About Washington Dulles Airport Station
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) gained direct Metrorail access on November 15, 2022, when Silver Line Phase 2 opened after years of planning and construction. The station sits underground beneath the airport's main terminal complex, making Dulles one of the few major US international airports with direct rail access — no shuttle, no bus connection needed.
The station is located approximately 80 feet below ground level, accessed via escalators and elevators from within the terminal. Travelers can walk directly from baggage claim to the Metro platform. The ride to downtown DC's Metro Center station takes approximately 55 minutes, traveling through Tysons Corner, Reston, and the Foggy Bottom–GWU stop.
The surrounding Dulles Corridor — with stops at Herndon, Reston Town Center, and Wiehle–Reston East — connects tech-industry workers and airport travelers alike into the DC Metro network for the first time via rail.
Lines & Schedule
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Peak service (Mon–Fri 5–9:30am, 3–7pm): every 10 min. Off-peak and weekends: every 15 min. First train to DC ~5:00am weekdays. Last train from DC ~11:30pm weekdays, ~1am Fri–Sat.
Nearby Attractions
Station Exits
Rider Tips
- Dulles is in Fare Zone 6 — the maximum distance from downtown DC. Peak fare to Metro Center is $6.75 with SmarTrip. Buy or load your SmarTrip before arriving if possible, or use tap-to-pay at the station kiosk.
- Allow 60–65 minutes total travel time to reach Metro Center or Capitol Hill — the 55-minute ride plus time to walk through the terminal and wait for the train.
- The Silver Line cars have overhead racks and floor space for luggage. Trains to downtown are rarely standing-room-only from Dulles, so you'll almost always find a seat for the long ride.
- Late-arriving flights may miss the last Metro. Last train from Dulles toward DC leaves around 11:00pm on weeknights. Check the schedule before your flight lands to avoid an expensive rideshare.
- To reach the Blue or Yellow lines, transfer at Largo Town Center (end of line) or any shared station along the route — Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom are convenient for Georgetown and the West End.
Adjacent Stations on the Silver Line
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Metro ride from Dulles Airport to downtown DC?
The Silver Line ride from Washington Dulles International Airport station to Metro Center is approximately 55 minutes with no transfers. The train passes through Herndon, Reston, Wiehle–Reston East, Spring Hill, Greensboro, McLean, and Tysons Corner before heading into DC via Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom.
Is the Dulles Metro station inside the airport?
Yes. The Washington Dulles International Airport Metro station is located underground and connected directly to the main terminal via an underground walkway. Passengers arriving at Dulles can follow signs from baggage claim to the Metro platform without exiting to the street or taking any shuttle.
How much does the Metro from Dulles to DC cost?
Dulles Airport is in Fare Zone 6, the farthest zone from downtown. A trip to Metro Center costs $6.75 during peak hours (weekday rush) or $3.85 off-peak with a SmarTrip card. Paper tickets cost slightly more. Children under 5 ride free.
When did the Metro open at Dulles Airport?
The Silver Line Phase 2 extension — which added 6 stations from Wiehle–Reston East to Ashburn, including the Dulles Airport station — opened on November 15, 2022. The project was years in the making and transformed the Dulles Corridor into a fully rail-connected commuter destination.