dca to iad

Question

Hi and many thanks in advance

We fly into DCA and are flying out of IAD we have plenty of time to get between airports. Any recommendations on what’s the best way to do this. Thank you.

Answer

Traveling between Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) can be straightforward, especially if you have plenty of time. There are several options depending on convenience, cost, and comfort.

Options for getting from DCA to IAD:

Taxi or Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): This is the most direct and flexible option. The drive typically takes 45–60 minutes depending on traffic, but it can be longer during peak hours. Ideal if you want door-to-door service without transfers.
Shuttle Services: Several private shuttle services operate between the airports. These can be booked in advance and offer shared or private rides. They are slightly cheaper than taxis for single passengers but may take longer if making multiple stops.
Public Transit (Metro + Bus): While possible, this option involves multiple transfers and is more time-consuming:

Take the Metro from DCA (Blue/Yellow Line) to L’Enfant Plaza or Rosslyn.
Transfer to the Silver Line Metro toward Wiehle-Reston East.
From the Silver Line, you can take the Metrobus 5A express bus to IAD.

Rental Car: If you plan to rent a car at DCA, you could drive to IAD and drop off the car. This gives flexibility, but consider traffic and rental drop-off logistics.

Tips:

Always allow extra time for traffic, especially if traveling during weekday rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–7 PM).
If traveling with luggage or a large group, rideshare or taxi may be more convenient than public transit.
Check airport websites or apps for real-time traffic and shuttle schedules before departure.

Overall, for most travelers with plenty of time, a rideshare or taxi is the simplest and least stressful way to transfer between DCA and IAD.