Time needed to transfer from IAD to DCA
Mar 30, 2015 | 1:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 3
Time needed to transfer from IAD to DCA
My itinerary
Arrival: 15:25 - Dulles International (International arrival)
Departure: 19:20 R Reagan National, terminal C (domestic flight)
How much time do I need to travel from IAD to DCA? Best mode of travel? We are 3 people with 4 checked in bags.
Arrival: 15:25 - Dulles International (International arrival)
Departure: 19:20 R Reagan National, terminal C (domestic flight)
How much time do I need to travel from IAD to DCA? Best mode of travel? We are 3 people with 4 checked in bags.
Mar 30, 2015 | 2:19 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,253
At this time of day, I would allow 75 minutes from the time your car pulls out of IAD to the time it stops at DCA departures.
Three people + 4 checked bags + any hand luggage will be really tight in an ordinary sedan. I would suggest Uber XL or an Uber SUV. A bit more than standard vehicles, but worth it if you have a lot of stuff (which you do).
Other factors which will affect your timing are whether you are traveling on a US passport and whether you have GE.
Also, make certain that you are on one ticket (as opposed to an itinerary). If you misconnect, you will be rebooked.
Three people + 4 checked bags + any hand luggage will be really tight in an ordinary sedan. I would suggest Uber XL or an Uber SUV. A bit more than standard vehicles, but worth it if you have a lot of stuff (which you do).
Other factors which will affect your timing are whether you are traveling on a US passport and whether you have GE.
Also, make certain that you are on one ticket (as opposed to an itinerary). If you misconnect, you will be rebooked.
Mar 31, 2015 | 10:26 am
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: UA Million Miler, Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 1,439
You can make it, though a little tight. I have waited as long as an hour for my luggage at Dulles AFTER clearing immigration -- but to be fair, as quick as 15 minutes.
If this is a work day, traffic will be horrendous at that time.
You are talking taxi/uber/town car/etc. There is no other practical alternative.
If this is a work day, traffic will be horrendous at that time.
You are talking taxi/uber/town car/etc. There is no other practical alternative.
Mar 31, 2015 | 6:56 pm
#5
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: DCA, lived MCI, SEA/PDX,BUF (born/raised)
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Posts: 10,700
I agree with Alan, if this a Monday-Friday half the taxi drive will be fine. The other half ( inside the beltway) will be a nightmare. The stretch on 66 can be a parking lot at rush hour.
Apr 1, 2015 | 2:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: SUV
Programs: UA *G MM
Posts: 7,216
You shouldn't ask here. You will apocalyptic predictions. Check Google maps at the appropriate hour. It is now close to 5 pm on a weekday and it shows 45 min instead of the normal travel time of 30 min. Allowing 75 min is over the top.
There is even an accident on the GW Pkwy, which means it is slower than normal. I-66 is 47 min with back-up until Glebe, which is typical due to reverse commuters who live in Arlington.
p.s. There was another discussion about this. There is a longer way to go but never any traffic back-up because you can use the HOT lanes on the Beltway. Then it will take ~40-45 min guaranteed. But I don't know if a cab or Uber is willing to take the HOT lanes. I think Uber will do it.
There is even an accident on the GW Pkwy, which means it is slower than normal. I-66 is 47 min with back-up until Glebe, which is typical due to reverse commuters who live in Arlington.
p.s. There was another discussion about this. There is a longer way to go but never any traffic back-up because you can use the HOT lanes on the Beltway. Then it will take ~40-45 min guaranteed. But I don't know if a cab or Uber is willing to take the HOT lanes. I think Uber will do it.