DC to Dulles
 

What is the quickets way if you're not driving to get from downtonw DC to Dulles for a 7am flight?

-Dev

This question is better suited for the Wash DC forum. I'll be moving it over there.

If you want fast, you're probably going to need to take a cab. Expect the one-way fare to be about $60. If you're traveling on a weekday, one other option is the 5A Metrobus, which leaves 7th & D Sts, SW at 4:50 am, or Rosslyn at 5:02 am, arriving at IAD at 5:42 am. The fare's $3.10. This won't work on the weekend because the first bus isn't until 40 minutes later. I suppose you could also take SuperShuttle, but they may want to pick you up as early as 4:00 am depending on how many stops they'll make after you. Metro to West Falls Church to the Washington Flyer Bus won't work as it wouldn't get you to WFC before 5:50 am, and the first Flyer Bus doesn't depart WFC for Dulles until 6:15 am, arriving 6:40 am.

If I have an early flight to Dullest, I generally find that I can get a towncar for the same price as a cab, sometimes $5 less. It doesn't make that much difference, but I find that the ride is just slightly more pleasant.

5:42AM should be OK for a 7AM weekday flight, particularly if you have status (premium security line) and it's not Monday.

If you are close to National Airport, you can take the Washington Flyer bus from DCA to IAD.

Not true. Washington Flyer hasn't driven that route in at least 5 years. Washington Flyer buses travel only between IAD and West Falls Church Metro Station.

Quickest is a cab or car service.

The quickest way at that time of day is a car service. Try Red Top (703) 934-4444 or Abe's (202) 518-0333.

gvdIAD's suggestion for the 5A is a good one during the week for a 7 am flight. It is very reliable. Schedules and operation times for trains and metro are here: http://www.wmata.com/

Thanks the 5A bus worked pretty well for me. If it was the weekend though I would have been stuck.

Who do you use for towncar service?

How much does the Washington Flyer service charge. I've seen them in the area for years but never knew the deal.

Last time I took it, I believe it was $8 or $9 one-way and went from IAD to West Falls Church. It knocks about $20 off the total cab fare if you go that route.

The Washington Flyer is $16 round trip or $9 one way, and very convenient if you don't have lots of luggage and have a destination close to any other Metro station.

take a cab that looks like it can do the distance. you want cheap, take the W&ODC by bike.