Airport Overview
Washington Dulles International Airport is often referred to as Dulles Airport, Washington Dulles, or simply Dulles, is an airport in the eastern United States. It occupies an area of 13,000 acres, and is the larger of two major Washington, D.C. airports. IAD is 26 miles (42 km) west of downtown Washington D.C. The airport is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
More detailed airport information can be found below.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) Terminals
Airport Stats & Facts
- IAD is one of the three major airports in the larger Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area with more than 24 million passengers a year.
- Of any airport in the Mid-Atlantic outside the New York metropolitan area, Dulles Airport IAD has the most international passenger traffic.
- More than 60,000 passengers pass through IAD, to and from over 125 destinations around the world, on a typical day.
Airport Traveling Tips
- Dulles Airport is busy during the morning hours between 4:00 am to 5:00 am and 10:00 to 11:00 am.
- Passengers are advised to arrive 3 hours before an international flight departure, and 2 hours before a domestic flight to account for TSA security wait times and any possible delays.
- Please take a look at the IAD Airport Map before visiting the airport for a flight.
- International Passengers connecting to another flight will need to re-check their luggage and go through screening by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Passenger Pickup and Drop-off
- For picking up a passenger, visitors can wait in the cell phone lot, or use the parking option.
- Passengers can be dropped off outside the terminal.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights: Arriving flight status provides Dulles Airport arrival times, gate information, time to land, and delays.
- For departing flights: Departing flights status shows actual vs scheduled departure, map tracking, departure times, flight delays, and gate information.
- To get the best fares book a flight at IAD Airport.
Airport Terminals
Dulles Airport consists of a Main Terminal and 2 parallel Midfield Terminals - Concourse A/B and Concourse C/D. There are 123 gates at the entire terminal complex. For additional information, and to see the terminal location please refer to the IAD Airport Terminal Map.
Main Terminal
The main terminal houses ticketing on the upper level, and baggage claim on the lower level. This terminal is a well-known landmark designed by Eero Saarinen.
Midfield Terminals
This is further divided into two concourses:
Concourse A and B - Some United Express Flights and all non-United flights operate out of these 2 concourses.
Concourse A - This concourse has 47 gates and is primarily used for international flights.
Concourse B - This concourse has 28 gates. It also has an underground walkway to connect it to the main terminal.
Concourse C and D - Concourse C/D are solely used for United Airlines. Both the concourses C and D have 22 gates each.
Airlines Served
Dulles International Airport is a hub for United Airlines. It also serves various other airlines including United Express, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada Express, and more.
View the full list of airlines served at the Dulles Airport.
Airport Parking
Short-Term & Long-Term Parking
Parking at IAD is available at the terminal. From hourly to daily to long-term, and more, various parking options are available at the Dulles Airport.
Off-site Parking
Many parking lots offer economical off-airport parking near Dulles Airport. Most of the off-site parking lots allow 24/7 access.
Ground Transportation
For ground transportation, passengers have a variety of options to choose from, after arriving at the airport. The various options include buses, car rentals, airport shuttles, etc. Many passengers also opt for ride services such as Uber, Lyft, and Taxis.
Car Rentals
Car Rentals are easily available at IAD Airport.
- The rental cars pickup are at Curb 2C and Curb 2D. There are many car rental agencies onsite at the airport.
- Some of the well-known providers include Enterprise, Hertz, National, and more.
- Passengers are advised to check with their rental car company about the planned trips to and from Dulles Airport.
Buses & Trains
For all the major nearby locations, public transportation is one of the most economical options and is easily available outside the airport.
- Buses are available at 2E and Bus Route 983 serves the museum and Route 981 operates out of museum hours.
Airport Shuttles
Airport Shuttles are aa economical way to travel from Dulles International Airport.
- Various shuttles are available on the ground transportation level. You can get a ride to almost any nearby location with the availability of various shuttle services.
Amenities & Services
To help you have an amazing stay, Dulles International Airport provides visitors with different amenities and services including:
- Restaurants, cafes, and bars.
- Stores, gift shops, and local souvenir shops.
- Massage bars, and shoe shine stations.
- Free Wi-Fi internet throughout the airport.
- Currency exchange.
- Multiple art installations and exhibits on display.
Contact Information
Address: 45020 Aviation Drive, Chantilly, VA 20166, USA
Website: https://www.flydulles.com/iad/dulles-international-airport
Contact: https://www.flydulles.com/iad/comments-dulles-international-airport
Phone: (703) 572 2700
Have you lost an item at the airport? Start here Lost & Found.
Dulles International Airport: A Brief History Timeline
- In 1958, President Eisenhower chose the current site of the airport.
- The airport was Loudoun County's first official airport consisting of two grass intersecting runways in the shape of an “X.”
- In 1958, the main terminal was designed, and it is highly regarded for its graceful beauty.
- On November 17, 1962, the airport was opened by President John F. Kennedy and Eisenhower.
- In 1965, IAD averaged 89 airline operations a day.
- In 1968, Dulles Airport’s code was changed to IAD from DIA.
- In 1984, the original name, Dulles International Airport was changed to Washington Dulles International Airport.
- In1995, the first flight of the Boeing 777-200 in commercial service, a United Airlines flight from London Heathrow, landed at Dulles.
- In 2007, 24.7 million passengers passed through the airport.
- In November 2008, a third parallel north-south runway opened on the west side of the airfield.
- A new and permanent Concourse C/D (also called "Tier 2") is planned as part of the D2 Dulles Development Project.
5 Things to do at Dulles Airport
But, is there anything to do near Dulles? We have for you, our weary travelers...
1. SHOP
There is nothing like a little retail therapy to ease the pain of strandedness. Near Dulles you have two main options:
Reston Town Center Distance from IAD: 6.0 mi http://www.restontowncenter.com/ This outdoor location offers over 50 stores, 30 restaurants, a huge movie theater, festivals year round and an ice-skating rink in the wintertime; a perfect place to spend a few hours and relax.
Dulles Town Center Distance from IAD: 7.5 mi http://www.shopdullestowncenter.com This is your “Mall of Malls”. It is a 1.4 million square foot facility that boasts 185 fine retailers, 5 department stores, 23 quick food providers and 10 sit down restaurants. You may end up needing another suitcase if you spend your layover here.
2. EAT
The Dulles area has plenty of great eats, all within a two mile radius. Choose any of these establishments to satiate your cravings:
Hama Sushi (0.9 mi)
Minerva (0.9 mi)
Bertucci's (1.1 mi)
Charlie Chiangs Herndon (1.4 mi)
Pei Wei Asian Diner (1.6 mi)
Zeffirelli Ristorante (2.2 mi)
Angeethi (2.3 mi)
The Tortilla Restaurant (2.3 mi)
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon (2.5 mi)
3. EXPLORE
National Air and Space Museum-Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Distance from IAD: 5.4mi http://www.nasm.si.edu/udvarhazy/
Everyone knows about the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall, and if you ever find yourself visiting (read: stranded) at Dulles again with a longer stay, this place is a must-see. However, coming in at a close second is the National Air and Space Museum-Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. Basically, the Smithsonian had an overflow of items in the air and space category, so they opened this facility to showcase the excess...combined, the two locations showcase the largest collection of aviation and space related artifacts on the planet.
4. PLAY
Dulles Golf Center and Sports Park Distance from IAD: 6.8mi http://www.dullesgolfcenter.com/
Take out your stress on a golf ball or baseball at this location; which has been voted among the top 100 golf ranges in the country. The location features heated driving range stalls, power tees, beach volleyball, miniature golf, batting cages...you name it. Blow off some steam here...not when you finally board your flight leaving IAD airport.
5. LEARN
Frying Pan Park/Farm
Distance from IAD: 4.0mi http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/fpp/kidwell.htm
Take off the suit and get your hands dirty...Frying Pan Park offers a complete 180 from the frenzied terminals of Dulles at their rural heritage demonstration farm. You can meet draft horses, cows, pigs, chickens, take a wagon ride and watch farm hands work just as they would have in the 1930‘s. Seems like an idyllic scene doesn’t it? Until the quiet is shattered when the plane you were supposed to be on flies overhead. So Washington Dulles is not a horrible place for that unplanned layover, and you don’t have to go all the way into the “District” for some great layover diversions. Sometimes the best life has to offer is found in that unexpected stop.
Traveler Help
What do I do if I have lost baggage?
Asked by Christine Guastello - Thu, 6 October
Please contact your airlines directly with any lost luggage questions.
How do I get from terminal D to the Main Terminal?
Asked by Joel - Tue, 20 September
Ther Aerotrain is the best way to get from one terminal to the other.
Where can I find an airline representative for ANA All Nippon Airline AT IAD Washington DC Airport
Asked by Frank - Mon, 19 September
You can contact ANA Airlines at 800-235-9262.
Is there a water refill station?
Asked by Anne - Thu, 15 September
There are several water refill stations located throughout the airport.
Does the Dulles International Arrival Airport have ATM facility? If yes, where can i locate it?
Asked by Anahita Kotwal - Tue, 13 September
There are multiple ATMs throughout this airport.
On 9/1/2022, I took the shuttle to the blue economy parking lot. I may have left my prescription sunglasses in a tan case on the shuttle. How do I check to see if they were found?
Asked by Bruce Metcalf - Sat, 3 September
You can contact the Lost and Found department here.
How to get from A gates to C gates?
Asked by kacey - Wed, 24 August
The AeroTrain is the best option to get from A Gates to C Gates.
Does Aero train stop at terminals A and C?
Asked by Sudhir - Sun, 7 August
Yes, the Aero train make stops at all terminals.
Is there an online tracker on what the current wait time is for the international arrival terminal?
Asked by Anke Reason - Mon, 1 August
There isn't an online track for wait times but there are screens located at the baggage claim with up-to-date flight information available.
What is the concourse and gates for Turkish Airlines?
Asked by David - Sun, 26 June
Turkish Airlines check-in is located in the main terminal on Level 2. Their lounge is located near Concourse B.
What do I do if I have lost my long term parking ticket?
Asked by Kathy - Thu, 23 June
When you arrive at the airport you will need to drive up to a "cash" lane so that a representative can help you with a new ticket.
I've lost my long term parking ticket. What do I need to do when I arrive back at IAD?
Asked by Kathy - Wed, 22 June
You will need to enter a lane labeled "cash" and a cashier can assist you.
I need status on my delayed luggage.
Asked by Tracy Jackson - Mon, 25 April
Please contact your airline directly for any baggage issues.
Does Southwest fly into this airport and to what terminal?
Asked by Susan Haas - Sat, 2 April
Yes, Southwest Airline operates out of this airport. They use Concourse B.
What concourse does United use?
Asked by Denise Barbara Lederman - Tue, 22 March
United operates out of Concourse C at this airport.
How can I order Wheelchair at the airport for tonight?
Asked by Emma - Fri, 18 March
You can arrange for a wheelchair in any concourse either through your airline, or with Skycap at the airport. You should notify your airline in advance of your flight.
I arrive from Dublin on Eer Lingus, then fly to Charleston on United. What is the transfer time?
Asked by Antony Kavanagh - Sat, 12 March
We recommend that you ask your airline this directly - it depends on a few factors, such as customs and exact gate numbers. However, your first flight will fly into the International Arrivals Terminal, while United operates out of Concourse C.
I was overcharged for economy parking due to an incorrect entry time. How do I get the charge corrected?
Asked by Chuck - Fri, 11 March
We would recommend calling the parking department's customer service at 703-572-4500.
Is there a USPS mailbox in the airport?
Asked by Robert - Fri, 4 March
We could not completely confirm any mailbox locations at this airport. However, there may be mailboxes in the main terminal outside of baggage claim. Good luck!
What terminal is Southern Airways using?
Asked by duncan - Thu, 3 March
There does not seem to be a standard Terminal for Southern Airways Express. We recommend contacting them directly about where your flight will depart from.
How do I get a shuttle once I land at airport? I use a walker.
Asked by Dawn - Wed, 2 March
Where is gate A1F?
Asked by Nancy - Tue, 22 February
There is only one terminal at this airport. Gate A1F would be located in the A Gates area, which is to the left after the Z Gates.
How far is Dollar car rental and Herz car rental, respectively, from the international departure terminal?
Asked by elisabet aiezza - Mon, 14 February
Both car rental companies are located on the airport property. Free shuttle buses operated by each rental car company will take you between the rental car facility and the Terminal.