Car Rental at Dulles International Airport
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Compact
Ford Focus
or similar
$50.36
per day
Intermediate
Mazda 3
or similar
$51.93
per day
Economy
Mitsubishi Mirage
or similar
$54.47
per day
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta
or similar
$57.79
per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu
or similar
$61.83
per day
Premium
Premium (BMW 2 Series)
or similar
$72.42
per day
Luxury
Chrysler 300
or similar
$91.31
per day
Premium Elite SUV
Audi Q5
or similar
$68.00
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 3:02 AM on 11/19/24. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader, we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (4 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 175k+ total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Travel Information
Languages
English
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$64 per day
Average car rental length
7 days
Speed limit within town
40 - 56 km/h or 25 - 35 mph
Speed limit out of town
88 - 112 km/h or 55 - 70 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Average gas price
$0.97 per liter or $3.67 per gallon
Lowest gas price
$0.78 per liter or $2.95 per gallon
Highest gas price
$1.06 per liter or $4.01 per gallon
Airport travel guide
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is one of the three major airports that serve the capital of the United States, Washington, D.C. The other two are Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Ronald Reagan International Airport (DCA). BWI, located near Baltimore, Maryland, is about the same distance from Washington as Dulles. Reagan Airport, located just across the Potomac River from Washington, is the closest airport to the capital.
However, Reagan Airport only has flights from cities on the east coast and midwest. If flying from further away, either domestic or international, you will have to fly into Dulles or BWI.
Though Dulles is larger, Baltimore-Washington International Airport actually has more passengers mainly due to the popularity of Southwest Airlines which uses it as a focus city.
Top international routes
- New York City
- Atlanta
- Denver
- Chicago
- Charlotte
- San Salvador
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
Main airlines
United Airlines is by far the largest airline at IAD with the airport being one of its main hubs. Delta, American, Southwest, and Alaska are also popular domestic airlines at the airport. Lufthansa, Avianca, Air France, British Airways, and Emirates are the main international airlines.
Location
IAD is roughly 25 miles from Washington, D.C. The drive takes an average of about 40 minutes along the Dulles Access Road (State Road 267) to I-66. The road runs alongside, but is separated from, the Dulles Toll Road. The former road runs directly to the airport and is toll-free for those transiting to or from the airport to the city. The latter road is tolled for local drivers. When leaving the airport, make sure to take the exit to Washington via NO TOLL 267 to avoid paying the toll.
If you are planning to take this route, be aware that I-66 is a toll road (even though HOV’s with 2 or more people in the car don’t have to pay the toll, this doesn’t work for rental cars), but only during rush hours, so between 5:30 AM and 9:30 AM if heading into the city and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM if heading from the city towards the airport. This toll is cashless and requires an EZ-Pass. If you want to avoid the rental companies administrative fees for this, take I-495 from the Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, though be prepared for the traffic.
If you are planning to take this route, be aware that I-66 is a toll road (even though HOV’s with 2 or more people in the car don’t have to pay the toll, this doesn’t work for rental cars), but only during rush hours, so between 5:30 AM and 9:30 AM if heading into the city and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM if heading from the city towards the airport. This toll is cashless and requires an EZ-Pass. If you want to avoid the rental companies administrative fees for this, take I-495 from the Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, though be prepared for the traffic.
Most popular types of rental car
- Convertibles - from $88 per day
- Large cars - from $52 per day
- Medium cars - from $50 per day
- Vans - from $83 per day
- Premium cars - from $61 per day
- Small cars - from $53 per day
- SUVs - from $53 per day
Car rental desks
Unfortunately, while many other airports in the United States have built rental car facilities that house all of the car rental companies that serve them, Dulles does not have one. At Dulles, you must find the shuttle bus for the specific company you are renting from. These shuttles all stop at section 2C of Curb 2 outside of the baggage claim area on the lower level of the terminal. When returning to the airport, each company will provide a shuttle from the rental car drop off to the terminal.
Services and facilities
At Dulles, you will find all of the facilities that you would expect to find at a major international airport. This includes free charging stations through the concourses and free wifi (FlyDulles) in the terminal and concourses.
There is one hotel on the airport property, a Marriott. Many more are right outside of the airport (and most of these have lower rates). Most of these have free shuttle services so you can drop your rental car off the night before if you have an early flight.
Dulles airport also has a unique startup that serves as an alternative to hotels. The Sleepbox Lounge offers tiny rooms with beds and desks that you can reserve for at little as an hour. They are located in Concourse A past security and can be cheaper than a hotel. You must book on their app.
IAD, being an international airport, has multiple currency exchange booths, both in the concourse as in the International Arrivals Building. As is usually the case, you are best off exchanging money before departing your home country or using ATMs to withdraw cash as your bank will invariably give you a better exchange rate than you will get at the exchange office in the airport. Of course, most businesses in the United States accept credit cards so you may not need much cash (thought the Dulles Greenway near the airport that goes away from Washington has toll booths that only accept cash).
Passengers will find many shops and restaurants both in the terminal building and in the concourses. The airport has an online directory of the options with a good map.
IAD, being an international airport, has multiple currency exchange booths, both in the concourse as in the International Arrivals Building. As is usually the case, you are best off exchanging money before departing your home country or using ATMs to withdraw cash as your bank will invariably give you a better exchange rate than you will get at the exchange office in the airport. Of course, most businesses in the United States accept credit cards so you may not need much cash (thought the Dulles Greenway near the airport that goes away from Washington has toll booths that only accept cash).
Passengers will find many shops and restaurants both in the terminal building and in the concourses. The airport has an online directory of the options with a good map.
Nearest gas station
There is a Sunoco gas station located on Rudder Road in the airport’s territory that is almost directly on the way to where renters need to go to return their cars. You may think that gas must be expensive at such a location, but the company’s contract actually stipulates that it offer fuel at competitive prices. In fact, it’s prices are generally lower than other stations in the surrounding area. There are also Subway and Laredo Taco (known for its fresh tortillas and salsa) at the station if you want a bite before your flight.
Popular one-way rentals
- New York City (227 mi / 365 km). The Big Apple is one of the world’s most visited cities for a reason - it is home to more world-famous landmarks than it’s possible to include in a single list. The city is also a hub of arts, innovation, science, music, and cuisine - whatever you’ll be looking for, you’re likely to find it in NYC.
- Philadelphia (153 mi / 246 km). The largest city in Pennsylvania, Philly, as it is affectionately known among Americans, is a great travel destination. The city is home to many parks and museums, as well as attractions like the Edgar Allan Poe National Historic Site and Fairmount Water Works.
- Charlotte (425 mi / 684 km). Located in the state of North Carolina, Charlotte has its fair share of attractions for a traveler to enjoy. These include the Carolinas Aviation Museum, Bojangles’ Coliseum, and the Children’s Theater of Charlotte. The city is also near the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Nashville (666 mi / 1,071 km). The country music capital of the world, Nashville is home to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, the beautiful Musica sculpture, country bars and convert venues, and many centers and sites dedicated to famous musicians who hailed from or worked in the city. If you don’t care much about the country, the city likely still has something for you - it is home to the Lane Motor Museum, Adventure Science Center, and Belle Meade Plantation.
- Cincinnati (501 mi / 806 km). Located in the state of Ohio near the border with Kentucky, Cincinnati is an up-and-coming travel destination. Travelers enjoy visiting the Carew Tower & Observation Deck, Cincinnati Observatory Center, and John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Other attractions include the Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church and American Classical Museum Hall of Fame.
- Pittsburgh (241 mi / 388 km). Located in the state of Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is a city of museums - it has the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Toonseum cartoon museum, and the National Aviary. But there’s even more about this place, from large public parks to the impressive Cathedral of Learning.
Airport info
Dulles International Airport IAD
- IATA: IAD
- ICAO: KIAD
- Name: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Distance from city: 20 miles / 32.2 km
Top 7 locations near Dulles International Airport IAD
-
36.8 km / 22.9 miles away
-
126 km / 78.3 miles away
-
161.7 km / 100.5 miles away
-
219.3 km / 136.3 miles away
-
237.5 km / 147.6 miles away
-
253.8 km / 157.7 miles away
-
286.1 km / 177.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
When are car rental prices the lowest at Dulles International Airport?
The cost of renting a car at Dulles International Airport varies by season. The table and graph below can help you find the best time of year to save on a rental car.
Average rental costs per day at Dulles International Airport
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Dulles International Airport is November — when rental costs average $35.43 per day. This is 31% cheaper than the yearly average and 50% cheaper than renting a car in July (when prices average $70.82 per day).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
For how long do renters keep their vehicles at Dulles International Airport?
How long travelers keep their rental cars varies by the time of year: in March the average rental period is 11 days, while in November, the average rental period is only 5 days.
Average number of rental days at Dulles International Airport
What is the most popular time of year to rent a car at Dulles International Airport?
Based on how many users search for a car in at Dulles International Airport, travelers are most likely to rent a car in November, while they are least likely to rent in in January.
Monthly searches at Dulles International Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
Car rental information
| Popular suppliers | Dollar, Thrifty, SIXT, Alamo, Enterprise |
| Popular car categories | Large cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Small cars |
| Lowest price | $50 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Dollar |
Most popular car models of rental suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar | Mazda 3 | 2 | 2 | Large cars |
| Thrifty | Mazda 3 | 5 | 3 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Nissan Rogue | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 2 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Honda Civic | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
| Dollar | Honda CR-V | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Thrifty | Ford Focus | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Dollar | Mazda CX-5 | 5 | 3 | SUVs |
| Dollar | Volkswagen Jetta | 4 | 2 | Large cars |
FAQ
Can I take a rental car from Dulles Airport to Maryland?
Yes, almost always you are allowed to travel to Virginia, D.C., and Maryland with your rental car.
How old do I have to be to rent a car at Dulles Airport?
You must be at least 21 to rent a car at Dulles Airport, though you'll be charged a Young Driver Fee if you are under 25.
How can I pay for tolls in my rental car?
The easiest way is to have an E-Z Pass transponder. Most rental companies offer a package that includes the use of one, though it usually comes with an extra fee.
Where are the rental desks at Dulles Airport?
You have to take a shuttle to the rental desks which, you can find in section 2C of Curb 2 outside of the baggage claim area. Some have shared shuttles, so be sure to look carefully for your company's shuttle.
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
JS
United States of America (USA)
Honda CR-V
8/25/24
The car was very well maintained and in a really good condition to drive across a few states.
IJ
United States of America (USA)
Chevrolet Spark
4/7/23
We attended a birthday party 🎉
Car Rental Statistics
Highest-rated company
SIXT
8 / 10
Lowest-rated company
Thrifty
6.9 / 10
Total number of reviews
5
Total rental companies
9
Average daily price
$63.51
Lowest daily price
$50.36
Total cars available
501
Top 9 suppliers at Dulles International Airport in 2024
+18887498227
23390 Autopilot Dr Sterling, VA 20166
$63 - $212
Working hours
Mon:06:00 - 23:59
Tue:06:00 - 23:59
Wed:06:00 - 23:59
Thu:06:00 - 23:59
Fri:06:00 - 23:59
Sat:06:00 - 23:59
Sun:06:00 - 23:59
8446481605
23430 AUTOPILOT DR,
$53 - $212
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Dollar
+18664342226
23540 Autopilot Drive
$50 - $113
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Budget
+17034379559
23330 Autopilot Dr,
Dulles, VA, 20166, United States
$50 - $113
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Hertz
+17034716020
23540 Autopilot Dr
$50 - $113
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Enterprise
+18446481602
23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
$55 - $198
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 00:30
Tue:05:00 - 23:59
Wed:05:00 - 23:59
Thu:05:00 - 23:59
Fri:05:00 - 23:59
Sat:05:00 - 23:59
Sun:05:00 - 23:59
National
+18446481604
23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166
$56 - $222
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
+17036613500
23330 Autopilot Dr,
Dulles, VA, 20166, United States
$56 - $121
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Thrifty
+18772830898
23540 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
$51 - $113
Working hours
Mon:00:00 - 23:59
Tue:00:00 - 23:59
Wed:00:00 - 23:59
Thu:00:00 - 23:59
Fri:00:00 - 23:59
Sat:00:00 - 23:59
Sun:00:00 - 23:59
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2023
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2023
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Trustpilot - Top 10 Car Rental Agencies
SimilarWeb - Top 50 Car Rental Websites
Highly recommended by our customers
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