Dulles Parking Options - How To Avoid The Long Lines At The Parking Gates

There are over 24,000 Dulles parking spaces in service

, today. That should be enough for any international airport, but considering that a dozen US-flagged carriers and over 2 dozen international airlines operate out of Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) ferrying people and cargo to over 80 domestic and 40 foreign destinations, that number, at times, is insufficient.

The Washington Dulles International Airport, located in the communities of Dulles and Chantilly in Virginia, was named after John Foster Dulles, U.S. Secretary of State under President Dwight D. Eisenhower. On any given day, 1000 to 1200 flights originate from or land at Dulles airport.

Dulles parking spaces are available in the airport garages and lots located within the airport compound. Passengers flying out of Dulles also have the option to park at off-airport facilities.

Outlined below are some of the parking choices available to you:

Hourly Parking

At the published rate of $4 per hour (maximum of $36 for a 24-hour period), this is easily the most expensive Dulles parking option available. Its ideal if you need to park your vehicle for 2 hours or less. Of course, its also the most convenient, being located right in front of the main airport terminal.

Valet Parking

If youre looking for an extra level of convenience, you might want to consider valet parking at Dulles airport. Nothing beats having your car brought to you right 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.

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 connected to the main terminal by covered walkway. At the published rate of $17 per day, the daily parking garages are certainly more economical than the 2 options discussed above.

Economy Parking

Located at a distance to the 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 option for those wanting to save on their long term parking expenses. The rate is $10 daily.

Cell Phone Waiting Area

For those who are picking up someone from the airport and are waiting for their party to call, the airport provides a Cell Phone Waiting Area near Autopilot Drive. The area is free to use up to one hour only and you may not leave your vehicle unattended while inside. You can call 703-572-6240 to track a particular flight ( be ready with the flight number), while waiting.

Off-airport Dulles Parking

There are a number of private providers who operate parking facilities near Dulles airport. The rates are easy on the pocket and these locations are served by shuttle vehicles on demand or at regular intervals. SpringHill Suites by Marriott, for example, located 3 miles from the airport on Spring Street, offers an affordable rate of only $8 per day.

Park, Sleep, and Fly

This option is available at most hotels within 6 miles from the airport. A good example of this is the Hilton Garden Inn in Ashburn which provides free parking for up to 7 days and complimentary 24 hour shuttle service to the airport with a one night stay package starting at $120.

With these different Dulles parking options available, which one should you choose? Of course, it depends on how long your trip is. If youre looking at a prolonged trip spanning several days, however, the best option, in my opinion, is off-airport parking. For a 7 day 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 option looks more attractive - for the same amount ($120), youll have both parking and a restful sleep at a good hotel prior to your flight.

Parking at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) need not be an irksome task. Just do your bit of homework, be familiar with the different options available, and reserve your Dulles parking long before your actual flight. No point in studying the alternatives, if you still get behind a long queue at the parking gates.

by: Emmanuel Gonot

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