Follow these tips to make the most of your airport visit during the holiday season.

Terminal Map

Parking Map

Interactive Map

Arrive Two to Three Hours Ahead

To ensure a smooth and stress-free journey to catch flights on time, passengers are advised to arrive inside the terminal at least two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. For international flights, passengers should arrive three hours in advance.

Reserve Parking Online

Reserve parking in advance to guarantee a space. Customers with reservations can park even if the garage or lot signs say full. Plans changed? Cancel before your stay for a full refund.

Reserve Parking

Use Cell Phone Phone Lot to Wait for Arriving Passengers

The cell phone lot is an ideal place to wait for arriving passengers. After your arriving passengers have collected their baggage, and exited the Terminal, have them call you with the Door number and level (departure or arrivals) where they are waiting. It is important that the arriving passengers are outside at the curb and ready for pickup before you approach the Terminal. 

Cell Phone Lot Map

 

Use Kiss & Fly Drop-off to Save Time

Driving to Dulles? Our new “Kiss & Fly” drop-off point is located at the Dulles Silver Line Metro station, which provides easy access to moving walkways that will take passengers straight to the terminal. Follow "Kiss & Fly" signs and avoid curbside congestion.

 

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Dulles International Airport
Travel Information
Use Metrorail
Use Metro to Avoid Roadway Congestion

The Silver Line Metrorail station is connected to the main terminal through a pedestrian walkway with moving sidewalks.

  • Metro Fares - regular fares for rail are $6.75 or less. 
  • Rider Guide - from detailed information about Metro bus stops and rail stations — to helpful tips about how to report a lost item.
  • Schedules & Maps - trip planning tools and service alerts for trips on Metrorail and Metrobus.
Access Road Map
Take Aviation Drive to Parking Garages

Drivers parking in garages should take the Aviation Drive exit from the airport access highway marked “Garage Parking.”

Turn right on Aviation Drive and follow signs to avoid terminal-area roadway congestion. 

Parking Route Map

 

TSA Checkpoints
Prepare for Security Screening at TSA

Checkpoints:

  • Passengers can select whichever checkpoint is more convenient. 
  • TSA recommends enrolled travelers use its expedited TSA PreCheck  screening program to reduce wait times through checkpoints. Dedicated PreCheck screening area is located on the Departures level. 
  • TSA PreCheck is also available at the West Security Checkpoint between 6:00AM - 8:00AM and 3:30PM - 5:00PM.
  • Passengers can verify “what can I bring,” ask TSA via chat or request special services in advance. 
     
Reduce Customs Wait Times
Reduce Wait Times in Customs | MPC & Global Entry
  • Eligible travelers at Dulles International can utilize the free Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app to streamline the entry process into the United States.
     
  • Global Entry travelers can use a mobile application to expedite their arrival. 
    • Global Entry - Enrollment on Departure: You can now complete your Global Entry enrollment interview with CBP more conveniently at Dulles International Airport. The office is open daily between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 08:00 p.m. After clearing TSA, follow airport signage to Concourse B.  CBP's Enrollment on Departure is conveniently located across from gate B41. 
Valet Parking
Valet Park Your Vehicle

Customers can make a reservation in advance or simply follow signs to drop off their vehicles along the Departures curb. 

Valet Rates

  • Day 1: $39 
  • Day 2 and after : $10 per hour to a maximum of $39 per day
  • All major credit cards and cash accepted.

Drop-Off Locations

  • Curbside: Located on the Departures Level Curb  Zone 3. Open 4:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. just steps away from the terminal airport entrance. 
  • Drop-Off: The Valet Service Center is in the Terminal Lot.
Shopping & Dining
Enjoy New Amenities

Sunflower lanyards are available. Under this internationally recognized program, passengers with hidden disabilities can receive assistance discreetly from airport staff.

  • Lanyards can be picked up from the USO Lounge, across from Baggage Claim 12, or the Information Desks, by Baggage Claims 6 and 11, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM daily. 

Capital One Lounge has healthy grab-and-go options, locally sourced small bites, a specialty coffee bar and a full-service bar, as well as a suite of premium amenities and seating, ample workspaces, children’s play area and a parent room. 

  • Location: Main Terminal just beyond TSA PreCheck security with access through an escalator or lift
  • Hours: Daily 5:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Holiday Hours: 
    • Thanksgiving (11/28): 5:30 am – 5:00 pm
    • Christmas (12/25): 5:30 am – 5:00 pm
    • New Year’s Eve (12/31): 5:30 am – 7:00 pm
    • New Year’s Day (01/01): 7:00 am – 9:00 pm
       

New concessions: Starbucks (Concourse A); IAD Express (Concourse C); Washington Essentials (Main Terminal); Market 1962 (Concourse D); Freshii (Concourse B); Ink by Hudson (Concourse B); Hudson Nonstop Metro (Concourse A); Bagels & More Cafe Bakery (Concourse C); Union Kitchen (Concourse D) 

Order Now - IAD
Order from your phone: Skip the Wait!

Skip the wait and order now from your phone! Fuel up before your next flight and enjoy contactless pick-up when you order ahead with IADordernow.com

Order Now

Holiday Entertainment
Holiday Entertainment Schedule
  • Monday, December 9 = Santa visit at IAD
  • Wednesday, December 11 = Strings by Harmony Middle School - 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM– East Security
  • Thursday, December 12 = Jazz Ensemble by Stone Bridge High School - 11:00 AM -12:00 PM – East Security
  • Tuesday, December 17 = Orchestra by J. Michael Lunsford Middle School - 10:15 AM -11:15 AM – East Security
  • Wednesday, December 18 = Orchestra by J. Michael Lunsford Middle School Group 2 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM – East Security
  • Thursday, December 19 = Pepsi/Commanders Event 2:00-5:00 PM – East Security  
     

Note: Check back for updates as the schedule is routinely updated.

homeland security
See Something, Say Something

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. 

Airports are key points of access for traffickers and we are bringing awareness to this very important issue.

  • To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement: Call 1-866-347-2423
  • To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
  • Airport Police: Call 911 for emergencies or 703-572-2400 to report suspicious activity.
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Because Reasons - Iceland
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Because Reasons - Any Reason to Travel is Reason Enough