Airport Long-Term Parking: Washington DC Airports

Dulles Airport Parking For Less

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.

Photo: World Island Info

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Top BWI Parking Options for Washington D.C. Passengers

BWI parking accommodations, by far, are among the very best - in comparison to several airports of similar size that we’ve visited throughout the country. This is hardly surprising, considering that in 2010, Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) was recognized by the Airports Council International as the best airport of its size (15-25 million passengers passing through every year) in the world.

If you have a scheduled flight out of BWI Marshall and looking for a good BWI parking location, you definitely should consider parking your car at one of the airport’s own parking facilities. We’re getting ahead of ourselves here, let’s first take a closer look at the different BWI airport parking options available.

Hourly Parking

Compared to the parking fees in neighboring airports like Philadelphia (PHL) or Dulles (IAD), the hourly rate ($4) for parking at BWI is definitely much lower. For that amount, it’s also the most convenient, located right in front of the main airport terminal. However, if you’re looking at parking beyond 2 hours, this is not a cheap option.

Daily Parking

Similarly, the BWI rate for daily parking ($12 per day) is more budget-friendly than in other neighboring airports such as Washington Reagan ($20 per day). If you’ll be away for a few days, parking at the BWI covered parking facility is a good option.

Express Parking at BWI Airport

What would you pay for a parking option where you’re transported by shuttle service from the very spot where you parked your vehicle directly to your airline terminal? When you come back, the same free shuttle service will get you directly from the terminal to your parking bay. This is basically what BWI Express parking does and at $10 daily, I’m sure many travel-weary passengers could appreciate the service.

BWI Parking on Squidoo

Long Term Parking at BWI

If you’re planning a business or vacation trip for 7 days or more and trying to find a parking spot that will not burn a hole in your pocket when you pick up your vehicle, the long term BWI Airport parking offer is the logical choice. You can hardly go wrong at $8 daily with the lots serviced by closely-scheduled shuttle vans.

Off-airport Parking

There are several nearby private facilities available to BWI passengers, like the EconoPark Express on Ridge Road and the Park ‘N Fly lot along Camp Meade Road. These establishments offer long term parking rates ranging from $9 to $10 daily and are served by their own shuttle vehicles. These are often owned by national parking networks managing several dozen other similar locations across the U.S. - they’re a good option for long term parking.

So, why am I going out on a limb for the airport-owned BWI parking? There’s just one reason, of course - the rates. It’s cheaper to bring your car to BWI Airport’s own long term parking facilities than at any outside location - a thing that’s practically unheard of in many of the other large airports. BWI provides extra things like car keys assistance, jump cables for dead batteries, flat tire assistance, sensors in every parking bay - all of which add tremendous sizzle to their best parking service.

Looking for the ideal BWI parking? I have a feeling you already know where to look for it.

Photo: John Picken on Flickr

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National Airport Parking - Some Fairly Cost-Effective Long Term Parking Locations

National Airport parking is fortunately less of a hassle at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Arlington County, Virginia than in most other large airports elsewhere. Reagan Airport is the closest commercial airport to Washington’s central business district. Previously called the Washington National Airport, it was renamed in 1988 in honor of former U.S. president Ronald Reagan. DCA Airport handles over eighteen million passengers annually.

Hourly and Daily Parking

There are over 9,400 National Airport parking spaces open to passengers at present. Approximately 2,956 of these are in the economy parking facility in the south end of the airport. Hourly and daily parking are allowed at airport garages A, B, and C. Hourly parking can be quite costly at $4 per hour, not to exceed $36 for a full 24 hours period. Still, this is the best parking alternative for those who have business at DCA and would need to park for up to 2 hours. If you aren’t sure of the time, you’re better off taking a daily parking spot at the rate of $20 per day. Finally, there’s always the economy lot for only $12 per day.

Parking for Handicapped Passengers

There are numerous designated National Airport parking spaces for handicapped travelers, conveniently located near elevators and shuttle bus stops. Cars with disabled persons on board needing parking assistance are encouraged to display their city-issued plates or placards to the uniformed parking crew, who will also assist in locating a convenient parking space if the assigned areas are already full.

Cell Phone Waiting Area

There’s also a courtesy cell phone waiting area for drivers who are picking up someone at the airport. You can’t leave your vehicle while inside the waiting lot and you can park for up to 2 hours, but this still trumps burning gas cruising around the airport or paying the hourly parking rates at the airport garages.

Long Term Parking

If you’re leaving your vehicle at DCA Airport during a week long business or vacation trip, daily parking is clearly the most prudent option. Of course, just like in any other city, airport-run parking spaces are always offered at premium prices for their proximity to the terminals. For less pricey DCA parking alternatives, the best bet would be the off-airport garages and lots providing comparatively much cheaper rates.

DCA Airport Parking Lens on Squidoo

Off-Airport Alternatives

Take a look at the hotel parking services at DCA and you’ll be surprised by the budget-friendly long term options. Sheraton Crystal City Hotel and Courtyard Crystal City both located very close to the airport on Jefferson Davis Highway, charge only $8 per day at their indoor parking facilities, for example.

The Obvious Choice

For a hypothetical 5-day trip, parking at the airport garages will set you back $100, $60 at the economy lot, but only $40 at the hotel parking locations. Add the complimentary shuttle service that will take you to and pick you up from your terminal at the end of your trip, your choice for your National Airport parking becomes quite apparent.

Book Your Parking Ahead of Time

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), at the very center of the nation’s capital, is comparatively more strict than most other airports, in terms of security, number of flights, and international entry. Still, with over 18 million passengers using the airport yearly, National Airport parking can sometimes be a a bit difficult especially during the peak seasons. This can be easily avoided, however: just be familiar with your parking alternatives and book your parking space in advance.

Photo: Derek Key on Flickr

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