Major city · United States
ChantillyChantilly, Virginia
Base here only for the Udvar-Hazy air museum or a Dulles layover: 1 night by car, half a day if you are already in Fairfax County.
Chantilly is a Dulles-corridor suburb in Fairfax County, Virginia, not a sightseeing town. Its one heavyweight draw is the Smithsonian's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center — free entry, paid parking, a 15-minute drive from the airport. Everything else is parks, a Civil War battlefield and strip-mall dining, so you need a car and a reason to be here.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Dec–Feb (ice risk on back roads)
- Airports
- IAD · DCA
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Chantilly911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
- Poison Control (US)1-800-222-1222
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Chantilly, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyA low-crime, well-lit suburb; the real risks are traffic on Route 28 and US-50, deer on back roads at dusk, and summer heat on exposed trails.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 703-691-2131 Fairfax County non-emergency police · 1-800-222-1222 Poison Control (US)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIAD Washington Dulles International (About 10–15 min by car to most Chantilly hotels…
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: sights sit 5–15 min apart along Route 28 and US-50, and pavements are patchy.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- Sit-down mealSit-down dinner mainTip 18–22% on the pre-tax total.$16–30
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$10–30
- Museum or sight ticketUdvar-Hazy Center entry / parkingFreeabout $15 per vehicle (check)
- Budget bedSuite or family room (up to 4), a night, per roomUS$140
- Mid-range bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedChain-hotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$70 · Mid US$140 · High US$260
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IAD Washington Dulles International (About 10–15 min by car to most Chantilly hotels; Fairfax Connector 983 links the airport and the Udvar-Hazy Center.) · DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National (About 35–50 min by car; use it if your trip is mostly Washington, DC.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Apr
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Nov
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Dec
Avoid*
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C) low), wettest May (11 rain days), driest Sep (8). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Chantilly: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−4°C (25°F)25°F (−4°C)
10 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Mar
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
10 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
10 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
9 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Oct
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Nov
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
9 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: sights sit 5–15 min apart along Route 28 and US-50, and pavements are patchy. Without a car, Fairfax Connector buses cover the basics — 983 to the Udvar-Hazy Center and Dulles Airport, 650 toward the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro station, 901 to the Silver Line at Herndon. Rideshare is easy but surge-priced at airport peaks.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 1–1.5 h
Car to a Silver Line station, then Metro; or drive I-66/US-50
Full day minimum; Smithsonian museums on the Mall are free.
Reston
goDoor to door: 30–45 min
Car about 15 min, or Fairfax Connector 901 to the Silver Line
Town-centre restaurants and a lake walk; easy half day.
Herndon
goDoor to door: 30 min
Car about 15 min along Route 28
Historic downtown; pair with a farm park visit.
Door to door: 40–50 min
Car about 20 min, or Fairfax Connector 650 to Vienna/Fairfax-GMU
Small downtown with cafés and a rail trail.
Door to door: 40–50 min
Car about 25 min via I-66
Restaurant strip is the draw; traffic can double the time.
Door to door: 35–45 min
Car about 20 min via US-50
More dining and shopping than Chantilly itself.
Door to door: 1–1.25 h
Car about 35 min via I-66, or bus to Metro
Better as a separate base than a day trip.
Mount Vernon
cautionDoor to door: 1.25–1.5 h
Car about 50 min via the Beltway
Long return trip; go early and allow half a day on site.
Lorton
cautionDoor to door: 1 h
Car about 40 min via I-95
Workhouse Arts Center and Occoquan are the reasons to go.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dulles/Route 28 corridor (Corsair Ct, Centerview Dr, Westfax Dr)
Airport hotels with free shuttles; best for one night or a layover.
Metrotech Dr / Chantilly Crossing
Walkable cluster of chain hotels, groceries and fast food; the most practical base without a car.
Westfields (Conference Center Dr)
Business-hotel and conference zone; quiet at weekends, needs a car for everything.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $70–110 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–190 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Chain-hotel double room1 × 1 night × US$150 | US$150 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$140 | US$280 |
| Udvar-Hazy Center parking, one visit1 × US$15 · check | US$15 |
| Fairfax Connector single ride2 × US$2 · check | US$4 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$15 | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$48 |
| Trip total≈ US$264 per person per day, bed included | US$527 |
2026 estimate in US dollars, before sales tax; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Deli or fast-food lunch | $10–16 |
| Sit-down dinner mainTip 18–22% on the pre-tax total. | $16–30 |
| Rideshare, Chantilly to Dulles AirportSurge pricing at peak times. | $15–30 |
| Fairfax Connector single ride | $2 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $10–30 |
| Udvar-Hazy Center entry / parking | Free / about $15 per vehicle (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Almost nothing is walkable between clusters; plan each hop by car, bus or rideshare.
- Udvar-Hazy parking is paid per vehicle and the lot fills on weekend afternoons — arrive at opening.
- The museum is free but the IMAX theatre and some simulators are ticketed separately.
- Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms and heavy Beltway/Dulles Toll Road traffic; build in slack before a flight.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police
- 703-691-2131
- Poison Control (US)
- 1-800-222-1222
Pocket card
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ChantillyChantilly, Virginia
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- Fairfax County non-emergency police703-691-2131
- Poison Control1-800-222-1222
Embassy
No embassies in Chantilly; they are in Washington, DC. Consulates and national embassies are in DC — check your country's site before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Rideshare Chantilly → Dulles Airport: $15–30, about 15 min (check)
- Fairfax Connector 983, airport ↔ Udvar-Hazy: about $2, roughly every 30 min on weekdays (check)
- Udvar-Hazy parking: about $15 per vehicle (check)
Say or show
- Where is the bus stop? — Where is the bus stop?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- Is parking free here? — Is parking free here?
- How long is the wait? — How long is the wait?
- Could you call me a taxi? — Could you call me a taxi?
Tipping is expected in the US: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis and rideshare.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Chantilly. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat and humidity), late Dec–Feb (ice risk on back roads) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 9 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IAD: last Fairfax Connector 983 departures, shuttle hotel list, rideshare fallback.
- Udvar-Hazy logistics page: free entry, paid parking, opening time, IMAX ticketing, bus 983 stops.
- Walking-cluster pages: Metrotech Drive, Chantilly Crossing, Westfields — with what is actually open late.
- Ox Hill Battlefield and Sully Historic Site pages with seasonal hours and trail notes.
Sources
- officialFairfax County Park Authority — Ox Hill Battlefield Park
- officialFairfax County Park Authority — Sully Historic Site
- officialFairfax County Park Authority — Ellanor C. Lawrence Park
- officialFairfax Connector bus service
- officialSmithsonian National Air and Space Museum — Udvar-Hazy Center
- secondaryWikivoyage: Chantilly (Virginia), revision 5238805 (CC BY-SA 4.0)