DC--Dulles Airport Transportation
 

Hi everyone,

Just a quick question about getting from Dulles to the Dupont area. I know of 3 options: SuperShuttle, Taxi, Metro. Can anyone recommend which is the best? I am arriving around lunchtime on a weekday. Is the Metro too much of a hassle with small bags? I want to go cheap, but I don't want my commute to be hours longer either.

Thank you so much for any advice, everyone!

You can't get to the Dulles airport via metro -- the metro doesn't run that far. But you can take the metro from Dupont (red line) to West Falls Church (orange line - requires transfer at Metro Center) and then take a bus the rest of the way (www.washfly.com). The metro is do-able with small bags.

The Dulles website has good descriptions of ground transportation at http://www.metwashairports.com/Dulles/ground.htm.

I personally would take a taxi, but it's definitely not a "cheap" option and would be about $45-$50 (+ tip).

Technically, the "metro" system includes buses as well as the subway trains. The 5A bus goes to Dulles fro the Rosslyn stop on the Orange line. You can get more details at www.wmata.com; they estimate the total transit time at about an hour.

Is the SuperShuttle option miserable? Also, any idea how long a cab ride would take?

Sorry to pile on with additional questions, but I'm curious about the same thing. Many thanks!

The link beanweb24 gave will answer questions about Supershuttle and others.

The Washington Flyer will cost $8 from IAD to the subway station.

http://rideguide.wmata.com will give prices, times, and necessary transfers for the Metro system.

I don't think *A* small bag will be any problem at that time on the Metro. I would check out the 5A bus first - if it's not too full when you board then take it at least to Rosslyn station, the bus also stops at L'Enfant Plaza. The bus is an express, so you need not worry about stopping every two blocks.

The 5A metrobus runs infrequently, but if there's one convenient to your arrival, you could have a reasonably comfortable trip for $10, via bus to L'Enfant Plaza and then a taxi to Dupont. If you choose Metro from Rosslyn or L'Enfant to Dupont (change from Blue/Orange to Red at Metro Center), the total would be less than $5.

I like the 5A bus. it can be a pain if you have big bags and don't get a seat- but with small bags and a seat, no problem.
The SuperShuttle is a toss-up. I've used it when there were only a couple people in the van, and that was great. but when you are the last person to be dropped off in a full van- it's terrible.

The SuperShuttle is awful. The drivers are far worse than any cab driver you've ever had (and are usually rude to top it off). And you usually end up riding around the entire metro area before arriving at your destination. Definitely not worth it.

Topping

A limousine service is the best and is $65 from IAD to DC. Taxis are $55 if you can get one!. Super Shuttle is the worst. You travel the whole of DC MD & VA before they drop you off! The metro is a hassle if you have bags but is the cheapest option. Also greyhound bus usually comes in but you will have to check their schedule. I use the washingtonflier.com limo service

I hate the Super Shuttle. Last winter I was riding, the last to be dropped (of course) and the van broke down. In the snow. Ont he highway. They finally sent a replacement van, I had to dahs across a busy road. At least they didnt charge me, LOL.

After that I either started flying into DCA which has easy Metro access or takling a cab, well worth the cost in my opinion.

Is Dulles considered the primary airport for DC or is Reagan?

Metrobus 5A to Rosslyn then take the Metro train to Dupont Circle. Don't give up on the bus if you can't get there until 45 minutes after the hour, since it could be late. If nobody is at the stop (outside the door by carousel 6) then get the Dulles Flyer bus to West Falls Church Metro station for $8.

Dulles is the primary international airport in D.C. (from DCA you can go to Canada or Carribbean, but that is about it). Dulles is also the primary airport for travel to the west and west coast. There were distance restrictions at National (to limit aircraft size/noise) but I think McCain got some legislation passed to get nonstops to Phoenix. If you want to go to someplace on the east coast then you would probably be using National. That has changed somewhat, with regional jets, and esp. with the arrival of flyi.

Weird as it may sound, Alaska Airlines has the only nonstop to DCA from California (LAX.)

If you are going downtown DC, Reagan is by far the closest and easiest. If a choice, consider the cost of the transportation to/from. From National, taxis and Metro are cheap. If Dulles or BWI & you cab it, you are talking easily over $100. For business or families, with bags, consider a sedan service, like Red Top Sedan (800-296-3300. If you are going to spend the money, get the service!