Dulles International Airport

D2 Projects: Main Terminal Train Station

The Main Terminal Train Station represents a major expansion on the airfield side of the Main Terminal. But since it will be constructed about 60 feet below ground, views of the Main Terminal will not be blocked. The station will span the entire length of the Main Terminal (about 1,600 feet) and will have four distinct levels:

Departures (49,600 square feet)
Arrivals (49,600 square feet)
Security Mezzanine (121,700 square feet)
AeroTrain Platform (54,500 square feet)

When passenger screening operations move to the Security Mezzanine, it will alleviate congestion from security screening which now exists on the Main Terminal ticketing level. The mezzanine will also be directly accessible from other parts of the Airport including Baggage Claim and the parking facilities.

The AeroTrain platform is a "side-center-side" arrangement. Passengers heading to flights will be able to board the train from the center platform immediately after people arriving on the train step onto the side platforms.

Despite its underground location, the design of the station is very open and allows natural light to filter in. There is an extensive system of skylights at roof level, which will be level with the ground outside. Trains entering and exiting the station will travel through glass enclosures. Two elevators in the station will have the appearance of vertical glass tubes. Completion of the station is scheduled to coincide with the opening of the AeroTrain System in 2009.

Statistics about the Main Terminal Train Station:

Dimensions: 440 feet long x 120 feet wide x 39 feet high
Waiting time between trains: 1.9 minutes

Construction Information:

Estimated Program Cost: $259 million
Contractors: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill - Design. Turner Construction Company - Construction

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