Tenerife to Dulles (TFS–IAD) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Spain is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Spanish passport holders can enter the US for tourism or business for up to 90 days with an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. The fee is USD 21. The ESTA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It covers multiple entries.

Your passport must be machine-readable and, for VWP travel, must be an ePassport (the kind with the chip symbol on the cover). Spanish passports issued after 2006 meet this requirement. The 90-day ESTA stay cannot be extended and cannot be changed to another visa status from inside the US. If you need more than 90 days, apply for a B-1/B-2 visa at the US Embassy in Madrid.

US border officers have wide discretion. Have your return flight, hotel address, and a general itinerary ready. ESTA approval does not guarantee entry. The CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry. Global Entry (USD 100, 5-year membership) speeds up arrivals significantly at US airports if you travel frequently.

No rail connection. TITSA bus Line 111 runs from Santa Cruz de Tenerife bus station to TFS in about 1 hour (€7.65). From Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos, bus Line 111/116 takes 20–30 minutes and costs €1.65–3.

Taxis from Playa de las Américas cost €15–20 (15–20 min). From Santa Cruz: €40–55 (45 min). The TF-1 motorway runs directly to the airport. Rental cars are the dominant mode for resort-area visitors; the airport road is well signed.

Silver Line Metro runs from Washington Dulles Airport station to Metro Center in about 65 minutes (~$7). The route bypasses I-66 and I-495 congestion entirely. Washington Flyer coach also runs to Wiehle-Reston East station ($6, 15 min) for Metro connection.Taxis and ride-shares to downtown DC cost $55–80 and take 35–55 minutes depending on traffic. Car rental facilities are on-site. Dulles is 27 miles west of the Capitol; it is farther than either DCA or BWI from central DC.

Humid continental climate. Summers are hot and muggy (30–36°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cause delays June through August. Winters bring cold temperatures (−3 to 5°C) with snow and ice. The Virginia suburbs accumulate more snow than downtown DC, and ice storms are the primary disruption risk.

Dulles sits at higher elevation in Virginia's piedmont and sees more winter precipitation than DCA. Spring and fall are variable. Snowfall is possible into April. Thunderstorms begin from April through May.