How to get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA

Justine Mellor

November 2, 2023

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

Alternatively, the cheapest option is the subway, costing just $6 (€5.65) and taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach your final destination. You can also take a combination of buses, although the bus you’ll need to take from the airport only leaves once a day at 13:05, making this option quite inconvenient if you don’t arrive around that time.

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

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups	€115	35min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€92	35min	24/7
Subway	€12	90min	04:59–00:08
Bus	€28	130min	05:29–14:02

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

Taking a taxi from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA is definitely the fastest and most comfortable choice, albeit the only direct one. Washington Flyer Taxicabs serve Washington Dulles International Airport 24/7. The journey takes just 35 minutes depending on traffic and the airport’s official provider charges around $92 (€86.50).

How much is a shuttle from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA?

Washington Dulles Airport taxis calculate fares using a taximeter, based on the distance and length of your trip. The average cost of a taxi from IAD Airport to Alexandria, VA is around $92 (€86.50). Keep in mind that an airport surcharge and tolls will be applied to your final fare.

For a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, pre-book a private shuttle 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.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Dulles Airport.

Where do I get it from?

Follow the signs for Ground Transportation or Taxi to the lower level of the Terminal.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA is by far the most hassle-free option, allowing you to avoid messing around with public transport. The ride is quick, comfortable and takes you door-to-door.

Editor’s Note

If you want to get to your destination speedily upon landing and avoid hidden fees, 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 Airport to Alexandria, VA by subway

Taking the subway from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA is a great option. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs just $6 (€5.65), making it a fantastic budget choice.

There is no direct line to Alexandria, so expect at least one changeover. 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”.

You can then take the Blue Line towards “Franconia-Springfield”. The ride is a mere 20 minutes and you can get off at “King Street Metro Station” in central Alexandria.

How much is the subway from IAD Airport to Alexandria, VA?

Fares for the Metrorail vary depending on the service and your final destination. Nevertheless, you’ll pay $6 (€5.65) for your subway ticket from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA.

Tickets cost just $2 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 Metrorail stations, or from certain commuter stores and retail outlets.

Cost

$6 (€5.65)

Trip Duration

90 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 subway from?

Washington Dulles Airport is connected to the airport station via a pedestrian tunnel, taking around 5-7 minutes to get to by foot.

Convenience

Whilst taking the subway is a great budget-friendly option, the journey isn’t direct, as it involves two different subway lines. If you’d rather not deal with multiple changeovers and lugging heavy suitcases up and down platforms, we recommend taking a taxi or private transfer for a seamless arrival.

Timetables

MetroRail Schedules

Journey Planner

Fares

Editor’s Note

You can also take the Silver Line to L'Enfant Plaza, and then hop on the Yellow Line to King St-Old Town Station.

Useful Tips

Pack light, as you'll need to navigate bus and subway transfers.

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.

Getting from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria by bus

You can also use the shuttle bus services to get to Alexandria. The route includes two buses and the journey takes just over 2 hours, making it the longest trip compared to all other options.

Virginia Breeze provides the Valley Flyer bus service, which you can take from Dulles Airport to West Falls Church Metro Station. You’ll need to get on the Northbound Blacksburg – Washington DC Line, which takes approximately 35 minutes.

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 bus from IAD Airport to Alexandria, VA

You’ll need to purchase two tickets when travelling by shuttle bus from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA. 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

130 Min

The Valley Flyer departs just once a day. 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 services are located at Curb 2A at the airport.

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 northbound and one southbound service every day, making it quite inconvenient if you don’t arrive around the departure time. For a quick and easy transfer, we recommend taking a taxi or private transfer.

Timetables

Blacksburg - Washington DC Schedule

28A Schedule

Editor’s Note

Day passes are also available for the Metrobuses.

Useful Tips

You’re allowed one piece of luggage up to [20kg/50lbs] and one small piece of hand luggage on Virginia Breeze services.

Pack light, as you'll need to navigate bus and subway transfers.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Washington d.c.. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€115.0

NIGHTTIME

€138.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How can I get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria VA?

You can choose between four main options when travelling from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA; taxi, private transfer, subway, 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, although 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)?

Alexandria is 53 km away from Dulles International Airport, taking around 35 minutes by car.

What’s the cost of a taxi from Dulles Airport to Alexandria VA?

Dulles Airport taxis use a taximeter based on the distance travelled to calculate final fares. The estimated cost of a taxi from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA is around $92 (€86.50). An airport surcharge and tolls will be added to your final fare. For the peace of mind of a competitive fixed fare with no hidden fees, pre-book a private shuttle with Welcome Pickups.

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

How much is a shuttle from Dulles Airport to Alexandria, VA?

Cost

$92 (€86.50)

Trip Duration

35 Min

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Dulles Airport.

Where do I get it from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

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

How much is the subway from IAD Airport to Alexandria, VA?

Cost

$6 (€5.65)

Trip Duration

90 Min

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 subway from?

Convenience

Timetables

MetroRail Schedules

Journey Planner

Fares

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Getting from Washington Dulles Airport to Alexandria by bus

How much is the bus from IAD Airport to Alexandria, VA

Cost

$14 (€13.18)

Trip Duration

130 Min

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?

Convenience

Timetables

Blacksburg - Washington DC Schedule

28A Schedule

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Dulles Airport to Alexandria VA?

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

What’s the cost of a taxi from Dulles Airport to Alexandria VA?

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