Howto: Getting To Dulles Airport (For $3)

Thanks for the tip. I think you mean the end times are “PM” rather than “AM”.

You can also take the Washington flyer http://www.washfly.com from West Falls Church Metro…$9.00 one way and $16 RT.

It is especially helpful during rush hour traffic…

I hate going to Dulles, but this bus makes it a much better experience. The seats are pretty comfy, and they have luggage racks. Obviously, it’s not direct, so you have to give yourself some time. It makes some funny stops in parking lots that feel like they are in the middle of nowhere (Reston, Tyson’s or something like that). All in all, I give it a thumbs up.

If I can’t fly out of National, I’ll take the MARC to BWI. It’s usually cheaper anyway, but I’d rather rip my own head off than go to Dulles.

Thanks for posting this info! Someone mentioned this very line to me less than 2 weeks ago as a cheap way to Dulles. It is nice to see it posted here for readers to take advantage of!

I’ve taken this bus several times with mixed results. It arrived more than 15 minutes late on most of those occassions and once after it was nearly 45 minutes late I gave up and took a cab. It could be a great service, but as that it shares I-66 and the tollroad with everyone else it’s subject to all the normal traffic problems. If you’re in a hurry don’t risk it. The Washington Flyer mentioned earlier is much more reliable as that it’s nonstop from West Falls Church via the access road.

Driving to Dulles isn’t that bad — the reserved airport lanes make traffic bearable after exiting 66 (granted that can be a pain at the wrong time).

For the cost of a cab to Dulles you might as well pay a little more and get car service, especially if travelling with a few people.

If you Metro to the 5A you can also pick it up at Rosslyn, depending on your point of origin this may save some time.

The Washington Flyer is very efficient, as I have used it numerous times.

Dulles is usually my last choice, but when I need to go there, the Washington Flyer has been a good resource.

For BWI: The BWI Shuttle from the end of the Green line is inexpensive, although you can get stuck in some nasty traffic.
It is also available on weekends, whereas, the Marc is not.

I’ve taken it several times and never had a problem. It only makes two stops after L’Enfant: Rosslyn and a parking lot near Tyson’s. Don’t waste your money on the Washington Flyer!

I agree on both accounts with Anon#7. Parking is a breeze at Dulles, especially in the attached garage (again, provided you can go at a reasonable time and not get stuck in traffic). Also, a car service costs about $10 more than a cab – I’ve done that a few times and it sure beats a cab ride. It’s never fun to go out to Dulles regardless of method but it’s usually unavoidable for certain destinations. I just can’t trust public transportation.

I’ve also taken this bus three times without incident. The plush seats and luggage racks were a total plus. Very similar to the B30 bus from Greenbelt Station to BWI, but takes a little longer because of traffic and the two stops along the way.

Overall, a good option from downtown though.

Mrs. LiveAndWork loves the 5A bus- i am mixed. It adds close to an hour to the trip compared to a taxi between metroing over to Lenfant and and building in cushion to make sure you don’t miss the bus, etc.

(As to the “funny” stops out in Reston, etc – those are commuter park and ride lots where people can park and hop on the bus.)

I am more inclined to taxi out there and then use the bus on the way home. The 5A leaves Dulles every 40 minutes and the Washington Flyer leaves every 30 minutes on the :15 and :45 so inevitably there is one or the other coming within 10 or 15 minutes and we will usually just hop on whichever is coming first.

cool

Re: #10

Maybe driving and parking at Dulles isn’t an inconvenient experience. But I don’t particularly enjoy dropping ~$40 to park there for a long weekend – never mind a trip of greater length. Not to mention, if you take public transportation you may be able to mix and match Dulles and National together in one round trip itinerary. I recently flew out of National to Tampa then returned to Dulles. Saved $70 on the flight and some money on parking.

DCist is calling this an April Fool’s joke.

http://dcist.com/2008/04/01/_in_which_dcist.php

Damn. Getting a PDF on WMATA is a hell of a joke prop. Had me fooled.

#14:

It all comes down to subjective valuations and preferences. $40 to not rely on public transportation is bargain to me but not to others. Good point on mix-matching airports though – I’ll have to look into that.