Parking at Dulles
Apr 11, 2022, 3:36 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: UA 1K MM
Posts: 1,289
Parking at Dulles
I am now doing a lot of flying out of Dulles (IAD). Have always ubered there but I have never parked there. I went online and saw that I could reserve in advance a particular lot but for this upcoming weekend only economy was available to reserve. One of my employees tells me he never reserves in advance and always gets a spot in the closest garage. My questions to you are:
- Are reservations really necessary for the garages or terminal lot?
- How long does it take to get from the economy lot to the terminal?
Last edited by mander; Apr 12, 2022 at 5:13 am
Apr 12, 2022, 12:28 pm
#2
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,507
A lot of great info starting with this page flydulles.com - Parking Information and timing is estimated in the detailed FAQ: flydulles.com - Parking Frequently Asked Questions
It's a very busy travel weekend but you might get lucky with a drive up open space in a garage (so maybe reserve economy and try your luck with the garages?).
The frequency of Economy Lot shuttles has been increased from 10-15 minutes to 7-10 minutes with about 10-15 minutes of actual travel time - I would build 25 minutes in to your schedule so there are no surprises and low stress.
It's a very busy travel weekend but you might get lucky with a drive up open space in a garage (so maybe reserve economy and try your luck with the garages?).
The frequency of Economy Lot shuttles has been increased from 10-15 minutes to 7-10 minutes with about 10-15 minutes of actual travel time - I would build 25 minutes in to your schedule so there are no surprises and low stress.
Jun 30, 2022, 8:38 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,507
I havent been out there for quite a while so I dont know if there is construction in that lot limiting parking. However, travel is way up in the DC Metro region and garage 2 has always been the most popular lot (especially considering valet parking is still suspended) so I think it not surprising it is consistently full.
Jun 30, 2022, 8:58 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 191
I prefer Garage 1 and usually just go there, but it just appears odd that there is never any open space.
I'm honestly surprised that Garage 2 is more popular - they way is not (significantly) shorter and i prefer the tunnel over the weird covered walkway any day.
I'm honestly surprised that Garage 2 is more popular - they way is not (significantly) shorter and i prefer the tunnel over the weird covered walkway any day.
Jul 7, 2022, 12:15 pm
#7
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 439
You do save a little bit if you reserve your parking in advance. Garage parking drops to $15/day and economy is $10/day. Recently parked in economy for a 4 day trip and I highly recommend it. Build in some time for the shuttle bus though. The price of parking though was decently cheaper than just one Uber from the district.
Jul 7, 2022, 4:49 pm
#8
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 439
I suspect garage 2 is more popular solely because it’s the first one you pass when driving through the airport.