Washington Dulles International Airport Guide
Washington Dulles International Airport sits in Loudoun and Fairfax counties in northern Virginia, 46 kilometers west of downtown Washington DC. Opened in November 1962 and designed by Eero Saarinen, its Main Terminal is a landmark of mid-century architecture, featuring a sweeping curved roof and large glass facades. The airport covers 13,000 acres, ranking it among the three largest by land area in the United States.
United Airlines operates its primary East Coast international hub at Dulles, controlling around 68% of flights and occupying Concourses C and D exclusively. The airport served a record 27.3 million passengers in 2024, driven by an 11% rise in international traffic. Over 40 airlines connect IAD to more than 130 nonstop destinations globally. The AeroTrain automated people mover links the Main Terminal to the midfield concourses.
Dulles gained direct rail access in 2022 with the opening of the Silver Line Metrorail extension, connecting the airport to downtown Washington DC and the broader metropolitan area. The airport is the primary international gateway for the Washington DC region and a major entry point for transatlantic and transpacific routes.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 42 listed options at Washington Dulles International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Washington Dulles International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 27M passengers (2024)4 runwaysopened 1962
- Location
- 38.944, -77.456
- Operator
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
Terminals
1 terminalWashington Dulles International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 10 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Turkish Airlines, Southwest Airlines
Concourses Concourse A · Concourse B · Concourse C · Concourse D · Concourse Z
Nearby cities
4 citiesWashington Dulles International Airport is closest to Herndon (8 km east), and also serves Reston, Arlington and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Washington DC46 km east
- Arlington39 km east
- Reston11 km east
- Herndon8 km east
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the airport codes for Washington Dulles International Airport?
Where is Washington Dulles International Airport located?
Where is Washington Dulles International Airport located?
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What services are available at Washington Dulles International Airport?
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