- States:
- Virginia
Located just west of Washington, D.C., in Virginia, Washington Dulles International Airport offers more inbound overseas flights to the Capital Region than any other airport in the area.
If you find yourself with time to spare at the airport, take advantage of the close proximity to some of the region’s top attractions. Until construction of the airport’s Metro station is complete, travellers can ride the dedicated Silver Line Express bus between the airport and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station just minutes away, and connect to the Washington, D.C. Metro system of rail and bus service.
National Mall & Memorial Parks – Washington, D.C.
The most visited national park in the U.S. is home to iconic monuments and memorials such as the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials and the Washington Monument. The Mall is flanked by the popular Smithsonian museums including the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art. All of the sites along the Mall, including the Smithsonian Museums, are free to tour.
Getting there: Hour ride via Metro bus and rail or a 40-minute trip by car
A colorful crowd visiting the Lincoln Memorial
Manassas National Battlefield Park
This 5,000-acre park preserves the site of the Civil War’s First and Second Battles of Manassas (also known as the Battles of Bull Run). Drive or walk the trails of the scenic yet solemn battlefield where markers, monuments and memorials retell the history of the site. The Henry Hill Visitors Center features electronic battle maps, displays of equipment and battle memorabilia, and a film covering both battles.
Getting there: 20-minute drive by car
The rolling green landscape of Manassas National Battlefield Park
Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center
The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, directly adjacent to Washington Dulles Airport, is the companion site to Washington, D.C.’s National Air and Space Museum. The facilities’ two huge hangars house thousands of aviation and space artefacts including the space shuttle Discovery, Gemini VII space capsule and Boeing B-29 Enola Gay. Simulators and theatres provide breath-taking experiences without leaving the ground while the museum’s observation tower allows visitors to watch planes landing at Dulles Airport. Free admission.
Getting there: From Dulles Airport Ground Transportation Level, take Fairfax Connector No. 983 one stop to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.
Viewing the Space Shuttle Discovery at The National Air and Space Museum
Mount Vernon
The faithfully restored plantation home of America’s first president, George Washington, features commanding views of the Potomac River. Tour the mansion and gardens as well as the museum featuring 23 galleries and theatres, more than 700 artefacts and interactive displays.
Getting there: 45-minute drive by car
Aerial view of stately Mount Vernon
Shopping Destinations
After perusing the variety of high-end retail outlets the airport has to offer, shoppers can ride the Silver Line Metrorail to Tysons Corner Center – home to the largest concentration of shopping on the east coast outside of Manhattan. For big bargains from brand name retailers, head to the Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets.
Getting there: Tysons Corner Center is a one hour ride by Metrorail and bus or a 20-minute drive by car. Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets is a 20-minute drive by car or an hour ride by bus.
Tysons Galleria shopping mall lit up at night
About Washington Dulles International Airport
Just 42 kilometers west of Washington, D.C., Washington Dulles International Airport is centrally located in the Capital Region USA and convenient to all destinations and activities across Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland. Nonstop flights to Washington Dulles International Airport from major destinations worldwide make getting here easy.
The Dulles Silver Line Express Bus ready to shuttle visitors around the area
