Comments on: Howto: Getting To Dulles Airport (For $3)

By: PQS

PQS — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:38:08 +0000

#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.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:49:00 +0000

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.

By: FourthandEye

FourthandEye — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:54:59 +0000

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.

By: rr 446

rr 446 — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:57:32 +0000

cool

By: LiveAndWorkinPQ

LiveAndWorkinPQ — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:34:14 +0000

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.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 17:14:21 +0000

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.

By: PQS

PQS — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:09:44 +0000

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.

By: jamy

jamy — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:24:53 +0000

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!

By: PQ anon

PQ anon — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:08:53 +0000

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.

By: anon

anon — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:02:16 +0000

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.