By Rob Yingling
Dulles Airport passengers should take note of new rules affecting
roadway travel between the airport and downtown Washington, D.C. Prior to December, drivers on airport business could use I-66 east of the Capital Beltway at all times without restriction. But new rules introduced by the Virginia Department of Transportation now require E-ZPass in vehicles on I-66 eastbound during the morning rush (5:30 – 9:30 a.m.) and westbound during the evening rush (3 – 7 p.m.).
All drivers on I-66, including Dulles Airport passengers, are subject to the posted tolls unless they have at least two people in the car and an E-ZPass Flex set to “HOV” mode. Most taxis and rideshares are equipped with a flex transponder, avoiding the tolls for their riders. Rental car customers should check with their rental agency to learn which toll payment options are offered with their vehicle. During non-rush periods, I-66 is open to traffic, free of charge or the need for E-ZPass. More information is available at 66expresslanes.org.
One rule that hasn’t changed involves the Dulles Airport Access Highway between the beltway and Dulles Airport. The highway remains toll-free and is for airport passengers and business only.