Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC (Photo courtesy Washington.org)

National Air and Space Museum, Udvar Hazy, Smithsonian, Fairfax, Virginia

The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center

Washington Dulles International Airport (J. David Buerk for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

Silver Line Express Bus (Regis Lefebure for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

Leesburg Corner Premium Outlets, Virginia, shopping

Leesburg Premium Outlets

Mount Vernon, home of George Washington

Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC (Photo courtesy Washington.org)

The National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center

Washington Dulles International Airport (J. David Buerk for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

Silver Line Express Bus (Regis Lefebure for Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority)

Leesburg Premium Outlets

Mount Vernon, home of George Washington

Top Things to Do Near Dulles International Airport

Have a long layover in Washington, DC? Visit these top Captial Region attractions just minutes from Dulles airport.

Long layovers can be a perfect chance for exploring an area, especially if the airport is within close proximity to popular sites and attractions. Fortunately, Washington Dulles International Airport ticks those boxes, giving you a chance to stretch your legs a bit during lengthy stops.

Located just west of Washington, DC in Virginia, Dulles offers more inbound overseas flights to the Capital Region than any other airport in the Washington, DC area. Until construction of the airport’s Metro station is complete, travellers can ride the dedicated Silver Line Express bus between the airport and the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station just minutes away, and connect to the Washington, DC Metro system of rail and bus service.

National Mall & Memorial Parks — Washington, DC

The most-visited National Park in the US is home to iconic monuments and memorials such as the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument. The Mall also is flanked by the popular Smithsonian museums, such as the National Museum of American History and the National Gallery of Art. All of the sites along the Mall, including the Smithsonian museums, are free to tour.

Getting there: Hour ride via Metro bus and rail or a 40-minute trip by car

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — Chantilly, Virginia

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, directly adjacent to Washington Dulles Airport, is the companion site to Washington, DC’s National Air and Space Museum. The Smithsonian facility's two huge hangars house thousands of aviation and space artefacts, including the Space Shuttle Discovery, Gemini VII space capsule, a Concorde, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the first Boeing 707 prototype, and the Boeing B-29 Enola Gay. Simulators and theatres provide breathtaking experiences without leaving the ground, while the museum’s observation tower allows visitors to watch planes landing at Dulles airport. Free admission, and parking is $15 per car.

Getting there: From Dulles Airport Ground Transportation Level, take Fairfax Connector No. 983 one stop to Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

Manassas National Battlefield Park — Manassas, Virginia

This 5,000-acre park preserves the site of the Civil War’s First and Second Battles of Manassas (also known as the Battles of Bull Run). Drive or walk the trails of the scenic yet solemn battlefield, where markers, monuments and memorials retell the history of the site. The Henry Hill Visitors Center features electronic battle maps, displays of equipment and battle memorabilia, and a film covering both battles.

Getting there: 20-minute drive by car

George Washington's Mount Vernon — Mount Vernon, Virginia

The faithfully restored plantation home of America’s first president, George Washington, features commanding views of the Potomac River. Tour the mansion and gardens, as well as the museum featuring 23 galleries and theatres, more than 700 artefacts and interactive displays.

Getting there: 45-minute drive by car

Shopping Destinations

After perusing the variety of high-end retail outlets the airport has to offer, shoppers can ride the Silver Line Metrorail to Tysons Corner Center — home to the largest concentration of shopping on the East Coast of the USA outside of Manhattan. For big bargains from brand-name retailers, head to the Leesburg Premium Outlets.

Getting there: Tysons Corner Center is a one hour ride by Metrorail and bus or a 20-minute drive by car. Leesburg Premium Outlets is a 20-minute drive by car or an hour ride by bus.