Take the bus. Metrobus runs a D.C.-Dulles bus (5A) that originates at the airport and takes you to the L'Enfant Plaza Metro station in downtown D.C. It makes three other stops along the way. Proceed outside the airport at the departures level to the bus stop area. Look for signs for the 5A bus. Buses depart Dulles about every 40 to 50 minutes from 5:50 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. weekdays and about hourly from 6:32 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. weekends. The trip to or from L'Enfant Plaza takes about 50 minutes and costs $3.10, as of 2008. Cash only, exact change only. Once you arrive outside the Metro station, you can take the Metro or take a bus to your hotel or other destination.
Take the Metro. To get to the Metro, you must first take a Washington Flyer express bus. The Washington Flyer buses depart Dulles every 30 minutes starting at 5:45 a.m. weekdays and 7:45 a.m. weekends and holidays until 10:15 p.m. daily. The trip is 20 to 30 minutes and costs $9 one way, $16 round trip. Buses depart Dulles at Door 4 on the arrivals level of the main terminal.
Take a taxi. Fares will run approximately $60 to downtown Washington. Follow the signs inside the terminal on the arrivals level. The taxi line originates inside the terminal, not outside.
Take a shuttle service. SuperShuttle and other shuttle services can ferry you into the city for less than the cost of a taxi. Make a reservation in advance.
Hire a private car service. Arrangements should be made in advance. Confirm your reservation before boarding your flight to Washington.
