Metrorail arrives at Washington Dulles International Airport

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) has officially welcomed Metrorail to Dulles International Airport, its arrival marking the completion of a major two-phase Silver Line construction project to extend rail service to the airport and 10 other stations in Fairfax and Loudoun counties in Northern Virginia.

With the new service, airport passengers and employees now can take Metrorail directly to Dulles from downtown Washington and other points throughout the region.

“The opening of the Silver Line is the culmination of one of the largest and most complex transportation infrastructure projects in the nation,” said MWAA’s president and CRO, Jack Potter, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Dulles Airport’s new Metro station.

“Building rail to Dulles was part of the original vision for the airport more than 60 years ago. Bringing that vision to reality required talented teams of people working tirelessly toward a common goal.

“We are thankful for the strong partnerships with WMATA, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties, the federal government and everyone who contributed through the years to the success of this project. Together, we have much to celebrate with trains in service to Dulles Airport and beyond.”

The newly opened station at Dulles is connected to the main terminal by an indoor pedestrian tunnel with moving sidewalks. The walkway provides convenient access to the airport’s ticketing and baggage claim levels.

New signs guide customers to the tunnel, which also links the terminal with Parking Garage 1. Passengers are advised to consult Metrorail’s website for station information, fares and operating hours.

“The Silver Line will make Dulles International Airport even more accessible to passengers and employees from Washington and around the region,” enthused Richard Golinowski, MWAA’s vice president and airport manager.

“This represents a game-changing upgrade to the area’s transportation infrastructure and will facilitate major new economic growth.”

The opening of the airport Metrorail station marked the end of service for the the airport’s Silver Line Express bus, which provided rides between Dulles and the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station.

“With the opening of Phase 2 of the Silver Line, we now have both Dulles and Reagan National airports on the Metro system to better serve our passengers and employees and solidify our airports’ status as tops in the nation for accessibility by public transit,” added Potter.

“The Silver Line is bringing enormous benefits to the region. It provides new access for commuters, shoppers, tourists and other travellers across the National Capital area. In addition to helping ease traffic congestion, it’s a catalyst for new jobs and economic development as well as a foundation for future growth.

“You can see this new economic development all around us. Just drive along the Dulles Toll Road or Access Highway and look at all the new office towers and other buildings, with even more under construction. The airports authority is proud to be part of this great success and the great regional partnership that made it happen.”