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Getting from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA

There are four main transport options for those wanting to travel from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA: taxi, private transfer, metro, or bus. The quickest and most comfortable option is to take a taxi or private Washington Airport transfer, as the door-to-door journey will take just 35 minutes. 

The cheapest transfer option is to take the metro train from Dulles to Alexandria, VA. However, the journey won’t be direct. You will first need to take the Silver Line to Rosslyn Metro Station in the center of Washington, then take the Blue Line metro to Alexandria. Your final and slowest option is to take the bus to Alexandria. This journey isn’t direct and will require moving from a private bus company to a local public bus, which can be time-consuming and stressful. It’s also important to note that the bus from Dulles Airport only leaves once a day at 13:05, making this transfer option quite inconvenient if you don’t arrive around that time.

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 Action
Taxi €92 35min 24/7
Silver + Blue Line Metro €12 90min 04:59–00:08
Valley Flyer + 28A Bus €28 130min 05:29–14:02
Welcome Airport Transfer €113 35min 24/7

How to get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA by taxi

Taking a taxi from Dulles to Alexandria, VA is one of  the fastest and most comfortable choices. Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve Washington Dulles International Airport 24/7 and you can expect the direct door-to-door journey to take just 35 minutes to reach your hotel in Alexandria. 

*The Dulles Airport taxi rank is located just outside of the Arrivals Hall of the Main Terminal building.

How much is a taxi from Dulles to Alexandria, VA?

Washington Dulles Airport taxis calculate fares using a taximeter, based on the distance and length of your trip. You can expect a base fare of $3.50 USD (€3) and a price per mile of $2.16 USD (€2). There will also be an airport surcharge of  $5 (€4.75) and any toll fees added to your fare.

The average cost of a taxi from Dulles to Alexandria, VA is around $92 (€86.50)

For a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, you can always pre-book a private ride with Welcome Pickups and enjoy the luxury of a personalised, top-rated, door-to-door service.

Cost

$92 (€86.50)

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*You can always pre book your airport transfer in advance for a fixed fare.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Dulles Airport.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi to the lower level of the Terminal. You will then see a line of cars waiting at the official Dulles Airport taxi rank located just outside of the Arrivals Hall. 

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Dulles to Alexandria, VA is a direct, comfortable and private way to travel. You won’t have to worry about navigating the city streets or carrying your luggage through different metro and bus stations. However, during peak travel times, there may be up to a 15 minute wait for a taxi from the Dulles Airport rank. 

Editor’s Note

If you want to get to your destination speedily, while avoid hidden fees and long wait times, we recommend pre-booking a private transfer.

Useful Tips

Make sure your driver resets the taximeter to the base fare and appropriate tariff before you begin your journey.
Tipping your Washington DC shuttle driver is customary, you can tip 15% to 20% of the final fare.
All tolls must be paid by the customer.
Charged wait time begins 5 minutes after the time of arrival at a pick-up location.

How to get from Dulles to Alexandria, VA by metro

Taking the metro train from Dulles to Alexandria, VA is a great option for those traveling on a budget. The total journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, but it does require one change in the center of Washington DC.

First, you’ll need to head to Dulles Airport Station, which is just a 5 minute walk from the Arrivals Terminal. From there, you can hop on the Silver Line towards “Largo”, taking 45 minutes to reach “Rosslyn Metro Station”.  in Rosslyn Station, you will then take the Blue Line towards “Franconia-Springfield”, and you can get off at “King Street Metro Station” in central Alexandria.

How much is the Dulles to Alexandria, VA train?

Fares for the Metrorail train vary depending on the service and your final destination. When taking the two metro trains from Dulles to Alexandria, VA, you can expect to pay $6 (€5.65)

Tickets cost just $2 (€1.60) if you’re travelling on weekends, or between 21:30 and 05:00 on weekdays.

*You can purchase tickets using the SmarTrip app on your mobile, from vending machines in the airport and Metrorail stations, or from certain commuter stores and retail outlets.

Cost

$6 (€5.65)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 30 Min.

The Silver Line and Blue Line departs every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12-15 minutes off-peak.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Metrorail at Dulles Airport Station operates from 04:59 to 23:08 (Mon-Thurs), 04:59-00:08 (Fri), 06:59-00:08 (Sat), and 06:59-23:08 (Sun).

Where do I get the metro from?

Washington Dulles Airport  has a dedicated metro station. From the Arrivals Hall, you can reach the airport station via a pedestrian tunnel, taking around 5-7 minutes by foot. Signs are clearly marked from Baggage Claim. 

Convenience

Whilst taking the metro is a budget-friendly option, the journey isn’t direct, and can be extremely stressful if you are traveling with large luggage items or young children. Plus, once you reach the center of Alexandria, you will need to find alternate transport to reach your hotel, adding more time and even cost to your journey. 

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling with large luggage items or small children, taking a private transfer is recommended for you comfort.

Useful Tips

Pack light, as you'll need to navigate bus and subway transfers and there's limited luggage storage on the metro trains.
If you plan on using the Metrorail or Metrobus systems frequently throughout your stay, you can purchase a 1-day pass ($13), a 3-day pass ($28) and a 7-day pass ($58).
Reduced fares are available for qualifying seniors and people with disabilities.
Children under the age of 4 can travel for free on the metro with a full fare paying adult.
Wi-Fi is available in most metro stations, to help you stay connected during your journey.
On the weekends, the fare reduces to $2 (€1.60) per ride.

Getting from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria by bus

For another budget friendly transfer, you can take a Dulles to Alexandria, Va shuttle bus. However, the route includes a bus change in the center of Washington, and the journey takes just over 2 hours, making it the longest journey. 

First, you will need to take the Valley Flyer bus service from Dulles Airport to West Falls Church Metro Station. You’ll need to get on the Northbound Blacksburg – Washington DC Valley Flyer Line, which takes approximately 35 minutes to reach the city center. From West Falls Church, you can hop on the 28A bus straight to King St-Old Town Station / Bus Bay C in central Alexandria.

How much is the Dulles to Alexandria VA shuttle bus?

To get the bus from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, you’ll need to purchase two separate tickets. Tickets for the Valley Flyer to West Falls Church cost approximately $12 (11.30) and tickets for the 28A local bus cost around $2 (1.88)

All in all, you’ll pay $14 (€13.18) for the bus from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA.

*You can purchase tickets for the Valley Flyer at the airport or online in advance. Tickets for the local Metrobus can be purchased using the SmarTrip app on your mobile, from vending machines in Metrorail stations, or certain commuter stores and retail outlets.

Cost

$14 (€13.18)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 10 Min.

The Valley Flyer departs just once a day at 13:05. The 28A Metrobus operates between 05:29 and 02:02.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The Valley Flyer departs once a day at 13:05 from Dulles Airport. The 28A Metrobus departs every 10-12 minutes.

Where do I get the bus from?

Virginia Breeze bus services are located at Curb 2A at Dulles Airport. once in the city center of Washington DC, you wil find the 28A Metrobus outside of West Falls Church. 

Convenience

Whilst taking the bus is a great value-for-money option, having to change modes of transport and dealing with waiting times can make it less convenient. Plus, there is only one Valley Flyer bus service from Dulles Airport every day, making it quite inconvenient if you don’t arrive around the departure time. All in all, taking the bus is the least convenient transfer available form Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA. 

Editor’s Note

Day passes are also available for the Metrobuses if you plan on traveling on the buses while in VA.

Useful Tips

You’re allowed one piece of luggage up to [20kg/50lbs] and one small piece of hand luggage on the Valley Flyer bus.
Due to the bus changed and walking needed, we suggest packing light.
Children under the age of 4 can travel for free on the bus when with a full-fare paying adult.
Bus tickets can be purchased in cash in USD or by card.

How to get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria by private transfer

The quickest and most relaxing way to get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria is to take a private Washington Airport transfer. Instead of walking around looking for the taxi rank, you can enjoy a fully personalized meet-and-greet inside the airport or at a location of your choosing. Having to rely on a taxi metered price and being chocked by additional fees is also a thing of the past, as all private transfer prices are fixed, with no hidden costs. If you choose to book your transfer from Dulles to Alexandria VA with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups, you can also enjoy plenty of traveler-first benefits such as:

  • Trained, English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support
  • Flexible cancellation

What's the cost of a private transfer from Dulles to Alexandria VA?

Nothing gives you peace of mind like knowing you have pre-paid your transfer for a fixed and competitive cost before you even land in Washington. When booking a private transfer,  all prices are fixed and have no surcharges, hidden extra costs, or price spikes when you book your transfer in advance. Plus, booking with Welcome Pickups gives you up to 1 hour of free wait time.

The cost of a private transfer from Dulles to Alexandria VA for 3 people will be $113, while a larger vehicle, for up to 6 people will cost $187.

You can easily book your transfer online or through our dedicated app. Simply input your journey information, choose your travel extras, and receive a fixed quote in seconds.

Cost

$113

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*pre-book your transfer from Dulles to Alexandria VA for a seamless ride.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from Dulles Airport.

Where do I find a private transfer?

Sp you don’t have to wander around looking for the taxi rank, you can enjoy a personalized meet-and-greet inside Dulles Airport. Your driver will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name on it in the Arrivals Hall.

After a warm greeting, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and will lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

Choosing to take a private transfer from Dulles to Alexandria is the most stress-free and seamless way to travel. You can enjoy a competitive fixed fare, 24/7 customer service, guaranteed on-time pickups, and up to 1 hour of free wait time, should you experience any unexpected delays. Due to their convenience and speed, these door-to-door transfers are especially popular with business travelers and those with young families.

Editor’s Note

For a transfer with zero wait times, we suggest pre-booking your rides.

Useful Tips

Sedans can fit up to 3 passengers, while our spacious minivans can seat up to 6.
Tipping your driver isn't obligatory, however, you can add a small tip through our app if you wish.
All airport transfers come with up to 1 hour of free waiting time.
Baby seats are available upon request.
Our customer service team is available 24/7, or you can reach out to your driver directly on WhatsApp.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria?

You can choose between four main options when travelling from Dulles to Alexandria, VA; taxi, private transfer, metro, or bus. The quickest and easiest option is to take a Dulles Airport taxi or private transfer, taking just 35 minutes to reach your final destination. You can also take the subway for $6 (€5.65) and get there in 1 hour and 30 minutes. Finally, you can take a combination of buses. However, the bus you’ll need to take from the airport only leaves once a day, making this the least convenient choice.

How far is Alexandria from Dulles International Airport (IAD)?

The Dulles Airport to Alexandria VA distance is 53 km, taking around 35 minutes by car.

Is there a train from Dulles Airport to Alexandria?

Yes, you can take the metro from Dulles to Alexandria in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. First you will take the Silver Line to Rosslyn Metro Station, then take the Blue Line metro to Alexandria. 

How do I get from DC to Alexandria without a car?

If you don’t have a car in Washington, you still have plenty of ways to get to Alexandria. You can take a taxi or private transfer in 35 minutes, the metro in 1 hour and 30 minutes, or the buses in around 2 hours.

Fern Coll

Fern is originally from England, but her love of travel led her to lay roots in Mexico. She’s a business owner and published author with a passion for storytelling. Fern specialises in travel content, helping brands connect with audiences through engaging writing.

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