Dulles to Reagan National (IAD ↔ DCA): Every Way to Get Between DC's Airports
Updated: Sep 27
Washington has two main airports, and they're farther apart than most travelers expect. Dulles (IAD) is out in Loudoun County. Reagan National (DCA) sits on the Potomac, right across from downtown. That's roughly 26–28 miles of highway, and some of the region's worst traffic, between them.
Maybe your flight got moved from one airport to the other. Maybe you booked a cheap fare into Dulles and a flight home from National. Or maybe you have a tight connection on separate tickets. We drive this route a lot, so here's every real option with honest times and costs. (For rides to Dulles from anywhere else, see our Dulles airport transportation guide.)
Quick comparison
Metro (Silver + Blue Line): Typical time: 65–75 min; Typical cost: $2.25–$6.75 per person; Best for: Solo travelers with light bags and time to spare
Uber / Lyft: Typical time: 45–80 min; Typical cost: Varies a lot with surge; Best for: Short notice, off-peak hours
Airport taxi (meter): Typical time: 45–80 min; Typical cost: Often $85+ plus tip; Best for: When you haven't planned ahead
Pre-booked taxi / car service: Typical time: 45–80 min; Typical cost: Flat rate, quoted up front; Best for: Families, groups, tight connections, early flights
Times and costs from Travelers Aid at Reagan National and WMATA fares. Traffic between 3 and 7 p.m. can push drive times toward the high end.
"Is there a shuttle from DCA to IAD?"
This is one of the most common questions we get. There's no scheduled public shuttle bus between the two airports right now. Your options are Metro, a taxi or rideshare, or a pre-booked car or van. For groups, a private van works like your own shuttle: one vehicle, one price, everyone's bags. (More on that below.)
Option 1: Metro (cheapest, slowest)
Route: Blue Line from Reagan National toward Largo/Downtown → change at Rosslyn → Silver Line toward Ashburn → Washington Dulles International Airport station. (Going the other way, just reverse it.)
Time: About 65–75 minutes, plus waits and the walk to each terminal
Cost: $2.25–$6.75 on weekdays before 9:30 p.m.; $2.25–$2.50 at night and on weekends (WMATA). Tap a SmarTrip card or your phone at the gates.
At Dulles: The station connects to the Main Terminal through an indoor tunnel with moving walkways. (Dulles FAQ)
Watch out: trains don't run all night, and a transfer with big suitcases on a crowded rush-hour train is no fun. Check WMATA for hours before you count on Metro for an early flight.
Option 2: Uber or Lyft
At DCA: Terminal 1 riders meet their ride on the third (outer) curb. Terminal 2 riders go to the Baggage Claim (Arrivals) level, outer curb. (Reagan National ground transportation)
At IAD: 3rd curb outside Baggage Claim, Doors 2, 4 or 6 (full details in our Dulles airport pickup guide)
Rideshare is convenient, but it's a gamble on a long trip at a busy time. Surge pricing between two airports at rush hour can cost more than a pre-booked flat rate. We break down the numbers in Taxi vs. Uber to Dulles Airport.
Option 3: The airport taxi line
Both airports have cab lines outside baggage claim. The fare runs on the meter, so traffic makes it go up. Travelers Aid at DCA estimates $85 or more plus tip for the ride to Dulles in light traffic. (Travelers Aid) Want to see how the Dulles meter works? Here are the Washington Flyer taxi rates.
Option 4: A pre-booked taxi or car service
A pre-booked Dulles taxi or IAD airport car service is the least stressful option, and usually the smart one when:
You're on separate tickets and can't afford a surprise
You have kids. We bring infant and toddler car seats for $9 each.
You're a group. Our SUVs, minivans and 15-passenger Dulles airport shuttle turn into your own IAD ↔ DCA shuttle.
Your flight is early or late, when trains and rideshare are least reliable
You get a flat rate before you ride, your driver tracks your arriving flight, and the price doesn't change if you hit traffic on the Beltway.
How much time do you need between flights?
If you're changing airports on separate tickets, give yourself at least 4–5 hours between landing at one airport and taking off from the other. That covers deplaning, bags, the 45–80 minute drive, and security. International arrivals at Dulles need even more, because customs can take an hour on its own. On the same ticket, the airline usually handles an airport change for you, so check with them first.
A situation we see a lot: A family of four lands at Reagan National from Chicago at 1:30 p.m. Their international flight leaves Dulles at 6:10 on a separate ticket. Metro with two car seats and four suitcases isn't realistic, and rush hour starts around 3. With a pre-booked van, the car seats are already in, the driver is waiting at baggage claim, and they're checking in at Dulles with time left for dinner.
FAQ: getting between Dulles and Reagan National
How far is Dulles from Reagan National?
About 26–28 miles by road. Expect 45 minutes in light traffic and 80 or more at rush hour.
Can I get an IAD taxi straight to Reagan National?
Yes. The cab line at Dulles will take you, and you pay the meter. Or book an IAD taxi ahead for a flat rate.
Is there a shuttle from Dulles to Reagan National?
There's no scheduled public shuttle. You can take Metro (Silver + Blue Lines, change at Rosslyn), a taxi or rideshare, or a pre-booked car or group van.
What's the cheapest way from IAD to DCA?
Metro, at $2.25–$6.75 per person. It takes over an hour and involves a transfer.
How much is an Uber from Dulles to Reagan National?
It varies with demand. Check the app at the time, and compare it with a flat-rate pre-booked taxi, which is often the same or less at peak times.
Can you book a taxi from DCA to Dulles in advance?
Yes. Dulles Taxi Service offers pre-scheduled rides between Reagan National and Dulles with flight tracking. Book online or call 703-589-0846.
Related reading
Changing airports? We'll get you there
Dulles Taxi Service (formerly Dulles Flyer Taxi) is an independent, pre-scheduled Dulles airport taxi and car service covering IAD, Reagan National, Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. We're available 24/7, charge flat rates with no surge pricing, and offer senior and veteran discounts.
Or call or text: 703-589-0846
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