# IAD — Washington (Washington Dulles International)

> IAD (Washington Dulles International) is the main international airport serving Washington, United States. Source: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/iad-washington

## At a glance

- **Best exit method:** Silver Line metro to downtown DC
- **Typical fare:** $6–$8
- **Journey time:** 50–60 min
- **Pickup point:** Walkway from main terminal to Metro station
- **Key warning:** Skip taxi 'flat rate' offers above $70 to DC
- **Fare reality (IAD → Downtown DC):** expected $6–$80 · concerning $100+ · likely scam $150+ town car
- **Overall risk:** medium — Far from DC. Silver Line metro opened in 2022 and is now the cheapest way in.
- **Last updated:** May 2026 (high confidence)

## Ways out of IAD, ranked

1. **Silver Line Metro** _(recommended)_ — cost $6–$8, journey 50–60 min, wait Every 15 min, payment Card.
   - Pros: Cheapest; No traffic
   - Cons: Slow vs cab
2. **Uber / Lyft** _(recommended)_ — cost $55–$80, journey 30–60 min, wait 5–10 min, payment App Payment.
   - Pros: Door-to-door
   - Cons: Surge
3. **Washington Flyer Taxi** — cost $60–$80, journey 30–60 min, wait 0–10 min, payment Card & Cash.
   - Pros: Official
   - Cons: Pricier
4. **Silver Line Express bus + Metro** — cost $5 + $2, journey 60 min, wait Every 15 min, payment Card.
   - Pros: Cheap fallback
   - Cons: Two-leg trip

## First 30 minutes after landing at IAD

1. Follow Silver Line / Metro signs from baggage claim
2. Buy a SmarTrip card ($2) and load fare
3. Train every 15 min to downtown
4. For Uber/Lyft go to the door-2 rideshare lot
5. Plan 60 min to downtown

## Common scams at IAD

- **'Town car' tout** (medium risk): Driver inside arrivals offers $150 flat to DC. _How to avoid:_ Use Metro, rideshare, or the Washington Flyer line.
- **Long-route taxi** (medium risk): Driver detours via toll roads. _How to avoid:_ Use the meter or rideshare for a fixed price.

## Payment warnings at IAD

- SmarTrip card needed for metro
- Washington Flyer takes cards

## Arrival checklist for IAD

- Silver Line is cheapest
- Rideshare from door 2
- Washington Flyer for taxis

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Canonical URL: https://www.airportexit.com/airports/iad-washington
Source: Airport Exit (https://www.airportexit.com)
Last updated: May 2026

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