IAD to WDC transfer
 

I have a return flight from Europe that arrives on a Saturday at Dulles. My connection after that leg is at Washington Reagan 3 hours later. I have tried to work out a different itinerary with AA but they say there is nothing else available. I've looked into this from several sources recently and the options seem to be the following:

1) the 5A bus to Rosslyn then the Metro (Blue Line) to DCA
2) Washington Flyer bus from the IAD to Falls Church (Orange Line) then change at Rosslyn to the Blue Line down to DCA.
3) Taxi or some other limo/van service

I just wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything else since some of this information is somewhat dated but it may still be valid. I don't know. Any recommendations for the quickest way from IAD to DCA on a Saturday would be much appreciated. I don't mind paying more if it helps me not to miss the flight at DCA.

Thanks

Taxi would be ~$65
 

I'm directly between the two, and based on my cab fares to each I'd expect your cab fare to be $65, maybe a bit more.

theairportshuttle.com offers airport-to-airport transfers for $59 between the 3 area airports; that's a decent rate for BWI, but seems excessive for IAD-DCA.

supremeairportshuttle.com offers IAD-DCA for apparently $29.

Note that I have not used either and have heard no opinions about either.

If you were a week later, you'd have the option of helping to inaugurate the new Silver Line... :p

Quickest is a taxi, no doubt.

Car service (Uber) / Taxi. Why torture yourself.

I would see 3 hours as quite a tight connection on an I-D at WAS.

I'll actually be making the trip on Saturday, 8/2. Would the Silver Line be available and be the best option?

You would have to get to Reston/Wiehle station first which is a 15-20 minute / $20 - $25 cab ride.

I looked up the fare for a Washington Flyer taxi and it is $64. Being a Saturday hopefully the traffic wont be a problem.

Metro is super-unreliable on weekends. Often 20-25 minute waits for trains. And as others said, you don't have a lot of time, specially if you don't have GE and/or check bags.

Do not even think of using anything which causes delays. Either book a car service or user Uber. I don't think that you are appreciating just how variable traffic can be, even on weekends when much construction takes place.

You're clearing immigration/customs at Dulles? I would do car service/cab, and not bother with any of the other options.

Thanks for all the responses. I'll definitely book a car or take a cab.

Slightly reusing a thread, as I've read all the related ones and this seems the closest to my question.

I clearly have time to do make my own transfer (assuming no significant delays on the inbound), but was curious if you think I had time to grab some lunch, and if so where
Timing: Friday afternoon, just before Easter (Good Friday)
Arrive IAD @ 13:45 (A380 from London but I should be one of the first off)
Depart DCA @ 18:18 (to ORD)

Likely route: Take the 5A bus then the blue line metro (as long as times work, otherwise I'd be getting an Uber).

Presuming that I arrive and get through immigration promptly, where should I look to eat/relax - I was thinking to get some food around Rosslyn, or am I better off just eating around DCA/on the plane? Was also thinking to pop out and see the Pentagon briefly, again time dependent, but presume there isn't any food near it?

(I have done this transfer before, but I had a day between the flights. In that case I felt I got to DCA far too early and was bored in the airport.)

Thanks for any views

5A bus is the least reliable public transportation option at IAD. Plus you are looking at being in the start of rush hour. Any issue on 66, Dulles Toll Road( likely) you are screwed. I would go with either the Washington Flyer bus or 983 bus to Reston Wiehle Metro. Both are much more reliable and cheaper. Being on the metro on the first stop is very relaxing compared to the crowded 5A bus. As for the Uber, they are not suppose to pick up at IAD so if someone catches them there at IAD, they are done pretty much. Only picks up from the Departures level. Not sure why not take a cab in this situation.

As for food options: What type of food are you looking for? I would imagine there would be more options in the Pentagon City/ Crystal City areas than at Rosslyn. You mean taking photos of the Pentagon and/or the memorial? Otherwise, I don't think they have any tours available. You might want to visit National Cemetery instead if you have not.

Any questions you might have, don't hesitate and contact me on here!!

I won't say much about the timing of your connection, other than the checked baggage delays at Dulles are even worse than I remember, and there may be a spot of traffic when the bus hits 66.

If you want to stick close to the metro at Rosslyn, either the Heavy Seas Alehouse or Kanpai (Japanese) are about a block uphill (on Oak). If you have the time to venture a bit further, you can sample some of the best Mexican food in the area (seriously):

Guajillo (on Wilson) is a sit-down place with good mole, strong margaritas, though a bit pricey (but takes credit card).

My favorite place is a bit of a walk (14th and Quinn/Queen), the taco truck El Chilango. Cash only, but top quality, and at less than $3 per taco, grab as many as you can handle!

Thanks for the view both, definitely change the plan to the Washington Flyer then (I'd misread the 5A as being the better option for some reason).

Uber would appear to be a bit different in the UK from the US (haven't tried it "over the pond" yet). From Heathrow its become my preferred option for being approx 30% of the taxi price, sometimes you get a nicer luxury car and I can just pay directly with a credit card rather than cash. However that is a bit of a backup option.

Pentagon was just to see the memorial actually (last time I was there was probably 2006, though I've been to Washington last year), will see how time is going as the national cemetery is something I'd forgotten about and if its a nice day is appropriate too.

Thanks for the tips EricTheNerd, I'll save down to use if I get the chance. If there are any other tips on food I'm easy - something "American" perhaps for a reasonably pleasant lunch, perhaps a nice chunky sandwich and chowder for example. (Was in Mexico over Christmas tasting "real" tacos)