Washington Dulles International Airport
Washington, United States · Since 1962
Last updated:
About IAD
International gateway for the Washington DC area and a United Airlines hub.
Terminals
Main Terminal
The iconic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal building. Houses ticketing, check-in counters, and TSA security checkpoints. The distinctive swooping roof is a mid-century modern architectural landmark. Connects to concourses via underground AeroTrain.
Concourse A/B
Handles domestic and some short-haul international flights. Connected to the main terminal via AeroTrain. Home to United domestic gates and several other carriers. Good selection of restaurants and shops.
Concourse C/D
International and long-haul concourse area. Features the United Polaris Lounge and international carrier gates. Connected via AeroTrain. The newer sections have better dining and retail options.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at IAD
United Airlines
Concourse C/D Hub
Aer Lingus
Aeromexico
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air Premia
Alaska Airlines
Showing 8 of 48 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
$65-80 to downtown DC
45-75 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$6 by Metro Silver Line
50-60 minutes by Metro to city center
Parking at IAD
Terminal Hourly Parking
Daily Parking Garage
Economy Parking Lot
Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
United Polaris Lounge
Concourse C/D
One of United's flagship Polaris lounges with a la carte dining, premium bar, shower suites with spa products, nap rooms, and live cooking stations. One of the best domestic airline lounges in the US.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Concourse C/D
Renowned for its exceptional food, including freshly prepared Turkish dishes. The TK lounge at IAD features a premium dining experience that rivals many restaurants.
Emirates Lounge
Concourse C/D
Dedicated Emirates lounge with extensive buffet, cocktail bar, and shower suites for premium cabin travelers on the Dubai route.
United Club Concourse C
Concourse C/D
Standard United Club with complimentary food and drinks, workspace, and shower facilities. Gets busy during peak departure times.
United Club Concourse A
Concourse A/B
Domestic-side United Club with standard amenities including snacks, beverages, and workspace. Smaller than the Concourse C location.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
SpringHill Suites Dulles Airport
Near the airport on Route 28
Suite-style rooms with separate sleeping and living areas. Complimentary breakfast and shuttle. Good value for families or longer stays.
Hilton Washington Dulles Airport
3 miles from the terminal on Route 28
Upscale Hilton property with updated rooms, indoor/outdoor pool, and a steak restaurant. Shuttle service to the terminal.
Hyatt Regency Dulles
On the airport access road, 2 minutes by shuttle
Full-service Hyatt with modern rooms, restaurant, indoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. Complimentary airport shuttle. Good for business travelers.
Washington Dulles Airport Marriott
Adjacent to the airport on airport property
The closest full-service hotel to the airport. Modern rooms, indoor pool, fitness center, and restaurant. Free shuttle runs 24/7 to the terminal.
Food & Dining
Starbucks
Cafe
Main Terminal (Landside)
Multiple Starbucks locations throughout the airport serving the full menu of espresso drinks, pastries, and light food. Available both landside and airside.
4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Sandwiches
Concourse A/B (Airside)
DC-area toasted sandwich shop with a loyal following. Known for their wreck sandwich, milkshakes, and warm cookies. Quick service and affordable.
5:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Dunkin'
Cafe/Fast Food
Concourse A/B (Airside)
Coffee and donut chain perfect for an early morning pick-me-up. Breakfast sandwiches, iced coffee, and classic donuts.
4:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Five Guys
Burgers
Concourse A/B (Airside)
Virginia-born burger chain famous for its hand-formed burgers, cajun fries, and unlimited free toppings. A local institution serving airport travelers.
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Chick-fil-A
Fast Food
Concourse C/D (Airside)
Popular American chicken sandwich chain. Known for the original chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and lemonade. Closed on Sundays.
6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Mon-Sat)
Founding Farmers
American
Concourse C/D (Airside)
DC-area farm-to-table restaurant featuring scratch-made American comfort food. Fresh salads, burgers, and Southern-inspired dishes. One of the best sit-down dining options at IAD.
6:00 AM - 9:30 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Rental car center, accessible via AeroTrain
Take the AeroTrain to the rental car center. Counter is in the lower level. Hertz Gold members can skip the counter and go directly to their car.
Enterprise
Rental car center, accessible via AeroTrain
Good rates for longer rentals. The Dulles area has many scenic drives to Virginia wine country and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
National
Rental car center, accessible via AeroTrain
Emerald Aisle members can choose any car in the section. Popular with business travelers. Good for one-way rentals within the region.
Budget
Rental car center, accessible via AeroTrain
Budget-friendly option. Pre-pay online for the best rates. Virginia has electronic toll roads (EZ-Pass) - ask about toll transponder options.
Avis
Rental car center, accessible via AeroTrain
Counter in the rental car center. Avis Preferred members get expedited service. Ask for EZ-Pass for the Dulles Toll Road and other Virginia toll roads.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Saarinen Architecture Tour
Explore the iconic Eero Saarinen-designed main terminal, a masterpiece of mid-century modern architecture. The sweeping concrete roof and mobile lounges are architectural landmarks worthy of appreciation.
United Polaris Lounge Experience
If eligible, the United Polaris Lounge offers a la carte dining, cocktail bar, spa-like showers, and quiet nap rooms. One of the best airline lounges in North America.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum
The Smithsonian's massive aviation annex is just minutes from Dulles. See the Space Shuttle Discovery, SR-71 Blackbird, Concorde, and hundreds of other aircraft. Free admission (parking $15).
National Mall & Smithsonian Museums
Take the Metro Silver Line to downtown DC and explore the free Smithsonian museums on the National Mall. The Air and Space Museum, Natural History Museum, and National Gallery of Art are all free.
Virginia Wine Country Tour
The Dulles area is gateway to Virginia wine country with over 40 wineries within a 30-minute drive. Several tour operators offer layover-friendly vineyard visits.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Power Outlets: Type A, Type B (120V)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: $8-15 per item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: USD (US Dollar)
Smoking Areas
Outdoor smoking areas only, outside terminal entrances
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
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