So you’re flying into IAD. All good, except you’re really not sure what airport IAD is! That’s what we’re are here for. You can count on us to resolve all your airport-related worries and concerns. After all, we’ve been helping your park your car near the best airport parking lots at discounted rates for years!
IAD is the airport code assigned to the Washington Dulles International Airport. This massive airport in Virginia is one of the major airports serving the Washington DC metropolitan area. IAD is also one of the busiest airports in America. In this article, we will explore some important information about IAD. This helpful guide provides essential information about airport amenities and transportation options to help you find your way.
What Does IAD stand for?
You may not have known this, but Dulles International Airport initially used the airport code DIA. However, DCA was frequently misunderstood as DCA for Washington National Airport. Therefore, the powers that be changed it to IAD in 1968.
Why is the airport named Dulles?
The airport is named Dulles after John Foster Dulles, the 52nd U.S. Secretary of State, who worked for President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Where is IAD Airport located?
IAD, or Washington-Dulles International Airport, is in Loudon County, Virginia. It is about 40 square miles in size and is only 26 miles from Washington, DC. It is one of the busiest and biggest airports in the U.S., with more than 20 million passengers going through it every year. The airport has 139 gates, a Main Terminal, and 2 Midfield Terminals.
How to get to IAD Airport
It’s easy to get to the airport by car, taxi, shuttle, or public transit. Currently, the Metrorail doesn’t go to the airport, but the Silver Express Bus provides non-stop service from IAD Airport to Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station, which connects to the D.C. metro’s Silver Line.
History of IAD
Washington Dulles International Airport was built in the late 1950s and opened to the public in 1962. The famous architect Eero Saarinen created the airport. It is acclaimed for its graceful and unique design. The plan called for a landscaped man-made lake to collect rainwater, a low-rise hotel, and a row of office buildings on the north side of the main parking lot. At the time, this design was a revolutionary idea meant to make travel more comfortable and efficient for passengers.
Flights to IAD
IAD serves as a hub for Southern Airways Express and United Airlines. The airport serves numerous domestic and international destinations, including those in Europe, Asia, and South America. Air France, Air India, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic are international in IAD. Alaska, Allegiant, Delta, and Southwest Airlines cover the domestic routes.
What is the wait time at IAD airport?
The wait time at IAD Airport averages 10 minutes. It might go higher during peak times. You can check this online tracker to know IAD’s current average TSA wait times.
Is it better to fly to DCA or IAD?
Knowing the differences between IAD and DCA might help you make a well-informed decision about where to fly. Both IAD and DCA have their own advantages and disadvantages.
IAD is located in Dulles, Virginia, some 26 miles outside Washington, DC, whereas DCA is close to downtown Washington, DC. Because of its proximity to the city center, DCA may be more convenient for travelers.
DCA is directly across the Potomac River from downtown Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Metro system. Because it is a smaller airport, it may have shorter security lines and easier navigation. Its smaller size, however, implies fewer direct flights and potentially higher airfares.
But, if you want to save money on flights or if your final destination is not in the city center, IAD may be a better option. IAD is also larger and has more direct flights to a broader range of destinations. It is, however, not as easily accessible by public transportation. Yet, it has more parking alternatives and is less congested than DCA. Finally, the airport you choose is determined by your tastes, budget, and travel intentions.
How far apart are DCA and IAD airports?
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) are about 28 miles apart. DCA is the nearest airport to downtown Washington, D.C., located on the Virginia side of the Potomac River near Alexandria, Virginia. IAD, on the other side, is in Chantilly, Virginia, further west and away from the city.
Hotels near IAD
There are numerous hotels near Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) that provide a variety of options for guests. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Dulles IAD Airport, Crowne Plaza Hotel Dulles (IAD) Airport, and Courtyard Dulles IAD Herndon Reston are all close to IAD.
The Wingate by Wyndham, Staybridge Suites Dulles, Aloft North IAD, Fairfield Inn & Suites at Dulles Airport, Washington Dulles Airport Marriott, and the Westin Washington Dulles Airport are other hotels near IAD.
Many of these hotels have services like free Wi-Fi, exercise centers, and on-site cuisine. Depending on their interests and needs, visitors can select from various hotel styles, ranging from budget-friendly options to more opulent ones.
For more details on these hotels and what they offer, check out the 10 Best Hotels Near Dulles Airport: Top IAD Airport Hotels.
IAD parking
IAD Airport offers travelers various parking alternatives, including garage parking, surface lots, and valet parking. The airport features various parking facilities, including Terminal Parking, Garage Parking, and Economy Parking. Each of these with a different pricing and level of convenience. The airport also has valet parking, allowing passengers to drop off their car at the terminal and have it parked for them.
Numerous local offsite IAD parking lots are also available near the airport. Most of them also provide shuttle service to the airport, giving travelers more parking alternatives. Visitors traveling into or out of Washington Dulles International Airport can discover a parking solution that meets their needs and budget by choosing from several parking options and rates.
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