Car Rental at Dulles International Airport

✓ No Hidden Costs ✓ 24/7 Support ✓ Free Cancellation
Washington Dulles International Airport, Dulles, USA - Virginia
Unable to find any location
Driver's country of residence is United States of America (USA) and age is 30-65
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24
  • 25
  • 26
  • 27
  • 28
  • 29
  • 30 - 65
  • 66
  • 67
  • 68
  • 69
  • 70
  • 71
  • 72
  • 73
  • 74
  • 75
  • 76
  • 77
  • 78
  • 79
  • 80+
500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Dulles International Airport IAD
Intermediate SUV
Chevrolet Bolt or similar
Chevrolet Bolt
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • Auto.
Thrifty
$49.97 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Economy
Kia Rio or similar
Kia Rio
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$61.91 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Standard
Volkswagen Jetta or similar
Volkswagen Jetta
  • 5
  • 2
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Dollar
$67.54 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Premium Regular Cab Pickup
Ford F-150 or similar
Ford F-150
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Alamo
$89.51 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Dulles International Airport IAD
Compact SUV
Nissan Kicks or similar
Nissan Kicks
  • 5
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Enterprise
$102.69 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Full-size
Chevrolet Malibu or similar
Chevrolet Malibu
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
National
$110.29 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Luxury
Luxury (BMW 4 Series Coupe) or similar
Luxury (BMW 4 Series Coupe)
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$133.25 / per day
Dulles International Airport IAD
Standard Elite SUV
Chevrolet Traverse or similar
Chevrolet Traverse
  • 5
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Budget
$105.09 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 02:45 on 2024-04-16. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
English
Currency
USD
Drive on
Right-hand side
Country code
+1
Average car rental price
$90 per day
Average car rental length
8 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%
Rating
8.5 / 10
Washington Dulles International Airport

Airport Car Rental

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.

Most popular types of rental car

  • Large cars - from $62 per day
  • Medium cars - from $66 per day
  • Vans - from $127 per day
  • Premium cars - from $69 per day
  • Small cars - from $62 per day
  • SUVs - from $50 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.

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.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.

Airport info

Rating
7.4
  • Getting to the airport 7.4
  • Check-in and departures 8.1
  • Terminal facilities 7.3
  • Wi-Fi 7.3
  • Restaurants and car rental services 7.1
  • Lounge 7.1

Dulles International Airport IAD

  • IATA: IAD
  • ICAO: KIAD
  • Name: Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
  • Distance from city: 20 miles / 32.2 km

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. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day at Dulles International Airport
$42.96
January
$54.23
February
$42.62
March
$52.11
April
$57.94
May
$43.95
June
$65.52
July
$77.06
August
$51.29
September
$55.84
October
$56.11
November
$52.78
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car at Dulles International Airport is March — when rental costs average $42.62 per day. This is 22% cheaper than the yearly average and 45% cheaper than renting a car in August (when prices average $77.06 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.

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 June the average rental period is 14 days, while in February, the average rental period is only 6 days.
Average number of rental days at Dulles International Airport
10
January
6
February
11
March
10
April
7
May
14
June
12
July
7
August
9
September
8
October
10
November
10
December

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 at Dulles International Airport in July, while they are least likely to rent in in January.
Monthly searches at Dulles International Airport by pick-up date relative to the average
27%
January
70%
February
54%
March
135%
April
156%
May
124%
June
161%
July
135%
August
113%
September
81%
October
81%
November
65%
December

Car Rental Information

Popular suppliers Dollar, Thrifty, SIXT, Alamo, Budget
Popular car categories SUVs, Large cars, Medium cars, Small cars
Lowest price $50 per day
Cheapest supplier Thrifty

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Dollar Mazda 3 2 2 Large cars
Thrifty Nissan Rogue 5 3 SUVs
Dollar Nissan Rogue 5 3 SUVs
Alamo Nissan Kicks 5 2 SUVs
Dollar Ford Focus 3 2 Medium cars
Thrifty Mazda 3 5 3 Large cars
Budget Chevrolet Suburban 4 4 SUVs
SIXT BMW 3 series 4 2 Premium cars
Alamo Hyundai Elantra 4 2 Large cars
Dollar Volkswagen Jetta 2 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 an 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, verified, and trustworthy.

United States of America (USA)
Chevrolet Spark
April 7, 2023
We attended a birthday party 🎉
× Full Size Image

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Alamo
8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
Thrifty
6.3 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
4
Total rental companies
9
Average daily price
$90.03
Lowest daily price
$49.97
Total cars available
477

Top 9 Suppliers at Dulles International Airport in 2024

Alamo
Very good 8 / 7 reviews
8446481605
23430 AUTOPILOT DR,
$90 - $210
SIXT
Good 7.8 / 5 reviews
+18887498227
23390 Autopilot Dr Sterling, VA 20166
$110 - $180
Working hours
Mon:07:30-22:30
Tue:07:30-22:30
Wed:07:30-22:30
Thu:07:30-22:30
Fri:07:30-22:30
Sat:07:30-22:30
Sun:07:30-22:30
Budget
Budget
Good 7.8 / 4 reviews
+17034379559
23360 Autopilot Drive
$62 - $135
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
Hertz
Good 7.8 / 3 reviews
+17034716020
23540 Autopilot Dr
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
National
National
Good 7.8 / 2 reviews
+18446481604
23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166
$95 - $219
Enterprise
Enterprise
Good 7.8
+18446481602
23430 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
$93 - $234
Dollar
Dollar
Good 7.6 / 13 reviews
+18664342226
23540 Autopilot Drive
$67 - $141
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
Avis
Good 7.2 / 20 reviews
+17032605631
23480 Autopilot Drive Washington Dulles Intl Airport, Sterling, VA 20166, United States
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
Thrifty
Satisfactory 6.3 / 16 reviews
+18772830898
23540 Autopilot Dr, Dulles, VA 20166, United States
$50 - $174
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
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), 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 (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 150k+ 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.
Download Our App
Book and manage your booking on the go
Log in or create an account
Get access to all your bookings in one place
Continue with email
By selecting "Agree and continue", you agree to DiscoverCars.com's
and
What's your email?
Please check your email
Please check your email
We've sent an email with a verification link to {email}
Click on the link in the email to log in.
Please select a pick-up location and dates