How to Get From Dulles Airport to Downtown Washington DC

3 ways to get from Dulles International Airport to Downtown DC

1. By the Metro

Dulles International Airport is the main airport serving Washington, DC and the surrounding areas, and this is where you will likely be arriving. The airport is connected to the city center via a metro system, and you should be able to catch the Silver line heading towards Largo all the way to the city center. This is the most affordable way and it is pretty easy and straightforward if you know how to operate the ticket machine.

A ride from the airport to the city center on the Silver Line should take about 1 hour and cost around 6 USD. The metro system still uses a card system (no tap to pay with a credit card as of 2024), and you can acquire the SmarTrip card at the metro station at the airport.

Not gonna lie, I consider myself pretty tech-savvy when it comes to technology, but I found the metro ticket machine to be almost impossible to operate, especially if you're new in town like I was. Thankfully, there's usually someone available to help you out at the ticket machine at the airport metro station, so you shouldn’t have trouble getting one.

To make things even more convenient, if you're using an iPhone or Android phone with data, you don't need to buy a physical card. You can get the SmarTrip Pass directly on your phone via Wallet or Google Wallet. Just search for SmarTrip in the app, add 6 USD to the pass with your credit card, tap the metro gate with your phone, and you're all set. Easy peasy!

After about an hour and 15 minutes, you should arrive in the city center where you can get off at Metro Central and switch to other metro lines to get to your accommodation. You only have to pay once when you are switching lines, which is pretty convenient.

2. By Uber

If you have a lot of luggage and you are traveling in big groups, you might want to consider getting an Uber, a taxi-hailing app that you can use on your phone. Make sure you get a SIM card or an eSIM beforehand, as you will need data to use the app.

To get an Uber, you will have to go to the designated Uber pick-up spot located just outside the Terminal Parking area. From there, your Uber should be waiting, and you should be on your way to your accommodation. It should take about 40 minutes and costs around 50 USD.

3. By Private Transfer

If you are looking for the most hassle-free way to get from the airport to downtown, I highly recommend you book a private transfer. You will be picked up straight out of the gate and taken to your accommodation hassle-free. This is perfect if you are traveling in a big group and have lots of luggage.

This option should cost you about 90 USD per car, so if you are 4, you will be spending only 22.5 USD per person, not bad for a private transfer. You could also do the same on your way back to the airport by booking this private transfer instead.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: For buses, I always go with Omio when traveling in Washington DC, United States of America while for trains, Omio is my go-to place to book all my train travels in advance.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Northeast USA

If you are looking for more articles about the Northeast USA, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:

• First time visiting the USA and looking for a complete itinerary? Check this out: First Time USA: 2 Weeks Itinerary Without Cars.
• Planning to visit Washington DC for 3 days? Here's an itinerary for you: 3 Days in Washington DC: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• First time visiting the US? Why not start Washington DC, its capital city known for its world-class museums and iconic landmarks like the White House and the Capitol. Here are the 10 best things to do in Washington DC.
• Want to visit world-class museums in Washington DC, but not sure where to begin? This is the article for you: 8 Best Museums to Visit in Washington DC.
• Have a day to spare in Washington DC? I highly recommend you check out Georgetown. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Georgetown, DC.
• Looking for the best places to eat and drink in Washington DC? Check out: 8 Awesome Places to Eat in Washington DC.
• Looking to visit Philly for the weekend? Here is the ultimate 2-day Backpacking Itinerary for Philly.
• If you’re a fan of food and history, Philadelphia offers the perfect blend with its incredible museums and some of the best food scenes in the country. Check out the 12 Best Things to Do in Philadelphia (Philly).
• Philly is best explored with your stomach and taste buds. Here are the 7 Best Places to Eat and Drink in Philadelphia (Philly).
• New York City is truly one of the best cities in the world and if you are planning to visit the city, here are the 15 Best Things to Do in New York City.
• Planning to visit New York City, but not sure where to begin? Check out our 4 Days New York City's Backpacking Itinerary.
• Looking for the best places to eat and drink in NYC? You might want to check out: Places to Eat & Drink in New York City: My 9 Favorite Places.
• Chelsea, one of my favorite neighborhoods in NYC, is one awesome place to explore. Here are the 8 Awesome Things to Do in Chelsea, NYC.
• Central Park deserves an entire day of exploration. Here is a complete travel guide to Central Park.
• Should you go up the Empire State Building or the Top of the Rock? Let's find out: Empire State Building vs Top of the Rock: Which One is Better for You?.
• Is it worth buying the CityPass for your trip to New York City? Let's find out: NYC CityPass: Is it worth it?.
• Want to visit Boston? Here are some of the things you do not want to miss! 15 Best Things to Do in Boston.
• Wondering how long to spend in Boston? Check this out: 3 Days in Boston: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Want to walk the Freedom Trail in Boston, but not sure where to begin? Check out: Boston's Freedom Trail: A Walking Guide.
• Planning to visit Salem? Here's a travel guide for you: Discover Salem: 10 Highlights You Can't Miss.
• To see all articles about the United States of America, be sure to check out our USA travel guide page.
• For a complete itinerary of both the US and Canada, check out: One Month in USA & Canada: A Backpacking Itinerary without Cars.
• Looking for more travel guides for North America? You will find more over at our North America page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.