Getting from IAD to Washington

[NWSRG]

Folks,

Seems there's no train to take you into the city centre...what's the handiest way (other than taxi!)?

[jackcat]

Metrorail and the Washington Flyer Coach Service
http://www.mwaa.com/_/Image/_/metro_logo.gif (http://www.wmata.com/) Metrorail is the region’s rapid-transit system, providing access to Downtown Washington, DC and other destinations. A rail line to Dulles Airport is currently in the design phase. At present, the nearest Metrorail station is the West Falls Church Station on the Orange Line. Direct transportation to this station is available from the Washington Flyer Coach Service (http://www.washfly.com/). Enjoy a comfortable, climate-controlled ride equipped with reclining seats and ample luggage space. Each coach is handicapped accessible. Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes and boarding announcements are made inside the airport.
How to connect to the Metrorail system from Dulles Airport:
Purchase a ticket (one-way or round-trip) at the Washington Flyer Coach ticket counter located at Arrivals Door #4 in the Main Terminal. Travelers will also board the Coach from this location. The buses depart approximately every 30 minutes but please listen for announcements for exact bus departure times. Click here for schedule and ticket prices (http://www.washfly.com/flyer_bus_schedule.htm). You may purchase a Metrorail fare card inside the train station at the West Falls Church Metro stop where you will board the train. Trains bound for "New Carrollton" will take you towards Downtown Washington, DC. Please click here for general Metrorail information (http://www.wmata.com/), or a Metrorail system map (http://www.mwaa.com/reagan/parking_transportation_4/directions_maps_reagan/metrorail_map), or call (202) 637-7000; TDD (202) 638-3780.http://www.mwaa.com/_/Image/_/flyerbus.jpg (http://www.washfly.com/)
How to reach Dulles Airport from the Metrorail system:
Board any Orange line train headed towards "Vienna/Fairfax/GMU." Exit the train at the West Falls Church station, and follow the signs directing you to the Washington Flyer bus stop. Tickets can be purchased on the bus from the driver. All Washington Flyer buses departing this location go directly to the front door of the Main Terminal at Dulles Airport. Click here for schedule and ticket prices (http://www.washfly.com/flyer_bus_schedule.htm).

Metrobus Route 5A between Dulles and Washington, DC
Metrobus operates an express bus service between Dulles Airport and Washington, DC (L'Enfant Plaza) via the following stops:

Washington Dulles International Airport
Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride Lot
Tysons-Westpark Transit Station
Rosslyn Station
L'Enfant Plaza StationAt Dulles, the Metrobus stops at the Ground Transportation Curb (Arrivals level, down the ramp) at curb location 2E. Please click here to download the route map and timetable from Metro's website. (http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/dc/05a.pdf)
Metrobus and Metrorail - General Information
For route planning, please consult Metro's website (http://www.wmata.com/) or call (202) 638-3780; TDD (202) 638-3780.

[strake]

Ahh, Dulles, fond memories my old stomping ground in the nineties and where I flew on Concorde for the second (and last) time...:{

Rent a car, take a limo or use the Washington Flyer connection to the Metro Link.

[raffele]

Seems there's no train to take you into the city centre..

You're right - no train... not yet at least. WMATA (local transit authority) are trying to get the Metro out to Dulles but it's taken a while for them to get planning and funding in place. The work has finally started but it's going to be a few years till it's linked up!

In the meantime yes, Washington Flyer or taxi or limo!

[Eboy]

There is also the Super Shuttle. I have never used it. It is run by the same people that run the Washington Flyer taxi and bus service. It would be priced between a taxi and the bus.

SUPERSHUTTLE - Airport Shuttle | Airport Transfer | LAX SFO DEN PHX DFW TPA JFK BWI IAD SAN DCA SMF MCI IAH LGA MSP EWR AUS SNA HOU BUR DAL OAK BNA ONT LGB RDU SJC AZA ISP PTP PIE CDG ORY BVA Airports (http://www.supershuttle.com/)

If you take the bus to the Metrorail station, dress appropriately. You could be standing for up to 15 minutes or so on an outdoor platform waiting for the train.

[NWSRG]

Thanks for the advice folks...much appreciated!