DULLES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (IAD) INFORMATION

Washington Dulles International Airport (IATA: IAD, ICAO: KIAD, FAA LID: IAD), also known as Dulles International Airport, Dulles Airport, Washington Dulles or simply Dulles, is in Loudoun County and Fairfax County in Virginia, some 42 kilometers west of Downtown Washington, D.C.

Named after John Foster Dulles, the airfield was established in 1962 to supplement the air traffic requirement in the capital city, Washington D.C., and the region.

Operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Dulles International Airport is one of the three major airports in the larger Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area, the others being Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI).

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

It had more than 20 million passenger enplanements every year from 2004 to 2019, with more than 24 million passenger traffic recorded in 2019. On a daily average, it transports passengers to at least 125 destinations around the world.

The airport's terminal complex consists of the main terminal and two parallel midfield terminal buildings: Concourses A/B and C/D.

It covers 13,000 acres and has four active runways. IAD is 95 meters above sea level at 38°56′40″N and 077°27′21″W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Dulles International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Dulles International Airport
• See live flight departures information at Dulles International Airport
• See all airlines and routes that serve Dulles International Airport

History of Dulles International Airport

Before World War II, Hoover Field was the main commercial airport serving Washington, on the site now occupied by the Pentagon and its parking lots. It was replaced by Washington National Airport in 1941, a short distance southeast.

In 1950, Congress passed the Washington Airport Act to provide funding for a new airport in the region. The current site was selected by President Eisenhower in 1958.

The civil engineering firm Ammann and Whitney was named lead contractor. The airport was dedicated by President John F. Kennedy and Eisenhower on November 17, 1962. Its original name, Dulles International Airport, was changed in 1984 to Washington Dulles International Airport.

The main terminal was designed in 1958 and the 1990s, it was reconfigured to allow more space between the front of the building and the ticket counters. Additions at both ends of the main terminal more than doubled the structure's length.

The design also included a two-level road in front of the terminal to separate arrival and departure traffic. The access road had a wide median strip to allow the construction of a passenger rail line, which will be in the form of an extension of the future Washington Metro's Silver Line at IAD.

The busiest domestic routes to and from Dulles International Airport in 2021, include Denver, Colorado, Atlanta, Georgia, Los Angeles, California, Orlando, Florida, San Francisco, California, Chicago-O'Hare, Illinois, Houston–Intercontinental, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Seattle/Tacoma, Washington, and Newark, New Jersey.

In 2020, its busiest international routes were Frankfurt, Germany, London–Heathrow, United Kingdom, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, San Salvador, El Salvador, Istanbul, Turkey, Dubai–International, United Arab Emirates, Doha, Qatar, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, France, Brussels, Belgium, and Toronto, Canada.

Transfer Services at Dulles International Airport

Services to and from Dulles International Airport, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, and public buses are available at the Ground Transportation Center.

Planning your transfer options before hitting the road will give you peace of mind in Washington, D. C.

Before leaving your home, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

For the convenience and direction of the riding public, passengers may approach the Airport Information Desk for transport assistance anytime.

Rental Car Services at Dulles International Airport

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

Rental car shuttle buses pick up at Curb 2C or Curb 2D. Please note that some rental car brands transport passengers using a shared bus. Make sure you look for your brand before boarding the bus. See and compare all rental car companies at Dulles International Airport.

Please check with your rental car company concerning your planned routes to and from Dulles Airport, and whether you might be impacted by tolls on nearby roads.

The rental facility is open 24/7. Inquire at your service provider for specific service hours and return procedures.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Follow roadway signs on the airport to Rental Car Return. All rental car lots are on Autopilot Drive. After returning your car, ride your rental company's free shuttle bus to the Terminal.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you’re not sure where to go, give the rental company a call.

For item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle, please contact the rental car company directly.

For item(s) left on a rental car center shuttle bus, the Airport Lost and Found is +1 703-572-8479.

Ride Shares at Dulles International Airport

The rideshares pick up and drop off area is 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.

Taxis at Dulles International Airport

Upon exit from the Baggage Claim area, proceed to the Ground Transportation Center at the lower level outside Door 2 and Door 6 toward the taxi stand in front of the airport terminal building.

The average price for a Dulles airport taxi to downtown D.C. is around $65.00. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service.

Additional charges may apply depending on your final destination, the number of passengers, use of toll roads, or the specific day you're traveling.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind. See more information about taxis at Dulles International Airport.

Trains at Dulles International Airport

Although there are no train stations at the airport, there are several ways to connect to a train downtown.

The railway station is in Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station. It is approximately 15 minutes away from the airport. See more about train connections in Washington.

To get there, the Silver Line Express Bus provides a convenient, economical connection from Washington 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 every 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 at Dulles International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Dulles International Airport

Many hotels in Washington D. C. provide shuttle services. Passengers may confirm with their local hotel if this is available at their accommodation.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the Main Terminal.

Parking at Dulles International Airport

The airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available at the facility, 24/7.

Cash and credit card payments are accepted. More details about short and long term parking at Dulles International Airport.

Other Services at Dulles International Airport

Wi-Fi at Dulles International Airport

Dulles International Airport is proud to offer fast, free Wi-Fi service to all travelers. Passengers can connect to “FlyDulles” for free. Service is available 24/7.

ATMs at Dulles International Airport

There are several ATM cash machines at the airport. Here are some locations:

Main Terminal

• Baggage Claim Level, near Baggage Claim 5 and 13
• Walkway to Gates D, H, and Z

Midfield Concourses

• Gate A, Mobile Lounge Dock
• Gate B, adjacent to Travelex kiosk
• Gate C, near gate C16 and next to the newsstand
• Gate D, near Duty-Free and Mobile Lounge Dock

Please follow overhead signs at the airport to locate the ATM for your banking transactions. Hours: 24/7

Currency Exchange at Dulles International Airport

Currency Exchange is available for currency conversion, travel money orders, currency cards, international money transfers, at the following locations:

Pre-Security Area

Terminal Upper Level near the Ticketing Booth, Terminal Lower Level near the Baggage Claim.

Post-Security Area

Concourse A, Concourse B, Concourse C, and Concourse D

Nursing Stations at Dulles International Airport

Dulles International Airport has several dedicated nursing mothers’ rooms located throughout the airport reserved exclusively for nursing mothers.

They are found on the Arrivals Level, next to the restrooms across from Baggage Claim numbers 2, 6, 11, and 14.

Restrooms at Dulles International Airport

Accessible restrooms and regular restrooms are throughout the airport.

Food and Beverages at Dulles International Airport

There are food and beverages shops throughout the airport terminals. Most food concessions operate on varying schedules.

Shopping at Dulles International Airport

You can do some last-minute shopping inside the facility.

Smoking at Dulles International Airport

Smoking is permitted in designated areas only, following Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Regulations. It is only allowed at four designated lounges near gates B38, B75, C4, and D30.

Please follow smoking regulations at the facility.

Lost and Found Section at Dulles International Airport

For items lost on the aircraft or at the gate area, please contact the respective airlines lost and found.

If you lost an item in any other area at the airport, including the security checkpoints and shuttle buses, please contact the Lost and Found Office at +1 703-572-8479.

The Airport Lost and Found Office is located behind Baggage Claim No. 2.

You can also complete the Lost and Found process at any of the Information Desks at the airport. Phone: +1 703-572-8296.

When leaving your details for lost items(s), please include your full name, contact details, phone, email, and a description of the item(s).

The airport will keep all lost and found items for a considerable time of at least 30 days. After said period, the property will be deemed abandoned. Please talk to the airport representative at the counter.

Ticketing at Dulles International Airport

Please look for overhead signs pointing in the direction of ticketing areas at the terminals. Each airline has its operating hours, but typically, airlines open their ticket counters two hours before departure time, even for early morning flights.

Generally, payment by cash or checks may not be accepted at American airports. Please consult your air carrier or travel agent for more details.

Information Desk at Dulles International Airport

If you need assistance while coming through the airport, you can seek out one at any of its information counters staffed by Travelers Aid volunteers.

Departures (Ticketing) Level - Two kiosks along the front side of the terminal

Arrivals Level - Baggage Claim, near Baggage Claims 6, 11, and 14

• Concourse A, near Gate A15
• Concourse B, near Gate B62
• Concourse C, near Gate C17
• Concourse D, near Gate D16

Phone: +1 703-572-8296.

Pet Relief at Dulles International Airport

Dulles International Airport features four Pet Relief Areas, with two located outside the Terminal (pre-security) and two located inside the concourses (post-security).

Please ask assistance from any uniformed personnel for guidance. Animals are not permitted unless they are in proper pet carriers to assist disabled individuals.

Baggage Claim at Dulles International Airport

Please retrieve luggage at your designated Baggage Claim. Carts are available to assist passengers with special needs.

In the case of missing items, contact your respective airline or their airline ticket counter.

Passengers can also inquire from the Information Desk for further assistance at +1 703-572-8296.

The Airport Lost and Found Phone is +1 703-572-8479.

When leaving a message, include your name, email, contact phone number, and a brief description of the lost item(s).

Disabled Passengers at Dulles International Airport

The airport is fully accessible to passengers with special needs, and wheelchairs are allowed to the gates and aircraft doors.

Travelers with disabilities or medical needs who have questions about the policies or procedures at security checkpoints can call +1 703-572-2700.

Additionally, they may notify the airline, travel agent, ticketing agent, flight attendant, or gate agent when carts, wheelchairs, or medical transportation is needed.

Things to do in Washington

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Washington, D.C. in the United States of America.

Dulles International Airport Contacts

Address: 1 Saarinen Cir, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
General Phone: +1 703-572-2700
General Email: https://www.flydulles.com/iad/comments-dulles-international-airport
Lost and Found Email: https://www.tsa.gov/form/lost-and-found
Lost and Found Phone: +1 703-572-8479
Official Website: https://www.flydulles.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Right
Electricity: 120V/60Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $
Wi-Fi at Airport: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Dulles International Airport. Please connect to the “FlyDulles” network on your device.