Dulles Airport And Dc Metro: Is There A Direct Link?

Washington Dulles International Airport is located in Sterling, Virginia, and is easily accessible by the DC Metro. The Silver Line Metro station at Dulles connects the airport to downtown Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region. The airport now has a Metrorail connection for the first time, thanks to the recently opened Silver Line extension, which offers a low-cost and quick route into the city.

The Silver Line

From the Dulles station, the Silver Line runs through Tysons and Arlington, downtown DC, and ends in Largo, Maryland, on the other side of Washington, D.C. The journey from the airport to the heart of DC takes approximately 30-40 minutes. Along the route, passengers can visit famous tourist attractions such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, and the White House.

The operating hours of the Silver Line vary slightly throughout the week. From Monday to Thursday, the service runs from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., on Friday from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., on Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m., and on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. The fare for the Silver Line depends on the time of day and distance travelled, with a maximum charge of $6 on weekdays and a flat rate of $2 after 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.

Cost of travel

The cost of travelling between Washington, D.C. and Dulles International Airport via the Silver Line Metro depends on the time of day and the distance travelled. The maximum fare is $6 per rider on weekdays, with fares dropping to a flat rate of $2 after 9:30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends.

For example, the cost of travelling from Dulles to Foggy Bottom during off-peak hours is $3.85, and $2 on weekends.

Metro fare cards can be purchased at the entrance of the station at the airport, or you can use a SmartTrip Card, which can be topped up. Contactless payment is also available if your SmartTrip Card is loaded into your Apple or Google Wallet.

Station location

The Dulles International Airport Metrorail Station is located at 44920 Saarinen Circle Sterling, VA 20166. The station is on the airport property and is connected to the main terminal by an indoor pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways and escalators. The tunnel is approximately 600 feet long and takes about 5 minutes to walk. It provides convenient access to the airport's ticketing and baggage claim levels and Parking Garage 1. Passengers can follow the signs to find the tunnel.

The Silver Line Metro station at Dulles provides access to trains from the airport to downtown Washington, D.C., and other points around the region. The Silver Line is the only line that serves Dulles Airport, and it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach the heart of Washington, D.C. from the airport.

The Silver Line runs from the Dulles station through Tysons and Arlington to downtown D.C. and ends in Largo, Maryland, on the other side of Washington. Some famous tourist attractions along the route include the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, and the White House.

Passengers can transfer to other Metro rail lines at five stations along the route: East Falls Church (Orange Line), Rosslyn (Blue and Orange Lines), Metro Center Station (Red Line), and L'Enfant Plaza (Yellow and Green Lines). The Metro Center Station provides a connection to Union Station, the main hub for Amtrak in Washington, D.C.

Accessibility

Washington Dulles International Airport is easily accessible by the DC Metro. The Silver Line Metro station at Dulles connects the airport to downtown Washington, D.C., and the surrounding region. The Dulles International Airport Station is located at the airport and can be reached by shuttle bus or on foot. The station is connected to the main terminal by an indoor pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways, making it convenient for passengers to access the airport's ticketing and baggage claim levels. Elevators and escalators are also available at the Metro Station and the Main Terminal.

The Silver Line provides a fast and efficient way to travel to and from the airport, with a journey time of around 30-40 minutes to the heart of Washington, D.C. Along the route, passengers can visit famous tourist attractions such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, and the White House. The Silver Line also offers connections to other Metro rail lines at five stations: East Falls Church (Orange Line), Rosslyn (Blue and Orange Lines), Metro Center Station (Red Line), and L'Enfant Plaza (Yellow and Green Lines).

The DC Metro is a cost-effective way to travel, with fares based on the time of day and distance travelled. The maximum fare is $6 on weekdays, dropping to a flat rate of $2 after 9:30 pm on weekdays and all day on weekends. Metro fare cards can be purchased at the entrance of the station, and passengers can also use contactless payment methods if they have a SmartTrip Card. The Metro Station at Dulles Airport is generally open from 5 am to midnight on weekdays and 7 am to midnight on weekends, but it's important to check the WMATA website for the most up-to-date information, as there may be variations in operating hours.

While the DC Metro provides excellent accessibility to Dulles Airport, it's important to note that travelling during peak hours with a lot of luggage or young children may be challenging due to crowded cars and the need to navigate escalators and platforms when transferring lines. However, with proper planning and the use of the Metro app, which provides trip planning and real-time information, travellers can make the most of the DC Metro's accessibility to Dulles Airport.

Travel time

The Silver Line Metro provides a direct connection from Dulles International Airport to downtown Washington, D.C. The journey from the airport to the heart of D.C. takes around 30 to 40 minutes. The Silver Line train runs from the Dulles station, through Tysons and Arlington, to downtown D.C., and ends in Largo, Maryland, on the other side of Washington, D.C.

The Dulles International Airport Station is conveniently located right at the airport and is easily accessible by shuttle bus or on foot. The station is connected to the main terminal by an indoor pedestrian tunnel with moving walkways, making it a quick and comfortable journey for travellers with luggage. The tunnel provides easy access to the airport's ticketing and baggage claim levels, as well as Parking Garage 1.

When travelling during peak hours on a weekday, the maximum fare is $6 per rider. Fares drop to a flat rate of $2 after 9:30 pm on weekdays and for the entire weekend. The Metro's operating hours are typically from 5 am to midnight or 1 am, depending on the day of the week.

It's worth noting that the Metro may not be the best option if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with young children, as it can get crowded during peak hours, and transferring to other lines can be stressful. However, with the Metro app, you can easily navigate the system and plan your trip, including checking the closest station to your destination.

Frequently asked questions