Originally Posted by JacobVB27

I agree with previous comments about ORD. Also, if you have never been to Chicago, I highly suggest you do. But preferably not in late Nov- Feb.

I have mixed thoughts about what others have said in terms of IAD.

To clarify, there are currently three buses that could take someone from IAD to a metro station. There is the Silver Line Express, which is $5 or $3 p/way for airport employees. It usually runs every 15-20 minutes during the week and weekend to get to the nearest open metro station- Reston-Wiehle, as someone else alluded to. You can use a credit card or cash for the bus. I feel this option is the most reliable option and most comfortable. However, it doesn't run before 630am or after 1050pm, so keep that in mind if you end up flying into IAD during those times. DC traffic can be a pain, but from/to Dulles to Wiehle have never experienced traffic jams. Starting your journey at Wiehle gives you ample space on the metro, making it a reasonably comfortable ride towards DC. To clarify, yes, it is a long journey, but you are already in the metro system and have an easy connection to the rest of the system.

The second option, as plenty has mentioned, is the 5A bus. Quite frankly, I have never liked this option. Even though I have used it several times over the years. That was before knowing about the old Washington Flyer bus that went to West Falls Church and switched to the Silver Line Express. I have heard that WMATA is losing money on the bus. Also, there was serious talk about dropping the bus once the first part of the Silver Line opened up. Anyway, it is $7.50 exact change for each person. You can also use your Smartrip, but there currently is no spot at IAD to buy a card. During the weekends, it runs every 60 minutes and 35-40 minutes during the week. From IAD, it stops at Herndon-Monroe( future Herndon Metro Station) and waits for some time for potential other connection travelers. Then heads onto 267, then 66 until Rosslyn Metro Station. People are basically at the mercy of the road conditions from Dulles to Rosslyn and L'Enfant Plaza Station. The bus itself is not comfortable. Metrobuses are generally geared for commuters to get to/from work. They are okay with not a lot of luggage. I feel Google Maps and others are still suggesting taking the 5A bus. I can only legitimately think of if you are leaving Dulles at the time when the Silver Line is not running or staying close to either Rosslyn or L'Enfant Plaza and don't want to take the elevator to take the 5A over the other options.

The third option that nobody has discussed yet is the Fairfax Connector 981/983 bus. It is $2.00 exact fare. You can also use your Smartrip card. While there are many stops on this route to Wiehle-Reston Metro, it is the cheapest option to get to Wiehle. It is a regular regional commuter bus, so there are no racks for your luggage. However, there is some space near your seats. I have never had it packed in the reasonably extensive usage of it, which kind of surprised me. What also surprises me are the people who get off at Dulles when they are heading back to DC.Meanwhile, this bus continues to the nearest metro station. Why spend more when the 2 dollars you spent will take you to the nearest metro station? Then can spend other money to get the Smartrip Card at the station. This bus also takes you to/from Udvar-Hazy Center. This could be a great option if someone doesn't mind the long journey and bus ride. The bus seems to run anywhere from every 20-35 minutes, depending on where and when you pick it up.

Everyone in the DMV area and those who have flown in/out of IAD can't wait until the Silver Line Extension II opens. Hopefully, no more hopping on buses to a metro station to get on the metro. Even though, hopefully, they keep the 983 bus to/from Udvar Hazy. Passengers can take a walk to an operating metro station and take it to Fairfax County, Arlington County, Washington DC, and beyond. While the walk to the metro station at IAD is longer than at DCA and other cities, it is about the same for many parked in Garage 1 and the Terminal Lot. Hopefully, it is in the fall, as was suggested. But unlike the other times when it was supposed to open, it is now under WMATA control, and it seems like every station is completed. It is a matter of testing the tracks or something similar.


Sorry if it was too much or more negativity than needed.