Getting from Dulles Airport to Union Station

Dulles Airport is located about 46.5 km from Union Station. Travelers have four transport options to get from Dulles Airport to Union Station, including a Dulles Airport taxi or private transfer, the metro, or the Virginia Breeze Bus. Selecting a Dulles Airport transfer or taxi ensures a smooth, private journey that gets you to your hotel in around 40 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take the train, which involves two legs with a transfer in between and takes about 1 hour. Another option when traveling from Washington Union Station to Dulles Airport is the Virginia Breeze Bus, a direct service that takes roughly 45 minutes and drops you right outside Union Station.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Washington DC at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€60	40min	24/7
Metro	€11.60	55min	05:00–00:00
Bus	€25.60	45min	13:05–17:35
Welcome Airport Transfer	€110	40min	24/7

How to get the train from Dulles Airport to Union Station

Those who want to take the metro train from Dulles to Union Station can do so by first riding the Silver Line Metro to the Metro Center Station and then switching to the Red Line to take the train to Union Station. You’ll be able to walk to the metro station as it’s connected to the main airport terminal. The total train journey will take about 1 hour, but it can vary depending on departure times.

How much is the train from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

Ticket prices for traveling from Dulles to Union Station by train depend on the time of day. Any trip during the week from 05:00 to 21:30 costs $6.75 (€5.80). Fare prices are lowered to $2.50 (€2.10) after 21:30, as are trips that take place over the weekend. When you arrive at the station at Dulles Airport, you can purchase your tickets for the train. However, there’s also an option to buy them via the SmarTrip app, which can also be used for your return from Washington, DC, Union Station to Dulles Airport.

Cost

$6.75 (€5.80)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

The Silver Line Metro runs every 10 to 15 minutes, while the Red Line runs every 4 to 10 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Rail and metro lines in DC operate at different times depending on the day. The schedule is as follows: Monday to Thursday from 05:00 to 00:00, Friday from 05:00 to 02:00, Saturday from 06:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 06:00 to 00:00.

Where do I get the train from?

After entering the Arrivals Hall at Dulles Airport, look out for the signs for the metro station near the escalator, follow them, and you’ll reach the station within five minutes, where you can take the train to Union Station.

Convenience

The train from Dulles International Airport to Union Station isn’t the most convenient mode of transport, as it requires two trips. Nevertheless, if you’re trying to save money, it’s a budget-friendly option worth availing of, especially for solo travelers.

Timetables

WMATA Trip Planner

Editor’s Note

The train offers a cost-effective way to travel to Union Station.

Useful Tips

Purchasing a SmarTrip Card on arrival can provide discounts in certain situations.

To stay up-to-date on delays and disruptions, you can register for alerts on the official WMATA website.

Passengers can bring as much luggage as they like on board without paying extra.

On weekends, trains don’t run as often.

How to get the bus from Dulles Airport to Union Station

Virginia Breeze (run by MegaBus) operates buses from Dulles Airport to Union Station, and the average travel time is 45 minutes. However, certain routes may take longer if they have additional stops; this is the same case when figuring out how to get from Washington Union Station to Dulles Airport.

How much is the bus from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

Bus tickets for trips between Dulles Airport and Union Station start from $14.99 (€12.80) with an additional booking fee of $3.99 (€3.40). Travelers can purchase their tickets in advance on the Megabus website, which coordinates services with Virginia Breeze.

Cost

$14.99 (€12.80)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

There are only three daily bus departures from Dulles Airport.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Buses operate from Dulles Airport to Union Station from 13:05 to 17:35.

Where do I get the bus from?

All Virginia Breeze Bus services depart from Curb 2A across from the main passenger terminal, where the ‘Virginia Breeze’ sign is located.

Convenience

Since there are only three bus departures to Union Station within a limited timeframe, passengers have minimal flexibility, making it the least convenient option. However, it can be a good choice if you arrive close to a scheduled departure, as it drops you directly at Union Station. It’s also commonly used by travelers returning from Washington, DC, Union Station to Dulles Airport.

Timetables

Virginia Breeze Bus

Editor’s Note

Buses to Union Station are an excellent option if your flight lands in the afternoon.

Useful Tips

Passengers should be at the bus stop ahead of time.

You may bring one large suitcase plus a piece of hand luggage.

These Virginia Breeze buses can be tracked on the Megabus website.

If traveling with a baby, you'll also need to buy a ticket for them.

How to get an airport transfer from Dulles Airport to Union Station

If you would rather have your own personal driver greet you on arrival and take you to Union Station without delay, then a transfer from Dulles Airport to Union Station is what you need. Companies like Welcome Pickups provide an exclusive transfer service which puts passengers front and center and gives them a wealth of benefits such as:

Professional English-speaking drivers
24/7 support
Flight monitoring
Fixed fares
Personalized meet and greets

One of the great things is that you can arrange your Washington Airport transfer beforehand, eliminating the need to organize anything when you land. After you receive a specialized meet and greet, your driver will bring you straight to Union Station, while giving you a rundown of what to expect in the city, so you can thoroughly enjoy your time in DC.

How much is a private transfer from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

A key benefit that passengers receive with a Dulles Airport transfer is fixed fare prices provided upfront, instead of relying on a taximeter. This allows you to pay for your fare in advance without needing to hand over any cash.

Private transfers from Dulles Airport to Union Station are priced at $128.50 (€110) for a sedan car, while minivans for larger groups of up to 12 people cost $179.90 (€154).

All trips can be organized on our website or app by providing your flight and personal details. Within minutes, you’ll receive your quote. This is the final amount you’ll pay, with no additional airport surcharges, unlike those you must pay with a taxi.

Cost

$128.50 (€110)

Trip Duration

40 Min.

A private transfer ensures a relaxed trip without any issues.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available from Dulles Airport (IAD) 24/7.

Where do I get my private transfer from?

When you touch down in Dulles Airport, you won’t have to go looking for the taxi rank because your driver will already be in the Arrivals Hall, ready to greet you, holding a poster that has your name written on it. Following your meet and greet, they’ll direct you to their vehicle, and then you’ll make your way towards Union Station.

Convenience

Private transfers provide more convenience and flexibility than you won’t get with a standard taxi. You’ll receive a personalized service that comes with numerous perks, including on-time pickup, fixed fares, and a variety of vehicle options to suit your party. By traveling this way, you’ll arrive at Union Station relaxed and prepared for the day ahead.

Editor’s Note

Suitable for business travelers and families seeking a seamless ride to Union Station.

Useful Tips

Booster seats can be supplied when requested.

Small groups will prefer our sedans, which can accommodate up to 3 people, while our minivans are best suited for groups of up to 12 people.

Any passenger who would like to leave a tip for their driver can do it through our app.

Before your departure date, you'll get an email with all of your driver details.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

Yes, there’s a metro/train system that links Dulles Airport and Union Station. First, take the Silver Line Metro to the Metro Center Station, and from there, you can transfer to the Red Line, which will drop you off at Union Station.

How do I get from Union Station to Washington, D.C. to Dulles Airport?

There are four main transportation options from Washington Dulles Airport to Union Station, including taxi, private transfer, train, and bus. A taxi or private transfer can take as little as 40 minutes in light traffic. Traveling by train takes around 55 minutes with one change, while the direct bus journey lasts about 45 minutes, depending on the route.

How much is the train from Dulles to Union Station DC?

The train tickets from Dulles Airport to Union Station cost $6.75 (€5.80) when traveling between 05:00 and 21:30 and $2.50 (€2.10) after 21:30, as well as on weekends.

Does DC Metro connect to Union Station?

Yes, the DC Metro connects to Union Station. The first part of the trip is on the Silver Line, after which you switch to the Red Line train to reach Union Station.

Is there a shuttle from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

There’s no official shuttle service from Dulles Airport to Union Station. However, some private companies, such as Welcome Pickups, provide shuttle services at a fixed price.

Adam Ryan

Adam is a travel writer with a soft spot for strange borders, street foods he can’t pronounce, and sleeper trains. He’s aiming to visit every country in the world, but somehow keeps ending up back in Southeast Asia.

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How to get the train from Dulles Airport to Union Station

How much is the train from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

$6.75 (€5.80)

60 Min.

Rail and metro lines in DC operate at different times depending on the day. The schedule is as follows: Monday to Thursday from 05:00 to 00:00, Friday from 05:00 to 02:00, Saturday from 06:00 to 02:00, and Sunday from 06:00 to 00:00.

Where do I get the train from?

Convenience

Timetables

WMATA Trip Planner

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get the bus from Dulles Airport to Union Station

How much is the bus from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

$14.99 (€12.80)

45 Min.

Buses operate from Dulles Airport to Union Station from 13:05 to 17:35.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Virginia Breeze Bus

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get an airport transfer from Dulles Airport to Union Station

How much is a private transfer from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

$128.50 (€110)

40 Min.

Private transfers are available from Dulles Airport (IAD) 24/7.

Where do I get my private transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

Is there a metro from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

How do I get from Union Station to Washington, D.C. to Dulles Airport?

How much is the train from Dulles to Union Station DC?

Does DC Metro connect to Union Station?

Is there a shuttle from Dulles Airport to Union Station?

Adam Ryan

The best way to arrive in Washington DC

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