Dulles International Airport (IAD)

Washington Dulles International Airport lies in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, roughly half an hour west of the District in light traffic and considerably more at peak times. It handles the region's long-haul international flights along with a large domestic schedule.

Arrivals

International passengers clear immigration and customs before entering the public hall, and the time that takes varies with the hour and the number of flights arriving together. A longer grace period is built into every international pickup, and the chauffeur follows the flight rather than the schedule. Meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall is popular here: the chauffeur waits with a name sign, takes the luggage cart and leads the way to the car. Curbside pickups are confirmed by text at a designated commercial area.

Departures

The Dulles Access Highway is reserved for airport traffic and runs alongside the Toll Road, which keeps the final approach moving. The drive from downtown, Bethesda or Alexandria is the variable part; weekday afternoons and Friday evenings deserve extra margin. Inside the terminal, the train to the concourses and the walking distances add time before the gate.

Practical notes

Dulles is the sensible choice for international travel and for guests staying in Tysons, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn and Leesburg. Metro's Silver Line reaches the airport, but a chauffeured car remains the calm option with luggage.

• International arrivals met with a longer wait window
• Meet-and-greet in the arrivals hall
• Direct approach via the Dulles Access Highway
• Convenient for Loudoun and western Fairfax County