Dulles airport - Washington D.C. (IAD)

Official Website: flydulles.com

Information Phone: +1 703 572 2700.

Social Media:

Main Terminal & Concourses

The airport comprises an iconic Main Terminal (where check-in and baggage claim take place) and four remote concourses (A, B, C, and D). All facilities operate 24 hours.

Internal Connections: Passenger transport from the Main Terminal to the concourses is provided by two systems:

• AeroTrain: An automated underground train linking the Main Terminal (post-security) to Concourses A, B, and C.
• Mobile Lounges: Large transport vehicles carrying passengers between the Main Terminal and Concourse D. They are also used to move arriving international passengers to the customs area.

Annual Passenger Traffic: 27.3 million passengers in 2024.

Information Points

Information desks are located in the Main Terminal on the departures (check-in) and arrivals (baggage claim) levels. In addition, the airport’s Travelers Aid program deploys volunteers throughout the facility to assist passengers.

 Location

The airport is located in Loudoun and Fairfax counties, 26 miles (42 km) west of Washington City.

Car rental agencies

To rent a car at Washington Dulles International Airport, you must go to the dedicated rental facilities located away from the Main Terminal. All rental car companies either operate from this consolidated center or provide direct shuttle service to their lots.

Shuttle to the rental offices

The airport offers a free courtesy shuttle bus service that connects the terminal with the rental car offices. Each company’s buses are clearly marked with its logo.

Pick-up stop locations: From the baggage claim area (Arrivals Level), go down the ramps toward Doors 2, 4, or 6. Head out to the curb and look for the signed stops labeled 2C or 2D.

Available agencies

The following companies have counters and vehicle fleets based at the airport. It is recommended to book in advance to secure availability and better rates.

Alamo
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Avis
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Budget
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Dollar
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Enterprise
Hours: 5:00 am – 11:59 pm (daily).
Official Website

Hertz
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

National
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Sixt
Hours: 7:00 am – 12:00 am (daily).
Official Website

Thrifty
Hours: Open 24 hours.
Official Website

Parking services at Dulles airport - Washington D.C. (IAD)

Dulles International Airport offers several parking options tailored to different time needs and budgets, from economical lots with shuttle service to premium spaces directly in front of the terminal. It is strongly recommended to reserve online in advance, as it guarantees your spot and provides lower rates compared to paying on-site.

Cell Phone Lot (Free Waiting Area)

Ideal for picking up passengers at no cost. This designated area allows you to wait inside your vehicle until your family or friends have collected their luggage and are ready at the curb.

Location: Autopilot Drive (follow the signs as you approach the airport).

Time limit: Maximum 1 hour. Leaving the vehicle unattended is not permitted.

Terminal Parking

This is the closest option, ideal for short stays, drop-offs or pick-ups requiring entry into the building. It connects directly to the terminal through an underground pedestrian tunnel.

Rates (Drive-up): USD 7.00 per hour | Daily maximum: USD 32.00.

Note: Vehicles parked for more than 45 days must register with administration to avoid towing.

Garages 1 & 2

Multi-level parking structures offering weather protection and convenient access. They are connected to the terminal via covered walkways and also feature free shuttle bus service.

Location: Garage 1 (West) and Garage 2 (East).

Electric Vehicles: EV charging stations (Level 1 and Level 3) are available in Garage 1 (level 1) and Garage 2 (levels 1 and 3). Charging is free; regular parking fees apply.

Rates (Drive-up): USD 6.00 per hour | Daily maximum: USD 21.00.

Economy Parking

The most affordable option for long stays. This outdoor lot is located farther from the terminal but is connected by a complimentary shuttle bus running 24/7.

Shuttle Frequency: Buses run approximately every 10–15 minutes and drop passengers off at the terminal curb.

Rates (Drive-up): Daily maximum: USD 14.00 (No hourly rate; the full day is charged after the grace period).

Valet Parking

Premium valet service for maximum convenience. You leave your vehicle at the Departures curb and staff take care of parking it.

Location: Departures Level, door 3.

Rates: USD 39.00 per day (flat rate for the first day, then prorated).

Reservation & Payment

You can pay in cash or by credit card at the pay stations located in the terminal and garages, or by credit card at the exit gates. For the best rate, use the official reservation system.

Reserve official parking (FlyDulles)

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is committed to offering an inclusive and accessible travel experience. Its facilities comply with ADA regulations and include specific programs to assist passengers with visible and non-visible disabilities, older adults, unaccompanied minors and families.

Reduced Mobility

Given the large size of the terminal and the distances between check-in and the boarding gates, it is strongly recommended to request assistance even if the passenger can walk short distances.

Requesting assistance: Wheelchair service must be arranged directly with the airline at least 48 hours before the flight. Airline representatives will be waiting with the wheelchair at the check-in counter or at the aircraft door, as appropriate.

Infrastructure: All restrooms have accessible stalls. Elevators feature Braille signage and audible announcements. The internal transportation system, the AeroTrain, and the Mobile Lounges are fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Sensory and Hidden Disabilities

Sunflower Lanyard Program: Dulles participates in the “Hidden Disabilities Sunflower” program. Passengers with autism, anxiety, hearing loss or PTSD can request a sunflower lanyard at TSA or airline information desks. This discreet identifier alerts staff that the passenger may need extra time, patience or additional assistance.

Visual and hearing assistance:
TTY phones are available throughout the terminal. In addition, the Aira app is supported at the airport, allowing blind or low-vision passengers to connect with a remote agent for visual navigation assistance via their smartphone.

TSA Cares: It is recommended to contact the TSA Cares helpline 72 hours before travel to request a Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) during the security screening process.

Request TSA Cares assistance

Minors and Families

Unaccompanied minors: Procedures for children traveling alone are handled exclusively by each airline. Parents or guardians who need to accompany the minor to the boarding gate or pick them up at the gate must request a Gate Pass at the airline check-in counter. A valid government-issued photo ID is required.

Nursing Rooms: The airport offers dedicated Nursing Rooms for breastfeeding mothers, equipped with comfortable seating, power outlets and privacy.
Locations:
- Main Terminal: Arrivals Level, near baggage claim carousels 2, 6, 11 and 14.
- Concourse A: Near gate A20.
- Concourse B: Near gate B70.
- Concourse C: Near gate C11.
- Concourse D: Near gate D1.

Service Animals

There are designated Pet Relief Areas for guide dogs and service animals, equipped with synthetic grass and waste bags.

Post-Security Locations (Airside):
- Concourse A: Next to gate A32.
- Concourse B: Next to gate B1.
- Concourse C: Next to gate C1.
- Concourse D: Next to gate D1.

Pre-Security Locations (Landside):
- Ends of the Main Terminal, Departures level (Ticketing).

Accessible Transportation and Parking

Parking: All garages and economy lots provide reserved spaces for vehicles with valid disability license plates or placards, located near pedestrian access points or bus stops.

Accessible taxis: The official Washington Flyer Taxi fleet includes wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Although they are available at the taxi stand, it is recommended to request one from the curbside dispatcher upon arrival or contact the company in advance if you are on a tight schedule.

Official Dulles accessibility guide