The Dulles Metrorail Station has officially opened at Washington Dulles International Airport, marking the completion of a two-phase Silver Line construction project to extend rail service to Dulles and 10 other stations in Northern Virginia.
The new service will allow airport passengers and employees to take Metrorail directly to Dulles from downtown Washington.
This opening fulfils the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMTA) aim of commencing Silver Line services in time for Thanksgiving travel.
Jack Potter, Airports Authority president and CEO said:Today’s opening of the Silver Line is the culmination of one of the largest and most complex transportation infrastructure projects in the nation. 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 walkways. This passage provides convenient access to the airport’s ticketing and baggage claim levels.
With the opening of the airport’s Metrorail station, services on the airport’s Silver Line Express, which previously provided rides between Dulles and the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station, have ceased.
Richard Golinowski, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority vice president and airport manager said:The Silver Line will make Dulles International Airport even more accessible to passengers and employees from Washington and around the region. This represents a game-changing upgrade to the area’s transportation infrastructure and will facilitate major new economic growth.
Washington Dulles International Airport serves 135 non-stop destinations, including 58 internationals cities.
This new metro connection will further improve the travel experience for passengers departing and arriving at the airport on around 300 daily flights.
