Washington Dulles Airport Car Rental

Parking in Washington DC

• Union Station (20002) has an impressive 2,190 spaces and is about half a mile north of the Capitol. Perfect for parking near some of the most noteworthy sights in DC.
• Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center (20004) is also huge (2,000 spaces) and great for exploring. It’s around a block and a half from the White House and across the street from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
• On-street parking is available in Washington DC seven days a week. Take note of posted signs as there are restrictions. And be aware that it can be difficult to find a space near memorials and monuments close to the White House.

Key roads in Washington DC

• Interstate 495 (I-495) is usually known as the ‘Capital Beltway’ and almost encircles DC. It’s 64 miles long and is useful if travelling to Virginia or Maryland.
• Interstate 66 (I-66) begins near Middletown, Virginia in the west. It’s the only Interstate Highway traveling west from Washington into northern Virginia, so expect it to be busy.
• Pennsylvania Avenue is a main thoroughfare running directly diagonal through the city to the Maryland state line and then Rock Creek in the north. The White House can be found about halfway along the route in a section known as ‘America’s Main Street’.

How to get from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Downtown

It takes around 40 minutes to drive the 28 miles from the airport to Downtown.

1. After collecting your rental car, head west from the Dulles Airport and join I-66.
2. Follow signs for the VA-28 and keep right to merge onto VA-267E.
3. Continue onto 1-66E and take the exit to East Street.
4. Take 18th Street NW to L Street NW.

How to get from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) to Maryland

It takes around an hour and 10 minutes to drive the 60 miles from the airport to Maryland.Simply join the VA-267E in Hunter Mill and continue towards Washington DC. Join I-495N and US-50 to Bowie, before taking exit 13A-13B-13C and joining MD-3N.

Best hotels in Washington DC

The Hay-Adams

16^th and H Streets, NW Washington, DC, 20006

When it comes to views of the White House, it doesn’t get better than the five-star Hay-Adams. Opened in 1928, this establishment has been used in films and TV over the years for its charming décor and grandeur. The food is also critically acclaimed and for good reason.

Mandarin Oriental

1330 Maryland Avenue, SW Washington, DC, 20024

A family friendly five-star hotel conveniently located 15 minutes from the White House, and 10 minutes from the Jefferson Memorial. With its domed ceiling and Asian artwork, there’s an east-meets-west vibe. For total bliss, check out its renowned spa.

Hotel Washington

515 15th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004

Since 1917 the four-star Hotel Washington has welcomed an impressive number of A-list guests from showbiz and politics. Join the in-crown and enjoy an impressive mix of retro and modern style. Take Insta-worthy pics at the iconic rooftop lounge, enjoy great food and soak up the city’s atmosphere.

Best restaurants in Washington DC

The Red Hen

1822 First Street, NW Washington, DC, 20001

Located in historic Bloomingdale, The Red Hen serves up delicious Italian-influenced food. Highlights include the squid ink linguini, grilled beef short ribs and spaghetti squash carbonara.

Daikaya

705 6^th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20001

South-east Asian food is a specialty in Washington DC and Daikaya is the place to be for mouthwatering Japanese cuisine. It’s divided into two separate spaces, with the first-floor Ramen Shop providing Sapporo-style ramen, while the second floor Izakaya serves up casual comfort food.

Del Mar

791 Wharf Street, SW Washington, DC, 20024

A beautiful Mediterranean-style interior greets you as you enter Del Mar, which features a Spanish menu. The paella, made with Bomba rice, comes highly recommended, and other favorites include charcoal-baked potatoes with aioli and brava sauce.

Best attractions in Washington DC

The Washington Monument

2 15th Street, NW Washington, DC, 20024

Built to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States, the Washington Monument dominates the city skyline. Located on the National Mall, America’s most famous landscaped lawn, the monument attracts millions of visitors every year.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC, 20500

The country’s most iconic address, where the sitting president lives. Tours are scheduled on a first come, first served basis, so make sure you book a few weeks in advance if you want to set foot in the rooms, halls and corridors of power.

Smithsonian American Art Museum

G Street, NW Washington, DC, 20004

Home to one of the world’s largest collections of American art, the Smithsonian brings you close to seminal works by John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keeffe. Impressionist paintings sit beside contemporary masterpieces, with artworks to really make you think.