Some restaurant options beyond central gate entrance area. Prices reasonable at about typical restaurant levels so long as you don’t buy food or snack from newsstands at inflated prices.
The airport is what you would call 1960's futuristic. The facility was intended for usage of mobile lounges but now has been converted into a facility much like airports of today.
The airport is deceivingly large. Be sure to add a little extra time if you are flying out of the D gates as the busses run a little slower than the trams.
If arriving on an ESTA with a passport previously used with ESTA, using machines = much quicker immigration process. Baggage handling is often slow. Your bag may appear on the floor next to the belt.
If you are hungry before or after your flight, go to California Burrito. They have food options for everyone. I am vegan and they have a veganburrito that's delicious!
To get to C concourse, take the people mover to concourse D and then walk to your C gate. Likely same or less walking and no trains, escalators or stairs.
Big hub for United. International arrivals is a bit confusing if you have a connecting flight, but get to your flight. Very busy airport and crowded. Shopping and eating areas are limited.
Dulles is the largest airport for no discernible reason I have ever visited. There are several restaurant options, and the airport is nice enough. It is a huge airport, though.
No road signs tell you how to Econ Parking from Departure zones. Take Daily Lot 1 Exit, go past it, make a right, next right, next left, then watch for road signs on right. Near gas & fire stations.
The story goes: George Washington (middle name Dulles) built this airport out of cherrytrees and freedom during the Great Depression. The movie Soul Plane provides a historically accurate portrayal.
COSI is the best place to grab something quick for breakfast. Reasonable pricing for an airport, and the croissant sandwiches are huge and are very good!
The "diamond lane" tip in the baggage claim is not always open, so don't depend on it. From start to finish, it took us 46 minutes (timed by my iPhone) to get through security and to our gate in C.
The new AeroTrain between terminals is slower than the "mobile lounge" by 10 mins; You can still take the mobile lounge. If in C/D across from gate D14. On the other side between A/B concourse (A8)
If you are taking a flight that will mean you need to pass through security before 5am...get there extra early. The beefed up Security crew doesn't come online till about 5am!
Arrived safely at 10 am, 29th Sept 2012 after 24 hoursflight =) No need to worry about transport from airport to other places as there were many public transport waiting outside.
If you take United and get stuck overnight (very likely with United) make sure you pick up an overnight lot from them. Check their luggage claim office.
Please make sure your traveling dogs are trained. Not fun having 3 dogs getting into a barking contest in the main terminal. Other than that it’s a gorgeous terminal.
Travel is a great excuse to clean out your purse! Getting rid of clutter in your carry-on bag will allow Transportation Security Officers to get a clear X-ray of your bag and save you time.
If you're flying in or out of the Washington Dulles International Airport, we are your best alternative for parking at rates much lower than onsite IAD airportparking. Read more