Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), designed by architect Eero Saarinen, serves as the main international hub for the DC area. Built in 1962, Dulles was the first US airport designed specifically to accommodate commercial jets. At 20 square miles and 11,184 acres, it’s the largest of the three major airports in the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area.
The airport underwent significant expansions from 2000-2011, with additional growth in 2023 to handle 55 million passengers annually. It serves 32 airlines with four runways (and in the future, a fifth).
General Information About Dulles International Airport
- Airport code: IAD
- Official address: 1 Saarinen Circle, Dulles, Virginia 20166
- Distance from IAD to Washington, DC: 26 miles
- Transport options: Metro / Various Buses / Taxi / Rideshare Apps
- Airlines served: 32
- Hubs for: United, Southern Airways Express
- Domestic nonstop flights to: 81 cities
- International nonstop flights to: 52 countries
- IAD Terminals: 1
- Concourses: 5
- Gates: 139
- On time departures: 82%
- On time arrivals: 78%
- Security wait times: 10.5 minutes (on average)
- Hours: 24 hours a day
Dulles features free Wifi, charging stations, a wide range of dining options, lounges, shopping, and even a Sleepbox Lounge for rest. The airport offers multiple travel conveniences like the 24-hour Aerotrain, TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and various transport options including metro, buses, and taxis.
Airlines Flying from IAD
Ethiopian Airlines operates from the Main Terminal at IAD.
Main Terminal Airlines:
Aer Lingus-Aeroflot Russian Airlines-Air Canada-Air China Airlines-Air France-Air India-Alaska Airlines-American Airlines-ANA Airlines-Austrian Airlines-Avianca Airlines-British Airways-Brussels Airlines-Cathay Pacific-COPA Airlines-Delta Airlines-Emirates-Ethiopian Airlines-Etihad Airlines-Icelandair-KLM Airlines-Korean Air Lines-Lufthansa-Porter Airlines-Qatar Airways-Royal Air Maroc Airlines-SAS Scandinavian Airlines-Saudia Airlines-South African Airways-Southern Airways Express-Southwest Airlines-Turkish Airlines-United Airlines-Virgin America Airlines-Virgin Atlantic
Read also: Navigating Ethiopian Airlines
Concourse A Airlines:
Alitalia-Egyptair-TAP Air Portugal-Volaris Airlines
Terminal Layout
The Main Terminal, capped by an iconic curved roof, is divided into two levels: Upper (Ticketing and Security) and Lower (Arrivals/Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation/Parking).
On the Upper Level, there are four ticketing areas plus two security checkpoint areas, East and West. After clearing security, you can proceed left to the Z gates (Z6-Z10), right to the Mobile Lounge shuttle to Concourses D and C, or proceed straight to the pedestrian walkway to Concourses A and B.
- Concourse A: Gates A1-A32. Amenities here include the Washington Dulles International Airport Chapel across from gate A32. Also near Gate 32 is a pet relief area, adjacent to the Virgin Atlantic lounge. The Sleepbox nap pod hotel is between gates A6 and A14. There’s a nursing room near Gate A20, and free charging stations can be found throughout the Concourse.
- Concourse B: Gates B38-B81. Features 13,000 square feet of retail space, and free charging stations at all gates. The FunWay children's play area and a nursing room are located near door B70, and there are smoking areas across from gate B37 and off gate B73.
- Concourse C: Gates C1-C28. Free charging stations can be found throughout the Concourse. There is a nursing room near Gate C11 and a smoking area across from Gate C2.
- Concourse D: Gates D1-D32. The Aerotrain connects to Concourse C, from where you can walk to Concourse D.
Dulles also has 19 Mobile Lounges, elevated airport vehicles that date back to the1960s and run between the Main Terminal and Concourses A and D. Each of these vehicles can transport about 100 passengers directly to their aircraft without the need to walk on the airfield. They run every five minutes, and direct trips can take up to 15 minutes.
Ethiopian Airlines Check-In
Ethiopian Airlines check-in counters open 3 hours before departure and close 1 hour prior to flight time. Passengers are required to report to the airport check-in counter well before the flight's scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth and timely process.
Read also: Ethiopia Pilot Requirements
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended check-in times:
- For international flights, passengers should check in 2 hours prior to departure, except in the following cases:
- Addis Ababa: Arrive 3 hours before departure.
- Flights to/from USA: Arrive 4 hours before departure.
- For domestic flights, passengers should arrive 1 hour before departure.
- Web-checked-in passengers are required to be at the boarding gate 30 minutes before departure.
- If you have baggage to drop off, ensure you arrive at the baggage drop-off counter 45 minutes before departure.
Passengers must arrive with confirmed bookings, necessary travel documents, and ensure their luggage is within the allowed weight/piece limits. Excess baggage incurs extra charges, so make sure you're within the allowance.
Exception: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Manchester airport (MAN) check-in counters will be closed 75 minutes before departure effective 22 December 2021. At Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), counters close 90 minutes before departure.
Priority Check-In
For a quicker experience, Cloud Nine passengers and frequent fliers with Platinum/Gold ShebaMiles and Star Alliance membership can check in at dedicated counters and enjoy access to the exclusive Cloud Nine Lounge.
Online Check-In
Passengers who have completed online check-in and don’t have checked baggage can head straight to the gate 30 minutes before departure. Web-checked-in passengers must arrive at the boarding gate at least 30 minutes before departure.
Read also: The Hijacking of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 508
Use Ethiopian Airlines Web check-in Service to choose your preferred Seat and to Print Boarding Pass Online.
Self-Service Kiosks
Yes, Ethiopian Airlines offers kiosk check-in at select airports. Kiosk check-in is a quick and easy way to streamline your travel experience.
Here’s how to use the self-service check-in kiosks:
- Locate the Kiosk: Find the self-service terminal and select Ethiopian Airlines.
- Choose your preferred language (English or French).
- Find Your Booking: Access your booking using one of three options: by Destination, Flight Number, or Reservation Code.
- Confirm Baggage Safety: Confirm that you are not carrying any hazardous or dangerous materials in your checked-in or carry-on baggage.
Baggage Allowance
Checked Baggage: Each passenger is allowed a free checked baggage allowance, which may vary depending on your class of travel and the origin-destination of your flight.
The free checked baggage allowance depends on your travel class and route.
Important Reminders
- Passengers who have completed online check-in and have no checked baggage, can proceed directly to the gate.
- Ethiopian Airlines reserves the right not to accept passengers who arrive later than the required check-in time.
- For security reasons, local passengers who have checked in at Addis Ababa are not allowed to leave the airport to meet relatives or friends.
Security at Dulles Airport
Dulles has three TSA Security Checkpoints: East, West, and TSA Precheck. All are accessed from the Departures - Ticketing/Check-In Level.
- Security hours of operation are:
- East Security Checkpoint: 3:45 am - 10:30 pm
- West Security Checkpoint: 8 am - 12 pm & 1:30 pm - 7 pm
- TSA Precheck: 4:30 am to 10 pm
Wait times average 10 ½ minutes, but on Fridays between 9-10 pm, they can be as long as 28 minutes. Checking the Dulles map can help locate the nearest checkpoint and save time.
Global Entry and CLEAR
Global Entry kiosks are available in Customs for international arrivals. CLEAR kiosks are available at the lower-level East Security Checkpoint and at the entrance of the TSA Precheck on the Ticketing Level of the Terminal.
Mobile Passport Control
Dulles enables you to use this expedited security app on your smartphone or tablet. Once you land at IAD, connect to wi-fi (or use cellular data), submit your trip data, and within a few seconds, you’ll receive a receipt with an encrypted barcode. Your receipt will be valid for 4 hours. You’ll then be able to skip the lines by following the Mobile Passport Control signs, showing your passport to the Customs officer, and scanning the barcode on the receipt.
Minimum connection times at IAD:
- Domestic connection: 1 hour
- Domestic to international: 2 hours
- International to domestic: 2.5 hours
Getting To and From Dulles Airport
There are several options for getting to and from Dulles Airport, including Metrorail, buses, taxis, and rideshare apps.
Metrorail (DC Metro subway)
The Metro bus 5A, the Silver Line express bus, and the Fairfax Connector Route 983 connect the airport with Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station (Silver Line) in 10 minutes.
Metrorail hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 5 am - 12 am
- Friday: 5 am - 1 am
- Saturday: 7 am - 1 am
- Sunday: 7 am - 12 am
Metrobus Route 5A
This bus runs every 30 minutes to/from Rosslyn, Virginia and L'Enfant Plaza in DC. Buses are available at curb 2E on the Ground Transportation Level. The fare is $7.50 for this express service, payable by SmarTrip or cash.
Fairfax Connector Bus Route 981 and Route 983
Local bus with stops at the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air & Space Museum. Both routes serve locations in Reston, including the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station ($2). Buses are available at curb 2E on the Ground Transportation Level.
Silver Line Express
This bus connects the airport with Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station between 6 am and 9:40 pm (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 7:45 am). Travel time is around 15 minutes and buses leave every 15-20 minutes. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the counter located by Arrivals door 4.
Virginia Breeze
This intercity bus service connects Blacksburg, Virginia, with Union Station in DC. The daily route, the Valley Flyer, has a stop in Dulles airport Curb 2A (1:30 pm) and also includes several stops in the New River Valley, Shenandoah Valley and Northern Virginia. Ticket prices range from $15 to $50.
Megabus.com
Bus service connecting Charlottesville, Virginia with Dulles Airport and Union Station in DC. Buses are available at Curb 2A. The bus makes three trips a day between Dulles and Union Station, and the trip averages 45 minutes and $15-$19.
Shuttle
Meet your shuttle bus or van on the Ground Transportation level, at section 1D or 1E. Popular shuttles include GO The Airport Shuttle and Super Shuttle.
Taxi
Washington Flyer Taxicabs is IAD’s official, exclusive taxi company, with 24-hour service to and from the airport. From the terminal Arrivals Level - Baggage Claim, head down the ramp at Doors 2 or 6. Washington Flyer fares average $55 to Arlington, VA and $70 to Washington, DC.
Uber, Lyft and Via
Pickup zone is on the ground level outside of Baggage Claim, accessible via Doors 2, 4 or 6. Airport drop-offs for all rideshare vehicles are on the Departures Level. Fares to Arlington and Washington, DC range between $50 and $60.
Dining Options at Dulles Airport
Dulles Airport offers a variety of dining options across its Main Terminal and Concourses.
Main Terminal
The only Post-Security offerings here are Dunkin' Donuts and Subway, the latter located by the Z Gates. There are, however, several Pre-Security eateries on the Lower Level: Capitol Grounds Coffee (Baggage Claim #4); Dulles Gourmet Market [open 24 hours] and Starbucks (Baggage Claim #14); Cafe Americana (Baggage Claim #15). District Chophouse is the one Pre-Security restaurant on the Upper Level, in the Ticketing area.
Concourse A
There are five options here: The Firkin & Fox Pub and Jersey Mike’s Subs (Gate A3); Smashburger and Starbucks (Gate A5); and Dunkin’ Donuts (Gate A22).
Concourse B
Casual is the name of the game, with mostly fast food options. Moving through the concourse, you’ll find: Carrabba’s Italian Grill (B38); Wendy’s (Gate B45); Chick-fil-A, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Peet’s Coffee (Gate B46); Bracket Room Sports Lounge and Vino Volo Wine Room (Gate B50); DC3 Hot Dogs and Five Guys Burgers & Fries (Gate B71); Washington Burgundy and Gold Club (Gate B73); and Capitol Grounds Coffee (Gate B74).
Concourse C
Fast food is still plentiful here, but The Chef’s Table by Wolfgang Puck (Gate C3) and Au Bon Pain (Gate C8) offer alternatives.
Essential Tips for Flying Ethiopian Airlines from IAD
- Check-In Time: Arrive 4 hours before departure for flights to/from the USA.
- Online Check-In: Use online check-in to save time and select your seat.
- Baggage: Ensure your luggage meets the weight and size restrictions to avoid extra charges.
- Transportation: Plan your transportation to the airport in advance, considering potential delays.
- Security: Utilize TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to expedite the security process.
