Help-Never flew out of Dulles before (Leesburg: taxi, live in, buses)

[cldwv]

Newbie to northern Virginia here and was hoping some of you kind folks would offer some advice about Dulles Airport (*frequent traveler-just never flew out of Dulles before).

I have a early Saturday morning flight out of Dulles (zone 4). I live in Leesburg, VA. Since I've never been to Dulles before, any advice about how early I should arrive, parking, etc?

[gomason]

Traffic won't be an issue at all.

If you're not checking bags, I would give myself 1.5 hours. If you are checking bags, 2ish. The economy lot is way cheaper than daily garages and a bus comes around like every 10 minutes. I didn't find it to be that inconvenient at all.

[Nate_VA]

Two hours should give you plenty of time. There are several parking options, but the long term lots are the cheapest. If you park in one of the garages, you can walk to the terminal instead of waiting for the economy lot shuttle bus.

Most airlines have their check-in counters in the main terminal building. You may want to check at which end of the building your airline's desk is located to limit the amount of walking you'll need to do. After check in you'll head downstairs to the security check points. After you get through security, you'll head to the train that will take you to your terminal.

Everything is well marked, and there are lots of people to ask for help if you need it.

[mikebnllnb]

Depending on how long you'll be away taking a Uber or taxi may be cheaper and faster.

[LoveAlbuquerque]

Keep in mind you may need to take a shuttle inside the airport to get to the gate A, B, C, D, etc. Plan for 30 minutes extra.

Another factor to consider is if you have someone who gives you a ride to the airport; otherwise plan for 30 minutes extra to park and take a shuttle bus.

The security line is relatively fast.

Normally without a ride - If it's domestic flight, plan to arrive 2 hours ahead of time; if it's international, be at the airport 2.5 hours ahead.

With a ride to get you to the door, it's 1.5 hours for domestic and 2 hours for international, respectively.

[wtdoor]

I've found the problem with the economy lot is catching a shuttle back to the lot, depending on the arrival tiime. I once waited an hour for a ride to the gold lot - I stopped multiple empty buses going to the other lots, only to be told they could only go to the designated area.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by wtdoor

I've found the problem with the economy lot is catching a shuttle back to the lot, depending on the arrival tiime. I once waited an hour for a ride to the gold lot - I stopped multiple empty buses going to the other lots, only to be told they could only go to the designated area.

I refuse to use the economy lots for this reason. The buses often times disappear.

[MedvedActual]

Originally Posted by wtdoor

I've found the problem with the economy lot is catching a shuttle back to the lot, depending on the arrival tiime. I once waited an hour for a ride to the gold lot - I stopped multiple empty buses going to the other lots, only to be told they could only go to the designated area.

Kinda the same issue I have had flying out of Regan when parking in economy lot. Thanks, but no thanks. Sorry, no input on Dulles, as I try to avoid that airport at all costs, being much much closer to Regan.

[kww]

valet right out front, worth it if you're only going to be gone a couple days.

[Vacanegro]

Originally Posted by mikebnllnb

Depending on how long you'll be away taking a Uber or taxi may be cheaper and faster.

I second this. I have had bad experiences with the economy lots at Dulles. On Sunday the airport should be very slow. I mostly paid for the close lots - so I could walk to the terminal.