I have read about the 5A bus that goes to L'fnt Plza to IAD and see the schedule on Metro's web site, but one thing I have been looking for, but can't find is where specifically at Dulles the bus arrives / departs.

Can anyone who has used it identify where you get dropped off / picked up? and any other comments you have on pros or cons of using it.

(I do mean the MetroBus, not the WashingtonFlyer from falls church.)

Thanks
TMAYER

It's where the parking lot and rental car shuttles pick up people. I think that the stop may be toward the end of the line, but there are signs.

I've used it a couple of times going to the airport, but never the other way around. It's pretty convenient and cheaper than the WashingtonFlyer, Supershuttle or a cab. It only runs every hour though so if you miss it you'd have to wait a while or take one of the other options. As has been said, it drops off/picks up by the rental and parking lot shuttles down toward the United end of the terminal. It also stops at the Rosslyn metro station which, depending on where you're headed in the city, might be more convenient.

Thanks for the info

Cost is $3 one-way......it will make a few other stops before it gets to Rosslyn such as a parking lot/garage in Reston and bus stop/s in Tysons but these are only a few mins or less

The curb position is 2E, as noted on towards the eastern (United) end of the main terminal. The bus stop sign is not very large, but the overhead directions at the entrance to the curb do specify "Metrobus."

I took the 5A bus yesterday, and the fleet has now been upgraded...all the new buses have luggage racks, padded seats, and reading lights. Last time I used the 5A (about a year ago) the bus looked like any ordinary Metrobus, with no room for luggage except the aisles.

If you time it right and don't have to wait an hour for the next bus, it seems just as fast as the Washington Flyer bus/metro combination if going to Rosslyn or L'Enfant....and much cheaper. The 5A is very crowded, though, so don't bring a lot of luggage even if you plan to use the racks.

I took the 5A bus yesterday, and the fleet has now been upgraded...all the new buses have luggage racks, padded seats, and reading lights.

Noticed an upgraded 5A for the first time outside L'Enfant on Friday - glad to know it wasn't a fluke. It looked to be a similar set-up to the BWI bus. Still won't help the crowding problem, though.

- How far is it from the 5A bus stop to the United domestic terminal?
- How far is it from the Washington Flyer bus stop to the United domestic terminal?

Thank you!

- How far is it from the 5A bus stop to the United domestic terminal?
- How far is it from the Washington Flyer bus stop to the United domestic terminal?The United gates, and those of most airlines, are at midfield terminals, so you take the "mobile lounge" shuttle to the main terminal. From there the difference in distance to the WashFly desk versus the 2E curb is trivial, and of the least concern when weighing transportation options.

Most importantly, the washington flyer, metro bus, taxi cabs, hotel shuttle vans and having a friend drop you off all are within about 200 feet of each other so equivalent from that perspective.

Wash flyer is on the lower level so you take the escalator up to check in whereas some of the other methods put you out on the upper level at "departures" but its right above / below each other so no significant difference.

If I have a flight at 5:05pm (IAD-FLL on Ted) on Thursday 3/22 and the Washington Flyer arrives Dulles at 4:10pm, will I have enough time if I print the boarding pass in advance and just go straight to security to the United gate?
Thank you!

if you had to check-in / check baggage i would say "no chance".

having a boarding pass printed and not needing to check any luggage, you have a reasonable chance of making it but by no means would it be certain - and it would likele be a little tight / stressful either way.

I would defer to others who might know that specific time of day better, but unless you have no choice i would try to get there earlier than that just to be safe. And DEFINITELY print your boarding pass in advance if you don't have luggage to check. The UA check-in can be a complete nightmare some days.

I have done it on more than one occasion, but would not recommend it. About 3pm to 7pm is peak time for Dulles and hectic even with the new elite security line, and there are many variables; there's not only the risk of a bus delay or getting stuck behind a big tour group in the security line, but the mobile lounge might be rerouted to a longer path due to construction or traffic.

If I have a flight at 5:05pm (IAD-FLL on Ted) on Thursday 3/22 and the Washington Flyer arrives Dulles at 4:10pm, will I have enough time if I print the boarding pass in advance and just go straight to security to the United gate?
Thank you!
Do you have status with any airline? If so, bring your card and use the premium security lines.

If you're checking luggage, make sure you know where to go for the OLCI checked bag area, it supposedly moves faster than the other lines but if its packed, you're in trouble.

Security and the mobile lounge are pains but you should have enough time for those.

I'm statusless but I don't check in any luggage. So after getting off the Washington Flyer bus, I should take the "mobile lounge" shuttle from the Main terminal to United terminal to get to security then to the United gate?
Thanks for all your replies.

I'm statusless but I don't check in any luggage. So after getting off the Washington Flyer bus, I should take the "mobile lounge" shuttle from the Main terminal to United terminal to get to security then to the United gate?Security is centralized in the main terminal. Once you get through, take the shuttle to C or D as may be appropriate; Ted flights are usually out of C.

I'm statusless but I don't check in any luggage. So after getting off the Washington Flyer bus, I should take the "mobile lounge" shuttle from the Main terminal to United terminal to get to security then to the United gate?
Thanks for all your replies.
choster's original post was from the perspective of someone deplaning at Dulles - you arrive via the 5A at the main terminal and will go through security there. Security is located in the hallway behind/just past the ticket counters. (when you get off the bus and face the terminal, security is towards the end of the building to the right).

Once through security, you will get on the people mover and I agree that terminal C is your most likely destination - those are located directly behind security. If your gate is in Terminal D, follow signs to the appropriate people mover.

Enjoy your trip.

Thank you all for the replies.