Need Advice on Taxi vs Parking at Dulles

[boyd888]

Taking the metro from Alexandria to West Falls Church and then taking the Washington Flyer is the cheapest method (<$25 roundtrip).

For a seven day trip I would drive and park economy over Super Shuttle for the same price. When you arrive back and can be home in 30 minutes vs. waiting 30 minutes for the shuttle to fill and then another hour to drop everyone else off first...

$140 for a taxi is insane unless you are getting reimbursed for it. You could rent a car both ways for <$75 too.

[Carlingtonian]

I too have done economy parking at IAD and found it just fine. I did have a little trouble figuring out where to wait for the shuttle, but I'm early to everything, so it wasn't a problem.

[CapsChick]

Originally Posted by michgc

How about something in between like Super Shuttle? Longer than a taxi but the convenience of getting dropped at the door. Not sure of the cost.

The thing about Super Shuttle is they usually want to pick you up about 3 hours prior to your departure time. And you could be waiting a while for a return shuttle when you get back. That said, it is typically the most economical option.

[ChristineVA]

I never had any issues with Economy Parking at Dulles. There's always been a shuttle within 5 minutes and it's never been more than 5-10 getting to the terminal. For some reason, I always seem to end up in the Gold lot. I don't think that's the best one but it's never been a big deal. There's no way I'd spend $140 for cab fare unless parking was such a pain; however, it's not.

[FCNova]

I used economy parking for a weeklong trip last fall with no issues. I didn't find myself waiting very long for the shuttles. I'd do it again.

[spencgr]

I must be the only person who has (on multiple occasions) waited for 25-30 minutes for the shuttle in the economy lot as well as for the shuttle to take me back to the lot. I won't use economy at IAD anymore.

Daily lots 1 and 2 are, actually, not that close. Depending on what you are traveling with (lots of luggage, kids, golf clubs) this could be considered a hike.

Your BEST bet is to befriend someone who lives in Herndon, park at their house, and cab it from there. Cheap cab ride, easy commute, door to door service, no waits.

(My company has an office in Herndon, so I am lucky, and can park in the garage there and cab it in.)