EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low rental car prices at Dulles Airport (IAD) with Road Genius. Find rates for SUVs, compact cars, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. All major rental brands operate from the airport's consolidated center, a short shuttle ride from the terminal, so you can reach downtown Washington DC via the Dulles Toll Road in about 45 minutes when traffic is light. Compare those prices with nearby Herndon, Sterling or Reston locations to dodge the usual 10 to 25 percent airport surcharge.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Dulles Airport Main Terminal | • All major rental agencies on-site • Consolidated rental facility along with shuttle service • Extended hours for late arrivals • Wide vehicle selection • International flight connections |
• Airport surcharges (10-25% higher) • Potential for lines during peak arrival times • Requires shuttle to rental facility |
| Herndon/Sterling Nearby Offices | • Lower rates • No airport fees • Less crowded than airport |
• Limited hours (often 8 AM-6 PM weekdays) • Requires transport from airport • Smaller vehicle selection • Limited after-hours service |
| Reston/Tysons Locations | • Convenient for business travelers staying in these areas • Often lower rates than airport • Some offer pickup service |
• Distance from airport (15-20 minutes) • Transport cost to reach location • May have limited weekend hours |
On average, car rentals at Washington Dulles International Airport cost around $51 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $23 per day.
Compare airport vs. nearby branches: Rates in Herndon, Sterling or Reston can be 10-25 % lower because there are no airport surcharges. Factor in a $15-$25 rideshare from IAD; if the math still works, book off-site.
Shift your pickup to the weekend: In this business-heavy area, Friday-Monday rentals are often cheaper than Monday-Thursday. Tweaking your dates by even one day can shave off a chunk.
Choose the smallest car that fits your crew: Economy/compact models cost less, use less gas and are easier to park in downtown D.C.'s tight garages. Upgrade only if you truly need the space.
Join a free loyalty program before you book: Skipping the counter at IAD avoids long lines and can snag free upgrades—no fee, just a quick signup.
| Area | Type | Hours | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown D.C. | Street metered | Varies by zone | Varies | Mobile payment available; strictly enforced time limits |
| Downtown D.C. | Public garages | Usually 24/7 | Varies | Early bird specials sometimes offered on weekdays |
| Tysons Corner | Mall parking | Mall hours | Usually free | Abundant but very busy during weekends and holidays |
| Reston Town Center | Garage parking | 24/7 | Paid weekdays, free evenings/weekends | App-based payment system |
| Metro stations | Park and Ride | Varies by station | Paid weekdays, free weekends | Consider leaving your car at Vienna or Wiehle-Reston and taking Metro to D.C. |
Speed limits: 25–35 mph in residential areas, 45–55 mph on highways, 55–65 mph on interstates
Tolls: Several toll roads in Northern Virginia:
Key regulations:
Get a car rental so you can easily:
Washington D.C. – museums, monuments
Loudoun County wine country – vineyards, tasting rooms
Shenandoah National Park – Skyline Drive, hiking trails
Tysons Corner – malls, dining
What's the most efficient way to reach Washington D.C. from Dulles Airport?
When there's not much traffic, you can drive on the Dulles Toll Road to I-66 or I-495 and get to D.C. in about 45-60 minutes. During rush hour, the trip can take 75-90 minutes. The Silver Line Metro now goes right to Dulles Airport. It's a good choice that gets you downtown in about the same amount of time and you don't have to worry about traffic. Many people also drive to a Metro station like Vienna or Wiehle-Reston and then take the train into the city.
How do the Express Lanes work on I-495 and I-95?
Express Lanes are special toll lanes where the price changes depending on how much traffic there is. To use them, you need an E-ZPass transponder. On I-495 (the Capital Beltway), you can find the Express Lanes between the Springfield Interchange and the Dulles Toll Road. On I-95, the lanes run from near the Beltway south toward Fredericksburg. If you have three or more people in your car, you can use the lanes for free. You just need an E-ZPass Flex and you have to set it to HOV mode.
Where can I find the rental car return at Dulles Airport?
Follow the signs for "Rental Car Return" as you approach the airport. The rental car building is a short distance from the main terminal. After you return your vehicle, shuttle buses will take you to the main terminal. You should allow about 15-20 minutes for this when planning your departure.
Are there any driving restrictions I should know about in Washington D.C.?
D.C. has many one-way streets, tricky traffic circles and restricted zones around government buildings. Officials may close some streets for security reasons without much warning. You cannot drive on Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House. When big events happen, officials often close more streets. You'll find red-light and speed cameras all over the city.
How much should I budget for tolls when driving from Dulles?
If you use the Dulles Toll Road, expect to pay up to $6 each way ($4 at the main plaza and $2 at some ramp tolls). The Dulles Greenway, which goes west toward Leesburg, costs about $5.80 to $6 each way. The Express Lanes on I-495/I-95 have prices that change. You could pay anywhere from $5 to $40, depending on how far you drive and how bad the traffic is. If you plan to use these roads a lot, you should budget at least $10-15 a day for tolls.
Is it easy to drive to Virginia wine country from Dulles?
Yes, Dulles is a great place to start your drive to Virginia's wine regions. You can get to the Loudoun County wineries in just 30-45 minutes by taking the Dulles Greenway/Leesburg Pike west. To get to wineries in Middleburg and Fauquier County, take Route 50 west for about 45-60 minutes. These are pretty drives and a nice change from the busy city of D.C.
What should I do about parking in downtown Washington D.C.?
You'll find that street parking in downtown D.C. is hard to come by. You can usually only park for two hours at most and the city is strict about ticketing. You can use public garages, but they are expensive at around $20-30 per day. Many people find it easier to park at a Metro station in the suburbs and take the train into the city. Parking there costs about $5 on weekdays and is free on weekends. If you have to drive downtown, use a parking app like SpotHero to book a spot ahead of time.
How do I handle the complicated highway interchanges around Dulles?
The highways around Dulles have several big, confusing interchanges, especially where the Dulles Toll Road meets I-495 (the Capital Beltway). You should use a GPS and pay close attention to the overhead signs. Exits can come up quickly without much warning. Try to stay in the center lanes until you're sure which exit you need, then move over to the correct lane.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support