There are over 24,000 Dulles Airport parking bays available, at the moment. That number should be adequate for any large airport. But, considering that at least 12 US-flagged carriers and over 2 dozen international airlines operate out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) ferrying people and commodities to over 80 domestic and 40 foreign locations, that number sometimes is inadequate.
Dulles airport parking spaces are found in the airport lots and garages located inside the airport compound. Passengers flying out of Dulles also have the option to park at off-airport lots and garages. Outlined below are some of the parking options available to you:
Hourly Parking
At the published rate of $4 per hour (maximum of $36 daily), hourly parking at IAD is certainly not the cheapest Dulles airport parking option available. It’s ideal if you need to park your vehicle for 2 hours or less. For that rate, it’s also the most accessible, sitting right across IAD’s main terminal.
Valet Parking
If you’re looking for an added layer of luxury, you might want to consider valet parking at Dulles airport. It’s convenient to have your car waiting for you at the terminal doorsteps after hours of flying but at the rate of $30 for the first 24 hours and $19 for each additional day, this option is not the most economical for many people.
Dulles Airport Parking on Squidoo
Daily Parking
The daily Dulles airport parking garages 1 and 2, located at the back and to the side of the hourly parking lot, are accessible from the main terminal by covered pedestrian lane. At the published rate of $17 daily, these parking facilities are definitely cheaper than the two options discussed above.
Economy Parking
Located a bit farther north of the main terminal are the economy parking lots Blue, Green, Gold, and Purple. Accessible from the Dulles Access Highway, these lots are the best alternative for travelers who want to economize on their long term parking payments. The daily rate is only $10.
Cell Phone Waiting Area
If you’re picking up a family member at IAD and are waiting for the call from your party, Dulles provides a Cell Phone Waiting Area near Autopilot Drive. Parking here is free for up to 1 hour only but cars may not be left unattended while inside the area. To be appraised of the status of a particular flight, call 703-572-6240 ( be ready with the flight number), while waiting.
Off-airport Dulles Parking
There are several private providers who manage IAD parking garages and lots close to Dulles airport. The rates are quite reasonable and these establishments have their own fleets of shuttle vans available on demand or at regular intervals. SpringHill Suites by Marriott, for example, located just a few minutes from the terminals along Spring St, offers an affordable rate of only $8 per day.
Park, Sleep, and Fly
This package is available in most hotels serving Dulles Airport passengers. A good example of this is the Hilton Garden Inn in Ashburn which offers free parking for up to 7 days and free 24 hour shuttle service to the airport if you stay for one night prior to or after your trip - room rate starts at $120.
With these various Dulles airport parking options open to you, which one should you choose? Primarily, it depends on how long your trip is going to be. If you’re going on a prolonged trip covering an entire week or two, however, the best parking option in my opinion, is off-airport parking. For a weeklong trip, you will be charged $56 off-airport, $70 at the economy lots, and $119 at the daily garages. Compared to the daily rate inside the airport, the ‘Park, Sleep, and Fly’ hotel package looks more attractive - for the same price ($120), you’ll have both parking and a restful sleep at a 3-4 star hotel prior to your flight.
Parking at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) need not be an irksome task. Just do your bit of research, know the different options available, and book your Dulles airport parking in advance of your flight date.
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