Originally Posted by
DCA writer
Not if you're taking the B30. MARC can be faster if your flight arrives on time and you're not waiting for the bus to schlep you over to the station. (Well, the last time I took MARC they cancelled one train, causing me to wait an extra 40 minutes--but that usually doesn't happen!)
To be sure, I've oversimplified. The calculation depends on a lot of factors (time of day, day of week, etc.) that affect both traffic levels and how frequently the various transit services operate. From IAD, the Washington Flyer bus to West Falls Church is a pretty decent option since it uses the airport access road (no traffic-choked roads to slow you down) and then you take Metro through the areas that would be jammed with traffic.
I agree that the B30 is rather slow. Therefore, I don't use it. The Metrobus to Dulles isn't much better, especially if you are traveling during rush hour when I-66 is a parking lot.
If I'm traveling to/from BWI at the times of day when MARC is running, I take MARC. Otherwise, I either take Amtrak or rent a car. For Dulles I generally either use the Washington Flyer option, or (if I'm traveling when they aren't running...ie late at night) I rent a car.
Another thing to factor in, if you arrive later than scheduled and miss the last train or bus: Cab fare from IAD is a lot cheaper than from BWI
to downtown D.C. too.
I frequently arrive late at both airports and find that renting a car one-way into the city (with a good discount code) is generally cheaper than a cab, and is way faster than SuperShuttle. That's true at both IAD and BWI.