Dulles airport to capitol hill area.

Question

Hi, Arriving into Dulles from UK. Two people. Which is the best way to get to the capitol hill area, we have an Air BnB booked. metro or taxi. Metro takes over an hour, taxi I think about 35 minutes. We arrive late evening. Guessing Metro is cheaper than a cab.

Answer

Arriving at Dulles International Airport (IAD) late in the evening, you have a few options to reach the Capitol Hill area in Washington, DC. Each option has pros and cons depending on your priorities, such as cost, travel time, convenience, and comfort after a long flight from the UK.

The Metro is a cheaper option but involves a bit of complexity and time. Dulles is served by the Silver Line Express Bus, which connects to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station. From there, you take the Silver Line toward Largo Town Center, then transfer to the Blue, Orange, or Silver Line at Rosslyn, Metro Center, or L’Enfant Plaza depending on your exact Capitol Hill destination. Overall, this journey usually takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, including waiting and transfers. You will also need to consider walking with your luggage and possibly standing on the Metro, which could be less comfortable after an overnight flight.

On the other hand, a taxi or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) is far more direct. Travel time is typically around 35–45 minutes to Capitol Hill, depending on traffic, which is generally lighter late in the evening. The convenience of door-to-door service, no transfers, and minimal walking is significant when you are tired or have luggage. The main drawback is the higher cost, which could range from $60–$90 including tolls and tip.

Here are the main options summarized:

Metro: Silver Line Express Bus to Wiehle-Reston East, then Silver Line Metro to transfer point, then to Capitol Hill. Cheaper (~$7–$10 per person), takes about 1 hour 15–30 minutes.
Taxi: Direct ride from Dulles to Capitol Hill. Faster (~35–45 minutes), convenient for luggage and tired travelers, costs ~$60–$90.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Similar to taxi in convenience and time, sometimes slightly cheaper depending on surge pricing.
Private Airport Shuttle: Can be booked in advance, door-to-door, moderately expensive ($50–$70), reliable but may involve slight waiting if shared with other passengers.

Given that you arrive late evening and are likely tired from an international flight, most travelers prefer the convenience and directness of a taxi or rideshare despite the higher cost. The Metro is a good budget option, but it involves transfers, walking with luggage, and waiting, which can be inconvenient at night.

If budget is your main concern and you are comfortable with some walking and navigating public transit, Metro is fine. If comfort, speed, and ease are priorities, a taxi or rideshare is the recommended choice.

Dulles airport to capitol hill area.

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