The Ultimate Guide to Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Looking for all the information about Dulles Airport on one page? You’re in the right place! Scroll through for details about Dulles Airport, from its terminals, parking, amenities, and a lot more. Make your flight experience a breeze!  

About Dulles Airport  

Located at just 26.3 miles from Washington, Dulles airport is the busiest one in Virginia and one of the busiest ones in Washington. Dulles Airport is one of three major airports serving the Washington–Baltimore metropolitan area, apart from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). The airport handles an average of 60,000 passengers daily to and from more than 139 destinations around the world.   

Dulles Airport History  

The airport, which opened in 1962, is named after John Foster Dulles, a former influential United States Secretary of State. The airport’s first international flight flew to London in 1963. From then the airport continued to expand, with new terminals and runways added to it to handle the passenger traffic.   

Where Is IAD Airport?   

The IAD airport is located in Dulles, Virginia, U.S. and serves the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Dulles occupies 13,000 acres, approximately 20.3 sq mi straddling the Loudoun–Fairfax line. It’s one of the largest airports in the world and the fourth largest in the United States.  

Dulles Airport Map 

Terminals and gates can be confusing and may take up extra time if you aren’t fully equipped with the information.

Refer to the IAD airport map below:   

IAD Parking & Transportation  

There are many options for those who are looking for a place to park at Washington Dulles Airport. The airport offers convenient terminal garage parking, budget-friendly economy lots, and off-parking lots to suit your needs. There are hourly lots and daily lots available at the airport for time-based parking requirements. There are cell phone waiting areas to relax, and they’re located near the airport entrance.   

Multiple options are available for transportation to suit your budget and needs.  

• Uber and Lyft: Pick-up and drop-off locations available. 

• Washington Flyer Taxi: 24-hour service, wheelchair-accessible vehicles. 

• Dulles Airport Metrorail Station: Connected to the main terminal by a pedestrian tunnel. 

• Limousine and Sedan Services: Authorized by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. 

• Private Pick-Up: Instructions for meeting your ride at the curb. 

• Other Transportation Providers: Explore additional options for getting to and from IAD. 

Car Rental Services  

You have a wide range of options for car rental companies when it comes to IAD airport. Here are some of them:  

• Enterprise Rent-A-Car  

• Avis Car Rental 

• Hertz Rent A Car 

• Budget Car Rental  

• Dollar Rent A Car 

• Thrifty Car Rental  

• Alamo Rent A Car  

• National Car Rental 

• Sixt Rent a Car  

• Europcar  

Dulles Airport Hotels  

Dulles International Airport (IAD) offers a variety of hotels in close proximity. Take a look at some of them:   

On-Airport Hotels:   

• Hyatt Regency Dulles: This upscale IAD airport hotel is located directly at the airport, offering convenient access to the terminals.  

• Sheraton Dulles Airport Hotel: Another on-airport option, the Sheraton offers comfortable stay near the airport  

Hotels close to IAD airport  

• Fairfield Inn & Suites: This affordable hotel is just a short drive from the airport and offers a complimentary shuttle service.   

• Hampton Inn & Suites: The Hampton Inn offers a comfortable stay at a comparatively low cost and a complimentary breakfast.   

• Homewood Suites by Hilton: This all-suite hotel offers spacious accommodations and a complimentary breakfast.  

• SpringHill Suites by Marriott: This modern hotel offers stylish rooms and a complimentary breakfast.   

Dulles Airport Lounges   

Different airline companies run the lounges. Get in touch with the respective airline directly for any required information.   

• Air France: Beside A19 Gate. Access shared with some SkyTeam partner airlines, Korean Air, Iceland Air, Emirates, and KLM. There is a food service provided.   

• British Airlines: Located across from the AeroTrain station B-Gates. Take the elevator to the club’s concourse level. Shared access with Aer Lingus.   

• Etihad Airways: Next to Gate A14.   

• Lufthansa: Next to Gates B49/B51. Air China, All Nippon Airways, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels, Ethiopian, and United Airlines all share access.   

• Turkish Airlines: Adjacent to B43 gate. Access is shared by All Nippon Airways, Copa Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Air Canada, Air China, Air India. 

Dulles Airport Food and Dining  

Here are three options in IAD airport restaurants for each gate at Dulles International Airport:  

• Terminal A:

Gate A1: Starbucks, News & Gifts   

At Gate A3: Dunkin’ Donuts, Hudson News  

Gate A24: Hudson Nonstop   

• Terminal B:

Gate B1: Capital One Lounge, Dunkin’ Donuts   

At Gate B23: Starbucks, Vino Volo  

Gate B70: The FunWay (play area), Hudson News  

• Terminal C:

Gate C24: Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts  

At Gate C32: District ChopHouse  

Gate C33: Hudson News   

Dulles Airport Amenities  

IAD airport provides most of the essential amenities: 

• Free Wi-fi  

• ATM  

• Medical help  

• Childcare room  

• Porters, trolleys, and buggies  

• Lounges  

• Prayer room  

• Meet and assist services  

• Shopping service – buy and collect  

• Restaurants  

• Smoking room  
• Newspapers and magazines  

Things to See Near Dulles Airport  

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located in a convenient spot that offers easy access to a variety of attractions in Washington, D.C. Take a look at some of them:   

1. Washington, D.C.: Places like the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial make up the capital. The Smithsonian Institution is a must-visit to spend your quality time exploring more about science, art, and humanities. What else? It offers free admission! 
2. Arlington National Cemetery: Located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Arlington National Cemetery is a solemn and moving place to visit.  
3. Mount Vernon: Explore the mansion, gardens, and grounds of Mount Vernon, a historic home of George Washington.
4. Great Falls Park: Great Falls Park is a great place for adventurous activities like hiking or biking near the Potomac River. 
5. Old Town Alexandria: This historic district is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and museums. Visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial or enjoy a meal on a waterfront patio. 
6. Shenandoah National Park: For a scenic drive and outdoor adventure, head to Shenandoah National Park. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and hike along the Skyline Drive. 
7. Leesburg: This historic town is known for its wineries, breweries, and antique shops. You can take a wine tour, visit the Oatlands Plantation, or enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants.
8. Reston Town Center: This mixed-use development offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. You can catch a movie, go shopping, or enjoy live music. 

IAD Airport Fun Areas for Kids  

In Concourse B, close to gate B70, Dulles International Airport (IAD) and NASA collaborated to develop an exciting play area. Youngsters can ride the “Supersonic Jet” and “Hyperwing,” slide down the “Tommy Tower,” and play interactive games.  

Free aviation-themed puzzles and interesting air and space-related facts are also available on the FunWay. Kids may study and have a great time here as they wait for their flights. The FunWay offers parents cozy couches and charging stations so you can unwind while your kids explore. However, your supervision over the kids is necessary. 

Many restaurants at IAD offer kid-friendly menu options, such as burgers, chicken nuggets, and mac and cheese. Look for cafés and snack bars that offer snacks and drinks that are suitable for children.   

Accessibility in IAD Airport  

Dulles International Airport offers accessible ground transportation options, including shuttle buses, rental car shuttles, taxis, and the MetroRail station. The airport participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, providing lanyards for individuals with invisible disabilities to discreetly signal their need for assistance. It features accessible parking, restrooms, elevators, escalators, seating, and other facilities for individuals with disabilities. The airport also provides wheelchair assistance, TTY phones, Braille signage, assistive devices, and a dedicated pet relief area.  

Security at Dulles Airport  

There are three TSA Security Checkpoints: East, West, and TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck is located between the East and West security checkpoints.  

Hours of Operation:  

• East Security Checkpoint: 3:45 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.  

• West Security Checkpoint: 4:45 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.    

• TSA Precheck: 4:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.  

Security Screening is available 24/7. After-hours screening lanes located next to TSA Precheck are open after 10:30 p.m.  

TSA PreCheck  

For those who have signed up for the program, TSA Precheck offers an accelerated security procedure. You can visit the TSA Precheck Enrollment Center located at Dulles International Airport or the TSA Precheck website to learn more about eligibility and the application process. It’s close to the security checkpoint on the east side.  

IAD Airport TSA Wait Times

The average TSA wait time at IAD airport is 0 minutes. Check IAD airport wait time schedule below:

Global Entry  

All international passengers must undergo CBP screening unless they arrive from pre-cleared locations. Passengers connecting to other flights must re-check luggage and go through TSA screening. Global Entry and Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) programs offer expedited customs processing for eligible passengers. To use EoA, passengers need a valid passport, residency documents (if applicable), and a permanent resident card (if applicable).  

Mobile Passport  

Mobile passport is a faster process through U.S. Customs for eligible travelers. It is available for U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2, and Returning Visa Waiver Program applicants. Download the MPC app, set up your profile, answer questions, submit your data to CBP, and follow signs to MPC.  

CLEAR  

Customers of CLEAR may enroll by going to one of two CLEAR kiosks on the Departures – Ticketing/Check-In Level of the Terminal Building at Dulles. One is located outside the East Security Checkpoint, and the other is to the West of the TSA Precheck line.  

Customers can use their boarding cards and a biometric scan of their finger or eye to swiftly authenticate their identity once they’ve enrolled as CLEAR members. Following verification, the consumer is escorted by a CLEAR agent to a nearby security checkpoint area.

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at IAD  

There are free charging stations outside the International Arrivals doorway in the terminal as well as several gate spots around each concourse. As you dine and sip, the majority of Dulles Airport pubs and restaurants provide complimentary charging. Also, there are other charging stations spread out over Concourses C and D, as well as in the food court of Concourse B, which is close to Gate B73.

IAD Airport FAQs  

Where is IAD airport?  

IAD Airport is located in Sterling, Virginia, United States. It is approximately 26 miles (42 km) west of Washington, D.C.  

What airport is IAD in Washington, DC?  

IAD is the airport code for Dulles International Airport.  

How far is IAD airport from Washington, DC? 

IAD Airport is about 26 miles (42 km) away from Washington, D.C. This distance can vary slightly depending on the specific location within the city.  

How big is IAD airport? 

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia is 20.3 square miles (52.6 square kilometers) in size. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and features multiple terminals, runways, and parking facilities.