I am looking to spend a week in Washington next summer flying BA from LHR, and would appreciate some advice as to which is the best airport ( IAD or BWI) for accessability to/from Washington by public transport.
Thanks in advance
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IAD is the normal one, and nearer the centre of town so taxis tend to be faster.
I prefer BWI though - much smaller. On the flip side it's a 767 which some dislike.
BWI has a station (via airport bus) which will take you to union station. IAD has a variety of buses.
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I find BWI tiresome and way too long a haul. Yes, there's a train station called "BWI" but it's a 10-min. bus ride from the terminal. There you wait for your Amtrak or MARC train (MARC, the commuter line runs during commuter times) which takes you to Union Station where you can transfer to local public transport (Metrorail/Metro Bus/Circulator).
My strong preference is IAD, although I'll admit that it's a $75 (+tip) taxi ride and a really tenuous and lengthy bus ride, likely dropping you in DC where you don't want to be.
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The short answer is that both airports are quite inconvenient. I find the train to BWI unpractical for the reason mentioned by Often1 and a taxi will cost you $80 + or a shuttle $35. IAD is nearly as far in terms of time (less in distance), has no train, but shuttles will be a bit cheaper and a taxi will be at least around $60.
If you fly in J, it is worth noting that BWI despite being a late departure does not have the sleeper concept (lounge is ok but doesn't have proper food facilities, just a few crudites, finger sandwiches and soup) so you'll get a full dinner on board which some people like, others do not.
DCA is by far the most convenient airport for Washington but as mentioned by others requires a change somewhere and also subject to heavy delays whenever a small weather problem occurs.
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IAD is convenient for the Blue Ridge and Virginia, which is where it is. Not so good for DC as others say. You can get a taxi from IAD to Vienna station on the end of the Washington metro orange line, or a coach to West Falls Church station, which options would save a bit possibly - money and time.
I think a metro line is being built to IAD?
DCA is very convenient for the city and is on the metro.
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Interesting challenge, which clearly doesn't involve a rental car - so have a browse at http://www.washfly.com
Other points include:
As mentioned already, 3-a-day to IAD v. 1 to BWI. Backup is always worth having.
Depends where in DC you're heading for: BWI would be a PITA for where we go, but for the centre of DC possibly credible.
DCA - meh. Connecting flight OK if you have hand-luggage only, and it drops you right on the Metro.
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Another vote for DCA via JFK or elsewhere. The extra TPs (upto 60 in First) may well be handy and that route is often cheaper than the direct flight, and depending on your end destination sometimes quicker, due to the frequency of flights from LHR to Kennedy. On the return the AA lounge agents are particularly helpful - and that's against a high standard. Lovely small and efficient airport.
Interesting challenge, which clearly doesn't involve a rental car - so have a browse at http://www.washfly.com
Other points include:
As mentioned already, 3-a-day to IAD v. 1 to BWI. Backup is always worth having.
Depends where in DC you're heading for: BWI would be a PITA for where we go, but for the centre of DC possibly credible.
DCA - meh. Connecting flight OK if you have hand-luggage only, and it drops you right on the Metro.
You're going in the SUMMER?
I take it that summer is not ideal? I am quite flexible with dates from say end of May to end of October, so any suggestions are welcome.
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If you dont want to rent a car or take a bus all the way to downtown Washington, BWI is a better option with train station merely few miles away with a very short bus ride.
That is until the new Silver Line for Washington Metro opens up.
Another vote for DCA via JFK or elsewhere. The extra TPs (upto 60 in First) may well be handy and that route is often cheaper than the direct flight, and depending on your end destination sometimes quicker, due to the frequency of flights from LHR to Kennedy. On the return the AA lounge agents are particularly helpful - and that's against a high standard. Lovely small and efficient airport.
Thanks for that, well worth further investigation. I had discounted DCA as I had assumed the connection would be a pain.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fruitcake
Oh dear. And this from the world's richest nation.
In fairness, the IAD Approach road was designed and built with the concept in mind (ie huge central median between the 4 lanes of the airport road and the outboard 6-8 lanes of Rte267 (Dulles Toll Toad)). Compare and contrast with the magnificent M25, linking (if you're lucky) LHR and LGW, and the wonders of the M40, M4 and M3. Forward vision, helped by available real estate, is of course helpful for our American friends - even if the money isn't there yet.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kanderson1965
I take it that summer is not ideal? I am quite flexible with dates from say end of May to end of October, so any suggestions are welcome.
Climate in mid-summer is extremely hot and humid. Check stats on weather.com or similar. That's why we always go shoulder-season - May/Jun or Sep/Oct. As close to the middle as we dare! Usually, climate change permitting, around 80+F. Wetter towards end-Sep - feel free to PM.
