Dulles International Airport – IAD

Economy parking is cheap here, so that’s nice. But it’s also pretty far away, so add at least 30 mins getting to your car post waiting up to an hour (not even kidding) for your bags at the end of a trip. I thought customs was pretty painless, but I have heard it can take a while to get through. Dulles may not be my favorite airport, but they are continuously making improvements, and I think the addition of the metro will mean added revenue, which hopefully will mean better amenities and service. I guess time will tell.

I guess I’m biased because I got off a 10 hour flight to arrive here… but jeeeeeeeeeesus it’s the longest walk from each gate, and that’s WITHIN the United Terminal. I’m guessing it comes with the territory of being in a large city, but the staff here weren’t super friendly at all.
I don’t like it, but do I really have an option?

Good selection of shops and food options in the terminals. You will have to take a train to get to your terminal, but they are on a timer. Check-​in and security were pretty painless. Customs and passport control were equally painless. There could have definitely been a few more agents working passport control to make the wait less, but a US citizen and a German citizen were able to get through (with nothing to claim) and pick up luggage within 30 minutes.

When we arrived into IAD the temperature was around 90’s, picking up the baggage went smoothly and finding a taxi cab from the airport to the hotel was easy. Their systematic way of getting flyers in and out of the airport via cab was very well coordinated. The taxi driver was super nice, the cab was clean and the driver gave us his calling card in case we needed him for the return to the airport (what a bonus).
Leaving IAD, I thought that the airport concessions were lacking and needs to be updated. However, I did notice that they did have ample charging stations for phones, tablets, etc. throughout the terminal. These were used and very much appreciated by everyone .
The airport staff were nice and tried their best to move everybody along.
The staff at United Airlines were friendly from checking in, to boarding and flying to our destination.
Thank you everyone!

Dulles Airport is about 45 – 60 minutes from Washington DC depending on traffic. We have access to the British Airways Lounge in Terminal B, so our photos and this review gives insight on the lounge.
The airport itself has 3 terminals, A, B, C. We usually fly out of Terminal B. You go through security, then take a train to one of the terminals (see photos).
For us, we get off at Terminal B. If there is enough time prior to boarding, we go to the British Airways Lounge.
Upon lounge entry, you see leather seats straight ahead. You walk down the walkway and see a food and computer area. The food isn’t gourmet. There is a cool looking coffee machine, apples and pears stacked in a fancy way on a round table, orange juice and soda fridges, cereal, m &m’s and wasabi peas in glass containers. Potato chips are stacked on top of one of the counters. The computer area has more than enough outlets to charge up your mobile device and get work done on a laptop.
The biggest benefit of these lounges are the bathrooms (see photo). These type of lounges gives you the privacy we all love when going to the bathroom. This particular lounge has cool sensors to flush the toilet. This lounge also has separate shower rooms for men and women.
Once refreshed, we go back in the main terminal to board our flight. Terminal B has a Duty Free Shop, Chipotle, a newsstand, and a few other stores long each gate.
The only drawback is this airport’s location. The traffic is getting heavier out this way so your arrival in DC is completely dependent on the commute traffic. Don’t arrive in the morning if you want to head to DC! Arrive at night.

Layover for 3 hours and airport has gone through some renovations including a new inter-​terminal tram. Spacious inside but airport was congested and dealing with planes being rerouted from LGA due to weather which probably caused the mayhem.

Flying back home from Montréal and I had a two hour layover in this terminal at around Gate D1. For a Wednesday, it was so crowded and the terminals actually felt small.
Quite possibly the warmest airport I’ve ever been in. I’m not sure if the air was not working properly, but it felt like a sauna walking just a few gates down. Not to mention, the floors are carpet or some kind of cushioning textile. Regardless, lugging my suitcase around was harder with this extra resistance lol. Didn’t know I’d be doing arm workouts.
Unfortunately for my flight, we were delayed by 30 – 45 minutes due to flight attendants missing their connecting flight. This is the first time I’ve had to experience this for any airline, so we waited for alternate staff to join the flight. Quite an interesting layover.
Once everyone was settled into position, they began checking people in. Ugh about time! It was so warm that I was sweating just standing in one place! The struggle was real that day.

Clean, fast, updated and wide spread. It’s what I wish LAX and Santa Ana could be.

[Update ⁰⁶⁄₀₂: read today’s news. It turns out that a Somalian war criminal has been working at IAD for six years. Total fail on so many levels.]
Two notches above a third world airport, largely due to the Soviet inspired dump that is Terminals C and D. Don’t get me started on the United Express mini gates in Terminal A. Or TSA, which has got to be staffed by the most incompetent and belligerent agents in the entire agency. Or the baggage handlers, who must be so stoned that they regularly take over 30 minutes to get bags on to the carousels. Or the lack of Metro. Or the ridiculous airfares compared to other major hub airports (even Newark is better).
Do yourself a huge favor and stay away from Mogadishu on the Potomac. Or better yet, just fly BWI or DCA. Actually, forget DCA and just fly BWI.

What a horrible welcome to people visiting the Nation’s Capital. Poorly working AC and 82 degrees inside concourses C & D. No apologies. No explanation. Combined with the fact that the interior of the buildings look like a third world nation and a serious shortage of bathrooms make this place embarrassing to US citizens. It really is that bad. I wonder why nothing is being done about this? It’s just very embarrassing to have this as one of the DC airports.

Can I say this is the nicest airport in the country? I love how well it’s planned and laid out. There is only one terminal area to get dropped off and checked in and then off you go to a tram that will take you to your actual departure terminal. The trams work so much better here than in other airports like ATL where the trams are confusing and crowded. This is also one of the cleanest airports I’ve been to with the shortest TSA lines.

With the ability to travel internationally and domestically everywhere, convenient parking, and easy access to and from the airport it’s a solid airport. However, it has room for improvement in being more organized and modern.
The division of the lower level being for arrivals and the upper level being for departures is pretty genius and convenient. But, not all the gates are marked on the outside on departures, beware of this. Also first timers may have time exiting the airport. Apart from that, there are some dining options in the airport by they aren’t great.
The great thing is that the airport is always getting renovated! The next upcoming event will be the addition of a dedicated metro stop! This will allow riders to take the metro and directly get off at the airport.
Can’t wait to see how the airport will be when the new plans will be implemented.

Here’s what’s unique about Dulles :
It is a small local nice little airport and yet.. it is an international airport. Where I live it’s either DCA or IAD. One star missing because the tickets are a little more expensive and you don’t have free shuttle from DC and Arlington hotels to here but only to Reagan

What can I say about this airport? Well for starters its larger than it looks because there’s a whole other part behind the main building. This is definitely an international airport because whatever country you want to go to in the world, this airport can take you there! Heck they have a plane that goes to Mars too! (Just joking)
The confusion and weird part of this airport is when you have to get to your gate, you go on this taxi-​bus to get you to that other part of the airport, that I was referring too. The road you travel to, to get to gate is the same road you share with the planes coming in or leaving out! Or whatever the heck the plane is doing but it definitely a sight to see.
The Lines are very long going through security.
There’s not a lot of tasty restaurant choices here and the airport is not up to date in terms of décor and nice seating area but this is the only airport that can get us to Venus! :-) so it will do.

I’ll admit that I do not enjoy flying. Fear of flying overwhelms me every time I have to travel by airplane. But, IAD makes traveling rather bearable as it is very close to my digs. Also, I can find direct flights to most of my frequented destinations out of IAD.
The airport has been modernized and it is pretty clean compared to other airports I’ve been to. The new train system allows us to get from one terminal to another pretty efficiently. And, the trains come and go pretty often.
Über is my preferred method of transport to and from IAD since parking tends to be pretty pricey. Albeit, parking at IAD *is* convenient. Public transportation options are very limited as it seems. Overall, IAD is A-​OK in my book. I just need to get over my fear of flying!

Super Busy. And also expensive because of the time we got our tickets. Also the Pilot that flew the plane, well the ride was a little shaky, not sure if it was his/​her fault or not probably the weather. But other then that, the airport has upgraded a lot since I’ve been there last. They have these bus vehicles that take us from point A, to point B. Airplane ride was quick, 2 to 2.5 hours.
Quick ride to Tampa Air Port from Dulles Air Port. Small space on plane but quick. Was definitely worth it.

1^st time at this airport. Very easy for departure drop off. Signage for getting to gate (and train) was very clear –and I confuse easily so I was impressed!
I was departing mid afternoon on a Friday so was surprised at how there was no congestion. There is a lot of walking, as at most large airports I’ve been at. Didn’t give a 5 star because not aware of how traveling with limitations would rate wheelchair/​cart availability.

I basically live here!
Of all the domestic airports I’ve seen it may not be the prettiest all the time but definitely functional and easy to navigate in my opinion
I love leaving out if here for domestic and international flights
The pick up and drop off system is super easy to navigate. It got a nascar style «ring» where you just circle around
So if you meant to pick up someone and went to the departure level by accident by a problem just circle back around again. Just don’t accidentally end up in the paid parking lot

This airport looks nice in some parts such as the lit up walkways and glass walls near the lower level shuttle train… However, the employees who are assigned for elderly wheelchair aid were either rude or were not knowledgable in the process of how TSA Pre worked.
Passenger pick up and drop off is easy… Hardly any congested traffic in those areas. There are multiple places to grab a drink or some food…
I lost my Rilakkuma (bear) phone case when I had arrived here and thought my ID and debit card where left inside… But luckily they weren’t. I called the airport for assistance in what ways they would help me locate it… The operator gave me the numbers to the police, TSA and lost and found… I didn’t get a chance to speak to anyone, so I’m glad I didn’t really lose anything super important… Bc no one ever called me back either!

[UPDATE: A Unilocaler has pointed out to me that an underground rail system can get you to your terminal. Thus, I amend my review — instead of claiming that it is ridiculous that you are forced to take a bus, I instead claim it is ridiculous that all the signs direct me toward a bus despite the apparently more convenient option of an underground rail system. Come to think of it, why do they have both? That makes even less sense … now I’m thoroughly confused.]
Dulles will always be choice #3 for DC travel as long as a) it is not easily linked to the city proper, and b) you literally have to wait in line after crossing through security so you can get on a bona fide bus just to reach your terminal. In this day and age, that is a joke — especially because it’s not like a typical inter-​terminal monorail that runs every 3 minutes or something. You can be waiting there awhile, and that’s assuming you can catch a bus directly to your terminal instead of literally having to make a connecting bus run in a twisted and sick parody of hub-​and-​spoke air travel itself.
I’ll throw one star back for the fact that they do have a dedicated highway running from the city core out to the airport, so you can dodge the worst of the traffic on the way out. But still. Come on.

Had to catch a flight connection through Dulles on my way home from a recent work trip and upon initial inspection this place is HUGE. I was worried that I’d miss my connection based on the tight timeline and the fact that I landed at a totally different terminal than I was departing from — naturally visions of Home Alone in the airport should be filling your head by now.
However, as others have mentioned, it may be big, but it’s well labeled and the directions and people movers (moving sidewalks) helped A LOT — thank goodness.
I’m awarding it a three because from what I could tell everything was aces, but I didn’t have to deal with their security or gate personnel so I can’t comment on their efficiency. Nor did I have time to explore and visit any of the shops or restaurants. This was basically a 1 hour stand and my luggage and I made it from one flight to the next fine.
Till we meet again Dulles, I’ll grill ya next time!

I would have to day… flying into and out of Dulles was more pleasing than flying into Reagan. Of course there are pros and cons when it comes to this airport just like all others. It’s cheap to fly here, let’s just all agree on that. I didn’t really go to any of the stores and well, my trip consisted of me walking out of the airport and walking in.
Why do I say it’s better than Reagan then? Because if you did decide to walk around, you don’t have to go through security every freaking time. I mean come on, if you’re feeling lazy, this place is probably not the best as you’ll be walking everywhere and when I mean walking, I mean walking. Up and down escalators, on a little subway to go to every single terminal. I don’t mind this because well, it is what it is. Honestly, it’s not like a review from Unilocal is going to sway someone from flying here… If the price point is where it’s at, it’s what’s going to be.
The security is probably a little more intense in my opinion. I still think it’s better than Reagan considering that if I wanted to go outside or somewhere else I’ll just have to do a lot more walking, but at least not deal with security because that is the worst I think. Most likely if I do come to DC this is probably the place I’ll be flying into because its cheap and going into DC wouldn’t be that bad once the silver line is finished.

I have a love/​hate relationship with this airport. Its convenient for me given its close to home and has a lot of flight options that often works with my travel plans. However, the security lines can be crazy long and if you’re arriving from an international flight getting through customs can be painful too.
This go around it was much better, I think we missed the afternoon rush of outbound European flights so the security lines weren’t too bad, although I still don’t understand the lack of TSA agents reviewing documents. Terminal A is more modernized much like terminal B however if flying from Terminal A you basically have to walk to Terminal B to find food. Terminals C and D the last time I was there they were still stuck in the 1980’s so hopefully they will update these areas at some point before the next millennium.
Customs, again when we returned I think we missed the rush of inbound European flights so I couldn’t believe it but we made it through customs in 30 minutes from the time we boarded the bus that takes you to the main terminal. They have these new automated kiosks that you can scan your passport and then you get a print out that you then present to the Customs agent. It seemed much more orderly and efficient. Still overall love/​hate with this airport depending on the time you’re arriving and departing.

The airport is dated, but the train system and the new selection of restaurants bring it to average. Terminals A, C, & D, all could use a renovation. Security is average for an American airport. International arrivals always requires using the awful «mobile lounges.»

This is a great airport that just keeps getting better how to get 5 stars that several times I’ve had long security wait which I hope they get corrected the understanding that it’s one of the most secure airports in the world. We love their new underground shuttle system to the midfield and they have a great choice on restaurants throughout the airport terminal

Didn’t have a very long layover here but airport was very easy to navigate for us and gates were well marked. Airport was very clean and outlets available everywhere to charge your electronics.

I parked in the economy lot unaware of the pending #blizzard2016. IAD received 27 inches of snow. When I landed (26Jan16) to pick up my car, I was nervous about how I was going to dig my car out not having a shovel. IAD had staff in the parking lot to do the work and there wasn’t any waiting. I am grateful for their planning.

This airport is easy to get to and very well laid out. The shuttle system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. Security is also very quick and keeps the line moving despite being very thorough. The luggage cart rental is way overpriced and not worth it… insane what they charge. The airport itself is beautiful, clean, and bright. There are several options for food and drink within each terminal. I won’t comment on airline counters and gates specifically as that depends heavily on the staff of the airline not the airport.

Industrial, sterile and uninteresting are a few words that came to mind when we discussed the feel of this airport.
The good:
–fairly easy to navigate
–plenty of food options (I was especially excited about Chipotle)
–clean bathrooms
–high ceilings and natural light
The ugly:
–if you’re coming from DC, this place is wayyyyy out there (expect to pay $ 50 for a cab and set aside 40+ minutes for the drive)
–in the world of sexy and artsy airports, this one doesn’t shake a stick

Not the best, but not the worst. Service attendants were super rude to me, so that’s the main reason for the two stars. I went up to TSA with my luggage that should have been checked in, my fault, but a previous attendant told me I could check it in after going through TSA. So wrong! I had to take the metro back to United to get that checked in. Such a waste of time, luckily I was super early & of course my flight was delayed (typical United).
TSA: Slowest TSA ever. They are really meticulous at Dulles, so be prepared and follow the rules accordingly so the line can go by faster. There were too many individuals around me that were so unprepared and made the lines go slower.
Food: Okay selection of foods, cafes and bars. I recommend &pizza and Au Bön Pain.
Cleanliness: The bathrooms were not the cleanest, I had an early flight and the airport wasn’t even busy, so I’m not sure why the stalls were missing toilet paper and seat covers. Could have been cleaner. The terminal I was in was super busy and there was trash everywhere (that could be due to the people that were going to be on my flight, not sure).
Rental Car: Enterprise was phenomenal. Very quick to get me in/​out of Dulles and the employees were super friendly + the bus driver was too!
Overall: Not the most pleasant airport experience, but the food was delicious so that’s why I gave Dulles an extra star.

We flew right into dulles on thanksgiving day and it was honeslty the best day to fly, i guess everyone had already arrrived to their destination and we really enjoyed the clean and comfortable dulles airport.
Some shops were closed due to the holiday but i would not mind a lay over or flying into this very clean, secure and nice airport.
Being picked up is a tricky issue, there are two levels. if you are picked up, be sure to know what level you are in.

I’m a fan of Dulles Airport. It’s pretty easy to navigate. There’s plenty of decent shops and restaurants to keep you busy while you wait. I don’t know that your TSA experience is ever painless, but it’s gone pretty quick for me both times I’ve been. The parking (even economy) is closer than at some airports (like BWI). The information desk down in luggage claim has been helpful to me a number of times. All in all, a hassle-​free flying experience.
Oh, don’t park outside the arrival area though, even for a minute. You will get a ticket/​towed, or if you’re incredibly lucky like me, just a warning.

Well, this is an airport and so much of the opinion of travelers can come from the interaction they have with multiple entities — tsa, dining, stores, airline representatives, delays, etc — and all of those can be influenced by the time of year or the weather.
My review is based on the layout, the cleanliness, options, and baggage claim.
Layout: nothing is more frustrating than having to take any type of transit to another part of the airport. I like to walk or at least have the option to walk. And if you won’t let me walk, have something a bit more advanced than a «mobile lounge».
Cleanliness: not bad. This is what bumps it up a notch. The bathrooms have always been clean and so have the common areas. For one of the busier airports this is impressive.
Options: every wing of this airport has some type of food option, shopping, and bathroom. I appreciate the multiple restrooms. Phoenix airport lacked that and it was miserable. The only thing that would be nice would be more luxury shops on the domestic side of the terminal.
Baggage claim: this is what knocked it down quite a bit. Honestly? An airport this large cannot get this right? Now, I know this can also be dependent on the airline, time of day, and weather — but I’ve experienced all of them and every time I have waited 20+ minutes AFTER I got off the plane and managed to go to the restroom. Other than Atlanta, I have never waited this long, this often.
Overall, this is the 2^nd favorite out of the 3 airports in the DC area. I prefer DCA (Reagan), but flights can be expensive out of there. BWI is a damn mess, and I would rather drive to my location.

Four stars for many years of experience with Dulles and with the positive growth I’ve seen in that time.
Most recent trip was to go home from visiting family and was very surprised as to how much it has changed since the last time I was there. (Probably in four years? Maybe longer?) They have a great new rail line that connects the various terminals that replaced that ridiculous big-​wheeled bus from years ago. That alone is worth moving my review from three to four stars.
There are many food options, clean (ish) bathrooms and plenty of seats. Yes, you pay an arm and a leg for the food but you’re stuck. Blame TSA for not letting drinks through security. (Well, I know food and drinks were expensive before that nonsense but whatever ok.)
It’s a hike from Washington, DC but again that’s just a fact of the matter. Can’t blame the airport itself for that. The Washington, DC area has expanded so much without much planning that it’s gotten to the point that building a metro line out to the airport will take a generation.
Their TSA Pre-​Check line was huge but, again, that’s a TSA issue and not the airport. You’re flying from an airport that serves the nation’s capital, so you’re going to have a lot of these travelers. Give yourself ample time to get through security even with the pre-​check.
In short, I’m glad to see it’s doing well and look forward to flying to and from Dulles again. Thanks!

US airports are fast becoming the worst in the world and IAD is no exception. It is rare that I’ve had flights leave on time when at IAD and the eating facilities are substandard. It isn’t that IAD is much worse than other major airports in the US, but on a global stage they are far behind much better products in the Far East (Beijing, Bombay, Shanghai, Injong, …).

Duller is a clean and easy airport to navigate.
I really dont mind flying into Dulles, the shuttle is great and
the people who work here are always so cheerful and helpful.
Pick up gets a little complicated due to the multiple levels, just remember that for curbside pick up you must go to the TOP floor!

Despite being the US capital city’s international gateway, IAD is surprisingly disappointing with its old murky vibe and inefficient customs control.
I thought it was sad that as the airport for the capital city of the world’s most powerful nation, everything from customs to departure gates is extremely old and narrow. Unlike the more efficient passport control at SFO, the one here in IAD often will require a long wait, so be sure to allocate at least an hour for layover if you are transferring here from an international flight.
Fortunately, I was here for only less than two hours, because IAD is simply not a pleasant place to stay too long. It’s amazing that other airports throughout the nation like DFW are better than this capital city airport…
—
tl;dr version:
1) Outdated, murky atmosphere
2) Inefficient customs queue so at least 1 hr is recommended

Not too bad. I usually find that large airports are crowded and nerve wracking, and that small airports are rather useless. This one is a good sized airport but not overwhelmed. Parking is not outrageous, shuttles are pretty quick. The airport is clean and spacious. It’s somewhat inconvenient to get back to the terminal using these 1970’s star wars vehicles — I always seem to end up on the train going out (nice) and the star wars coming back (slow and clunky)
Food choices are ok. Even security is reasonably well organized, though I have spoiled myself by doing TSA precheck
They need the Metro to finish the Silver line (in process — for years), in which case it will be extra easy to get here.

I have flown out of Dulles for probably 20 years… and usually dreaded it. The cab fare to DC is probably 60 bucks… okay 50 bucks by some über driver. I mean National is right there a metro stop away and just easy to get in and out of.
But my latest visit changed my mind: Dulles has been cleaned up, the restaurants, and shops updated, the lounges, for various biz and first class travelers, added. Maybe it was a slow day but I just zipped in and flew out… and it was very enjoyable.
I definitely would see myself going through Dulles again and would recommend fellow Unilocalers enjoy as well.

**AVOID ARRIVING INTERNATIONALLY BETWEEN 2−6PM, LONGEST WAIT TIME AT IMMIGRATION**
Worst airport ever, useless workers, shit*y customer service, long walkways (they are so poorly designed), lack of AC/​ventilation thru out the airport. Expect 1 hour for immigration at least, especially if you have a connecting flight. The stores sucks as well. Go to terminal B for food (most decent selection). Only fly thru here if necessary.

My first time ever laying over at Dulles International Airport IAD. Since I was flying UA, I did not experience much aside from walking from Terminal C to Terminal D without going through any Security Checkpoint.
I am quite happy at most of the restaurants and fast food options here as all of them are priced normally and not like some where everything is «airport» price!
The lounge and waiting area though is just so dated. A makeover is needed desperately. There are quite a few charging stations with built in USB outlets.
A lot of construction going on and hopefully next time when I am here, there will be a complete face lift with more shopping/​restaurant options.

Aéroport moderne et propre… IAD est pratique pour prendre l’avion que ce soit en vol «direct» ou en «correspondance»
Ce qui est assez surprenant, c’est leur système de bus qui viennent chercher les passagers dans les différents terminaux… C’est un sytème qui date d’un autre âge et totalement dépassé pour un aéroport international ! Étonnant que Washington n’est pas un système plus moderne.
Sinon, les passages aux frontières sont adaptés et le personnel aéroportuaire est accueillant et prof.
De nombreuses compagnies viennent ici, car Washington reste une ville importante pour les USA…

Worst airport in America. Incompetent, complacent, and generally unhelpful staff. A lot of the staff I can’t even understand because their English is so poor. In addition, the gates are all a pain to get to; you have to take a shuttle or a train to get to some of them. There wasn’t even a premier access or a TSA precheck security lane, which is unacceptable for such a large airport.
Whatever. Never flying here again.

Personally, I love this place :) It’s the only airport in the area that i’ve been to where I actually feel like i’m in an airport, it’s HUGE and pretty :) I’ve never had a problem with rude employees, in fact, I’ve always felt that they’ve been very helpful.
With all of that being said, I’ve only traveled out and into Dulles a total of 3 times :) I’ve been here a million times dropping off people and picking up peeps. I love how they have plugs around the airport where you can actually plug in your electrical devices and their chairs are comfy.
It’s fun and a total tear jerker sitting next to the arrival section and watching families reunite (awwww). I always feel like i’m watching a movie!
Downside: OMG… Parking is so expensive :(HOWEVER, parking is AWESOME and so convenient! To the point that it’s almost worth the $$$$$.

Wirklich toll, dieser Flughafen! Man merkt, dass man in der Hauptstadt ist. Design ist top, auch die Benutzerführung im Haus. Das beste allerdings ist die Lufthansa-​Lounge, von der aus man praktischerweise auch gleich direkt ins Flugzeug einsteigen kann. Hier gibt’s gutes zu Essen und Trinken.

Keiner dieser Monsterairports, hier ist alles recht übersichtlich. Irgendwie kennt man diese Architektur mit den geschwungenen Decken aus dem Fernsehen oder woher auch immer, ich kam an und fühlte mich sofort irgendwie zu Hause. Wenn ich es richtig gesehen habe gibt es, untypisch für die USA, nur ein grosses Flughafengebäude, das ist aber hell und freundlich. Meine Airline war schnell gefunden, Ausschilderung ist ganz gut. Übrigens für Rental Car Returner: Es gibt eine Tankstelle direkt vor dem Rental Car Return; ich habe bereits 30 Kilometer vorher getankt, denn von der Extraspur auf dem Highway kommt man nicht mehr runter. Also, ruhig bleiben und durchziehen bis Dulles.

Also ich vor über 20 Jahren zum ersten Mal hier ankam, ging das nur über eine Inlandsverbindung, eine Nonstop-​Verbindung von Frankfurt gab es schlicht nicht, heute kaum mehr vorstellbar. Ebenso wie sich der beschaulich aufgeräumte Flughafen in seiner Größe verändert hat, so hat sich auch seine Betriebsamkeit enorm erhöht. Er ist auch nicht wirklich schön, aber sehr sehr sauber, was den Aufenthalt erleichtert.
Und es hat sich so viel verändert.
Die grausamen Security-​Lines sind vorbei, wobei es hier immer noch strenger zugeht als auf anderen amerikanischen Flughäfen. Es gibt neue Security Systeme, zusätzlich solche, wo man gegen Aufpreis, besonders schnell dran kommt. Außerdem ein brandneues Beförderungssystem für Passagiere zwischen den Terminal, die trams. Inzwischen mag ich Dulles richtig gerne, wenngleich er durch die ständigen Anbaumaßnahmen etwas chaotisch und teilweise auch wieder steril wirkt.
Five Guys Burgers sind zusätzlich ein klares Pro.
neuestes Update 2013: unfreundliches Personal. ansonsten glänzt er mehr denn je. trotzdem wird es nie ein toller werden.

alt, aber noch übersichtlich, alles da, habe lange gebraucht bei der einreise und beim umsteigen.

Den meisten ist der Dulles International Airport sicherlich auch Strib Langsam 2 bekannt. Der Flughafen von Washington D.C. ist hier Schauplatz für John MccLane.
Der Airport liegt etwas vor den Toren der Stadt und ist aktuell noch nicht direkt an das Metro-​Netz der Stadt angebunden. Die Arbeiten für die Bahnanbindung laufen aber und werden sicherlich in den kommenden Monaten abgeschlossen sein.
Bis dahin muss man entweder mit dem normalen Linienbus in die City fahren oder man nimmt einen Shuttle-​Service, ein kleiner Bus, der einem bequem in jedes Hotel der Stadt fährt. Diesen kann man im Vorwege über das Internet buchen. Sehr bequem!
Der Flughafen ansich ist schon etwas in die Jahre gekommen. In den Abfertigungshallen wurde zwar schon etwas renoviert, aber trotzdem wirkt alles nicht mehr so frisch!
Internationale Flüggäste kommen über Dulles Airport indie Stadt.
Der Ronald Reagan Airport, der unweit der City am Arlington Friedhof liegt, fertigt nur nationale Flüge ab.
Also bei der Planung darauf achten, das man nicht den falschen Airport auf der Rückreise ansteuert.

Schöner internationaler Flughafen, der trotz seiner Größe meiner Meinung nach recht übersichtlich gestaltet ist. Bei der Größe und den bekannten ausführlichen Einreisebestimmungen muss man längere Wartezeiten einplanen, bei mir gings doch im Vergleich zu anderen US-​Flughäfen recht fix. Ansonsten ausführliche Austattung und sehr sauber gehalten, also kein Problem, wenn man mal ein paar Stunden länger Aufenthalt hat.

Großer ziemlich unübersichtlicher Flughafen mit seeehr witzigen Bussen für den Passagiertransport zu den einzelnen Terminals! Die Einreise in die USA ist wie immer seeehr zeitintensiv, aber dafür auch unheimlich freundlich! Wenn mal erstmal durch die Passkontrolle durch ist hat man sehr kurze Wege zu fast allem Ich gebe gute 4 Sterne!

Ich finde diesen Flughafen sehr unuebersichtlich es dauerte ueber 2 Stunden durch Immigration Zoll und diverse Sicherheitskontrollen dann auch noch von einer Seite des Fluhafen zum anderen, ich dachte ich komm nie an.
Auch auf dem Rueckflug er kam verspaetet hatte ich ganze 10 Minuten um von einer Seite von c bis zur anderen zu kommen.
So einen unuebersichtlichen Flughafen habe ich noch nie erlebt.

Mein absoluter Lieblingsflughafen! Ich finde ihn sehr übersichtlich und ausgesprochen sauber. Die Abolstelle der Mietwagen ist etwas verwirrend, beim zurückbringen des Autos steht der Shuttle aber direkt daneben.

J’y suis allé en 2004 et c’était la première fois que je prenais l’avion.
Agréable cadre, et belle architecture.

Dieser Flughafen ist mir nicht in guter Erinnerung. Verwirrend aufgebaut und null Servicegedanken. Bei der Passkontrolle waren von 12 Schaltern nur 3 für «Non-​US Citizens» offen. Aus diesem Grund hab ich meinen Anschlussflug verpasst. Eine bessere Organisation wäre hier wünschenswert.

Ja, sicherlich nicht mehr der jüngste Flughafen aber ich finde immer noch in gutem Zustand.
Irgendwie scheine ich immer Glück gehabt zu haben, denn ich empfinde die Sicherheitskontrollen vom Zeitbedarf als im Rahmen befindlich. Da habe ich auch schon schlimmere erlebt. Vielleicht ist es tatsächlich vom Einzelfall abhängig. Ein zeitliches Risiko sollte man keinesfalls eingehen.
Die «Mondfahrzeuge» die man bei Ankunft vom Flieger zum Hauptterminal nutzen darf, wirken für den Erstbesucher abenteuerlich. Ich kann mich auch an keinen anderen Ort, ausser dem Mond, erinnern, wo ich diese Fahrzeuge schon mal gesehen habe.
Die Lage des Flughafens wurde hier schon ausgiebig beschrieben. Die Mietwagenstationen sind sehr zentral in der Nähe des Flughafens und man ist, mit dem vor den Terminals abfahrenden Shuttlebussen, relativ schnell dort (ca. 10 min Fahrtzeit).
Ebenfalls als sehr positiv empfinde ich die gesonderte Zufahrtspur die schon Meilen vor dem Airport beginnt.
Alternativ geht es mit dem Taxi für ca. 70 — 80 $ nach Washington. Den Zug, der lange Zeit parallel zur Zufahrt fährt, habe ich hier nie benutzt.

Der Dullas Airport ist ziemlich in die Jahre gekommen. Leider musste ich zu meiner Reisezeit sehr lange auf die Sicherheitskontrolle warten. Ansonsten befindet sich der Sicherheitsbereich in einem seperaten Gebäude, wo eine Vielzahl von Geschäften und Lokalen zur Verfügung stehen.
Die Parkplatzmöglichkeiten sind hier sehr gut, da man direkt am Terminal parken kann und es nicht weit zum Terminal hat.

sehr alter aber übersichtlicher flughafen gut zu erreichen aber wie gesagt sehr «old school» gates gut zu finden aber sonst sehr mäßiges ambiente

Der Flughafen Washington mit dem Drei-​Letter-​Code IAD liegt ausserhalb von der Innenstadt von Washington. Fahrzeit ca. 40 – 50 Minuten.
Eröffnet wurde der internationale Flughafen 1962. Noch heute erinnert das Hauptterminal an diese Zeit. Es wirkt schon sehr retro, wenn man das geschwungene Hauptdach betrachtet. Dennoch auf jeden Fall eine sehr interessante Architektur.
Wie schon mein Vorschreiber erwähnt hat, befinden sich hier die Check-​In Schalter aller Airlines.
In das Terminal 2 kommt man entweder zu Fuß durch einen langen Tunnel oder mit dem Shuttel — den lustige aussehenden Mondfahrzeugen!
Im Terminal 2, wo die meisten internationalen Abflüge getätigt werden, befinden sich Restaurants, Cafes und Duty-​Free-​Geschäfte. Ebenfalls gibt es im ganzen Gebäude Wi-​Fi.
Aus Europa fliegen die Airlines Lufthansa, Austrian, Air France und British Airways sowie United und US Airways.
Obwohl der Flughafen mit seinen Flugbewegungen eines der größten Flughäfen der Ostküste ist, wirkt er nicht so hektisch wie manch andere Flughäfen. Dennoch muss man immer die langen Sicherheitskontrollen bedenken!

Dulles international liegt ca 41 km westlich von Washington DC und zählt mit 24,7 Mio passagieren zu den größten Flughäfen des Landes. Das Flughafenareal ist etwa 44,5 km groß und erstreckt sich über die Grenze von Fairfax County und Loudoun County.
Dulles besteht aus 2 Terminals. Im hauptterminal werden zentrale funktionen wie Ticketschalter, Gepäckausgabe, Zoll– und Grenzabfertigung zusammengefasst, während der Midfield Terminal das An und Abflugterminal für größere Airlines ist.
Besonders auffällig sind dabei diese Art mondfahrzeuge, dei die passagiere zwischen den terminals hin und herfahren. Nachdem aber auch Dulles ständigen Wachstum widerfährt wird auch hier fleißig gebaut, unter anderem auch ein Zug der die Busse dann ersetzen soll.
Besonders gelungen finde ich den extra Highway für leute die An– und Abfliegen. Speziell bei zweiteren schaut man man dankbar auf den Stau am Parallelhighway.
Nichtsdestotrotz sollte man mindestens 3h vor Abflug am Airport sein, weil die Sicherheitsvorschriften beim Abflug noch schärfer sind als bei der Ankunft.
Dulles ist einer der wenigen US Airports die direkt mit Austrian erreicht werden können.