80 minutes |
Where Is Washington IAD Airport in Washington DC?
Washington Dulles International Airport is not actually in Washington DC. It carries Washington in its name but the airport is physically located in Virginia, 26 miles west of the District. The reason it uses the Washington name is that it serves the entire Washington metropolitan area. When airlines and travel companies market the airport, they use the Washington designation to show which metropolitan area it serves, not the specific city it sits within.
Is IAD a Big Airport?
Yes, Washington Dulles International Airport is a large airport. It covers approximately 11,000 acres of land, which makes it one of the largest airports in the United States by land area. It has one main terminal building which is architecturally designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, plus four concourses labeled A, B, C and D.
| Feature | Detail |
| Land area | Approximately 11,000 acres |
| Main terminal | 1 iconic Saarinen-designed building |
| Active concourses | 4 (A, B, C, D) |
| Number of gates | Approximately 100 to 110 gates |
| Runways | 4 runways |
| Annual passengers | Approximately 20 to 25 million per year |
| Primary airline hub | United Airlines |
Airlines Operating at IAD
Washington Dulles serves many domestic and international airlines.
Some of the major airlines include:
- United Airlines
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
- Air France
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
How Much Is Parking at IAD Airport?
Parking at Washington Dulles International Airport is available in several options at different prices.
| Parking Option | Approximate Daily Rate |
| Daily Parking Garage | $17 to $20 per day |
| Economy Parking | $10 to $12 per day |
| Express Parking | $22 to $26 per day |
| Long-Term Parking | $10 per day |
| Hourly Garage | $5 per hour, up to $34 per day |
How to Get from DCA to IAD Airport
This is one of the most common transportation questions for travelers who have connecting flights. The distance between Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 25 to 28 miles by road.
By car or pre-booked car service
The most practical option for travelers is to take I-395 North from DCA toward Washington DC, then take I-66 West toward Northern Virginia, and connect to the Dulles Access Road or Route 267 West toward Dulles.
By rideshare
Uber and Lyft operate at both airports. A rideshare from DCA and IAD costs around $40 to $80. This option is unpredictable as prices increase at peak time and ride cancellations are common.
By Metro
The Silver Line Metro now serves Dulles Airport, but it does not have a station at DCA. You would need to travel from DCA via the Blue or Yellow line to connect to the Silver Line, then ride the Silver Line to Dulles.
By WMATA Bus
Bus connections exist between the airports but they are time consuming and not practical for travelers with checked bags or tight timing.
| Transfer Method | Approximate Time | Approximate Cost |
| Pre-booked car service | 35 to 50 min off-peak | $75 to $110 fixed |
| Rideshare | 35 to 60 min | $40 to $80 variable |
| Metro (multi-leg) | 75 to 100 min | $6 to $10 |
| Bus | 90 to 120 min | $2 to $4 |
IAD Airport Transportation with AA Limousine and Sedan
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Whether you need airport transportation for business travel, family vacations, or special events, our executive sedans and luxury SUVs provide comfort, privacy and dependable service. Reserve your IAD airport transportation with AA Limousine and Sedan and enjoy a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
FAQs
What does IAD airport stand for?
IAD stands for International Airport Dulles. The name reflects the airport’s role as an international gateway and its location in the Dulles community of Virginia.
Where is IAD airport located?
IAD is located in Loudoun County, Virginia, approximately 26 miles west of downtown Washington DC. The airport address is 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles, VA 20166.
Is IAD airport in Washington DC?
No. IAD is in the state of Virginia, not in Washington DC. It carries the Washington name because it serves the Washington metropolitan area, but it is physically located in Northern Virginia.
How much is parking at IAD airport?
Economy and long-term parking at IAD costs approximately $10 per day. Daily garage parking costs $17 to $20 per day. Express parking costs $22 to $26 per day.
Is IAD a big airport?
Yes. Washington Dulles covers approximately 11,000 acres with four active concourses, approximately 100 to 110 gates and four runways. It is one of the largest airports in the United States by land area.
How do I get from DCA to IAD airport?
By car off-peak the journey takes 35 to 50 minutes via I-395 North, I-66 West and the Dulles Access Road. By rideshare expect $40 to $80 depending on time of day. By Metro via the Silver Line expect 75 to 100 minutes with transfers. A pre-booked car service with a fixed rate is the most reliable option for travelers with tight timing.