I have a quick layover in Washington DC next month, and I'd really like to catch up with friends but I don't have much time. My flight gets in at 3pm and my connection leaves at 7pm, so can anyone suggest a restaurant or bar that's really close to the airport? Also, how do I get there? Is there a train or shuttle into Washington DC from the airport and how long does it take?
The metro doesn't go all the way to Dulles (though they say it will by 2014), however there is a bus to Washington DC from the airport roughly every half hour: http://www.washfly.com/flyer_bus_schedule.htm
It goes to a fairly random point in town (West Falls Church Station), but your friends may be able to suggest a good place nearby. The trip takes about 25 minutes.
A round-trip ticket will cost $18, which is less than half the price of a taxi one-way.