Guide to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is between Dallas and Fort Worth and is the major airport serving the Dallas & Fort Worth metroplex and North Texas. It is the world’s third-busiest airport by aircraft movements and the second-busiest airport by passenger volume. DFW is a hub for American Airlines, the second-largest single airline hub in the world. The airport also serves 28 other airlines. DFW serves over 260 destinations and has over 73 million passengers every year. 

  • The airport property covers over 26.9 square miles 
  • It is the third-largest airport in the world 
  • DFW has five terminals: Terminals A, B, C, D & E  
  • The Sixth terminal, Terminal F, is under construction. 
  • DFW offers service to over 260 destinations in 44 countries. 
  • It is the largest carbon-neutral airport in the world. 
  • Dallas Fort Worth International Airport History 

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DFW Airport History

Dallas Airport has come a long way since its beginnings in 1974. Dallas Fort Worth Airport had a rocky start. Initial proposals in the 1920s and 40s did not work out due to disagreements between the cities. By the 1960s, both existing airports were struggling – Love Field in Dallas was congested but had no room for expansion, and Greater Southwest International Airport (GSW), the airport that was serving Fort Worth then, was underused. Facing pressure from the federal government, Fort Worth agreed on a new regional airport in the mid-60s. Construction for the new airport began in 1969, and in 1974, DFW Regional Airport was born. Later, in 1985, the airport changed its name to DFW International Airport because it was already serving internationally in a big way. Since then, the airport has undergone many renovations, and Terminal F is currently under construction. 

DFW 

Where is DFW Airport?  

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is between Dallas and Fort Worth and is also a part of Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell. 

DFW Airport Map 

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport map will give you an idea of how to navigate DFW Airport terminals, parking, and transportation facilities.   

Map of DFW Airport

 

DFW Parking & Transportation 

Parking: DFW Airport provides five onsite parking options, including Terminal Parking, Express Parking, Remote Parking, Valet Parking, and a Cell Phone Lot. Additionally, you can reserve offsite DFW Airport parking lots at lower rates with Global Airport Parking.  

Transportation: There are many modes of transportation in Dallas. Your options include public transportation, taxi, car, or shuttle to get to or from the DFW Airport.  

Public Transportation Services 

Skylink and Terminal Link connect passengers between the terminals at DFW International Airport. The following public transport options will take you to and from the airport to the cities:. 

  • Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) (Towards Fort Worth) 
  • The TEXRail (Towards Fort Worth) 
  • The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) (Connecting Dallas & Fort Worth. 

How to get to DFW Airport 

Public Transit 

  • DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit): This is the cheapest option from Dallas 
  • TEXRail: This is the cheapest option from Fort Worth 
  • TRE (The Trinity Railway Express): This service connects Dallas & Fortworth. 

Driving Directions

These are the following ways to reach DFW Airport: 

From Dallas

DFW Airport from Fort Worth City Hall is about 21 miles via Highway 121 N and TX-183 E. It will take approximately 30 minutes. 

From Fort Worth

The distance to the DFW Airport from Fort Worth City Hall is about 21 miles via Hwy 121 N and TX-183 E. It will take approximately 30 minutes.  

From Denton

Denton City Centre to DFW is about 27 miles and you can take I-35E S to get to the airport. It will take approximately 35 minutes.  

From Waco

You can reach the airport from Waco via I-35 N and I-35W N. The distance from Waco City Hall to DFW is 108 miles and will take about 1 hour 45 min. 

How do you get from DFW Airport to the City Center?   

There are several options to get between DFW Airport and the City Center, including bus, taxi, Uber/Lyft, or shuttle. However, the cheapest and most convenient way to the City Center is by train.  

Train 

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail is the cheapest way to get to Dallas. 

DART stopped at a Station
Danazar, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Location: Lower-Level Curb, Entry A-10 at Terminal A. Passengers can reach the other terminals by taking the Terminal Link Shuttle.  
  • Fares: $2 for a midday pass and $6 for a day pass. 
  • The first train departs at 4:14 AM.   
  • Passes are available at DFW Airport Station kiosks or by mobile using the GoPass app. 

TEXRail 

 The TEXRail is the cheapest way to get to Downtown Fort Worth.  

  • Location: To access the train, exit Terminal B at B30. Passengers can reach the other terminals by taking the Terminal Link Shuttle.   
  • Fares: $2.50 for a single ride ticket and $5 for a day pass. 
  • Hours: TEXRail runs daily between 4:40 AM to 2:10 PM. 
  • Passes are available at DFW Airport Station kiosks or by mobile using the GoPass app. 

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) 

TRE connects Dallas to Fort Worth. The bus service by TRE that shuttles passengers between DFW and TRE CentrePort station is at Lower-Level gate 47 of Terminal B. 

  • Hours: Monday to Saturday: 5 AM to 11 PM. 
  • Fares: $2.50 Per ride. 
  • Passes are available at Kiosks at CentrePorte Station, or you can purchase them via mobile using the GoPass app. 

Bus 

The bus service is available for passengers to shuttle between DFW and TRE CenterPort. The station is at Lower-Level gate 47 of Terminal B and the service is available from Monday to Saturday, between 5.30 AM and 11 PM, and runs every 20 or 40 minutes   

Taxi 

Metered taxis are a convenient way to travel from the airport to the City Center, but they are also a little expensive. There are about 16 registered Taxi companies at DFW Airport. For your safety, the airport advises you to use only registered taxis. Taxi is available around the clock. A DFW Airport Guest Assistant is available between 8 AM and 12 AM to assist you with cab services. Taxi is available on the lower level of Terminals A, B, C, D, and E. 

Ride Share 

Uber, Lyft, Wingz, and Alto are the app-based rideshare companies at DFW and offer an affordable mode of transportation. 

Pick-up Locations: Upper-level curbside (all terminals) 

Shuttle Services 

Shuttle Bus picking passengers to rental car center
Polegasa, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Yellow Checker is the only authorized shuttle service at DFW. 

  • Pick-up: The shuttle will pick you up from upper-level curbside of all terminals 
  • Phone: 214-841-1900. 

Car Rental Services 

The most convenient way to explore the city is to rent a car. The car center is near the south entrance (near Terminal E). Take a shuttle to reach the rental center. 

Here is the list of car rental services and phone numbers at the DFW Airport: 

  • Advantage: 800-777-5500 
  • Alamo: 833-635-0437 
  • Avis: 800-633-3469 
  • Budget: 800-218-7992 
  • Dollar: 866-434-2226 
  • Enterprise: 833-635-0439 
  • Fox Rent a Car: 323-593-7485 
  • Hertz: 972-453-4600 
  • National: 833-635-0438 
  • Payless: 972-456-7939 
  • Sixt: 888-749-8227 
  • Thrifty: 877-283-0898 

Hotels near Dallas Airport 

There are two Hyatt-branded hotels, DFW Airport hotels, located in the Central Terminal area. 

DFW Airport Terminal D
Squeamish at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Grand Hyatt DFW   

  • The Grand Hyatt DFW is in Terminal D at DFW Airport. 

The Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport 

  • Hyatt Regency DFW is in Terminal C of DFW Airport. 

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grapevine DFW Airport North 

  • Address: 2401 Bass Pro Drive, Grapevine, Texas, 76051, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 2.2 miles. 

Sheraton Hotel Dallas (DFW) Airport 

  • Address: 4440 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, Texas, 75063, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 3.2 miles. 

Comfort Inn Suites DFW Airport 

  • Address: 4700 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 3.4 miles. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – DFW Airport North 

  • Address: 4441 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 3.1 miles. 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Irving DFW Airport North, an IHG Hotel 

  • Address: 4550 W John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, TX 75063, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 2.6 miles. 

Super 8 by Wyndham Grapevine/DFW Airport Northwest 

  • Address: 250 East State Highway 114, S Main St at, Grapevine, TX 76051, USA 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 2.5 miles. 

The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas 

  • Address: 4150 N MacArthur Blvd, Irving, TX 75038, United States 
  • Distance from the DFW Airport: Approximately 8.4 miles. 

DFW Airport Lounges

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has several lounges. The lounges and their locations are below: 

American Express Centurion Lounge - DFW Airport 

Terminal A 

  • American Admirals Club: Near Gate A24 on Level 2 
  • Minute Suites: Near Gate A38 on Level 2 

Terminal B 

  • American Admirals Club: B3 on Level 2
  • USO Lounge: Near B46 on Level 2.

Terminal C 

  • American Admirals Club: Near Gate C20 on Level 2 

Terminal D 

  • Air France: Near Gate D22 on Level 3 
  • American Admirals Club: D12 on Level 3 
  • American Flagship Lounge: Near Gate D21 on Level 3 
  • Capital One Lounge: Near Gate D 22 on Level 3 
  • Club DFW: Near Gate D27 on Level 3 
  • Centurion Lounge: Near Gate D12 on Level 3 
  • Emirates Lounge: Near Gate D22 
  • Korean Air Lounge: Near Gate D12 on Level 3 
  • Lufthansa Lounge: Near Gate D22 
  • Minute Suites: D23 on Level 3. 

Terminal E 

  • Plaza Premium Lounge: Near Gate E31 on Level 2 
  • American Admirals Club: Near Gate E 22 on Level 1 
  • Delta Sky Club: Near Gates E10 & E11 
  • United Club: Near E6 on Level 2. 

Dallas Fort Worth Airport Food and Dining 

DFW Airport has a wide range of restaurants in each of its five terminals. The airport offers many popular restaurant chains, along with local and fine dining restaurants with a variety of cuisines. Here are some of the restaurants in DFW and their locations.   

McDonald's_restaurant inside DFW AIrport
Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Terminal A 

  • Pappasito’s Cantina: Gate A28 
  • The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que: Gate A16 
  • Dallas Cowboys Club: Near Gate A21 
  • Twisted Root Burger Co.: Near Gate A24 
  • Einstein Bros. Bagels: Near Gates A9 and A11 
  • Starbucks: Near Gate A37. 

Terminal B 

  • Caribou Coffee: Near Gate B29 
  • Cousin’s Bar-B-Q: Near Gates B12 & B43 
  • Hickory by Kent Rathbun: Near Gate B25 
  • Cantina Laredo: Near Gate B29  
  • Subway: Near Gate B24. 

Terminal C 

  • Auntie Anne’s: Near Gate C21 
  • Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen: Near Gate C14   
  • Beer Union: Near Gate C27 
  • TGI Fridays: Near Gate C 8 & C29 
  • Starbucks: Near Gates C8 and C21. 

Terminal D 

  • Applebee’s: Near Gate D12 
  • Buffalo Wild Wings: Near Gate D27 
  • McDonald’s: Near Gate D33 
  • Trinity Groves Kitchen and Bar: Near Gate D1 
  • The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck: Near Gate D38. 

Terminal E 

  • 2.0 Taco & Tequila Bar: Near Gate 12 
  • Chick-fil-A: Near Gate E12 
  • Panda Express and Bar: Near E31 
  • Wendy’s: Near Gate E33 
  • Whataburger: Near Gate E21. 

 Dallas Airport Amenities 

Shops 

ZOMG Fox News

DFW has many options for the shopaholic in you. These are the different shopping options at the airport. 

  • Convenience shops 
  • Duty-free shops 
  • Wines & Liquors 
  • Electronics 
  • Fashion and accessories shops 
  • Gift and souvenirs 
  • Travel essentials shops are more.  

Services 

DFW International Airport offers several amenities and services for travelers’ convenience. The airport provides:  

  • ATMs 
  • Baggage storage facilities 
  • Chapels 
  • Charging stations 
  • Currency exchange 
  • Lounges 
  • Nursing suites 
  • Pet relief Areas 
  • Walking Path 
  • Worship spaces 
  • Yoga Studio. 

Wellness 

The airport houses Beauty and spa salons, including 

  • Be Relax: Terminal B near Gate B28 & Terminal D, near Gate D21 
  • Spa Here: Terminal C, Near Gate 12  
  • XpresSpa: Terminal A, Near Gate A24.  

Services include 

  • Cosmetics 
  • Skincare 
  • Massage 
  • Nail care 
  • Spa facilities. 

DFW Airport Art & Sculptures  

Dallas Airport proudly owns a multi-million-dollar collection of public art installations spread across Terminal D and the Skylink stations. Local, national, and international artists have contributed sculptures, paintings, medallions, and more to create an inspiring visual for travelers. The aesthetic Terrazzo floors on the Terminal D Skylink Floor and Skylink platform are very appealing. 

Attractions Near DFW

Flamingoes at Dallas World Aquarium
Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 The Dallas World Aquarium 

A must-visit for nature and animal lovers, Dallas World Aquarium instills a sense of wonder and connection with the natural world. You can explore these carefully recreated habitats, including the lush South American rainforest, with colorful birds and playful monkeys. If you are lucky, you can even see the occasional sloth. Take this opportunity to explore the underwater world with vibrant coral reefs, sharks, and mesmerizing seahorses. Located at 1801 N Griffin St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States, the place is roughly 16.4 miles from the airport. 

Reunion Tower 

Towering in the heart of Dallas, Reunion Tower, or “The Ball,” is an iconic landmark and a must-see for any visitor. Watch breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city and its surroundings from 561 feet above the ground. Marveling at the cityscape during the day or bedazzled by the light display at night, Reunion Tower sure provides a unique perspective and a lasting impression. Located at 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, United States, the place is roughly 17 miles from the airport. 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden 

This Botanical Garden is one of the top arboretums in the world. There are several events and activities you can attend. If you can spare two to four hours, you can stroll through the place and enjoy the beauty. Open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Located at 8525 Garland Rd, Dallas, TX 75218, United States, the place is 23.9 miles from the airport. 

Black Watch Sailing Charters 

Do not miss out on this golden sailing opportunity if you are visiting Dallas/Fort Worth. Black Watch Sailing Charters offers a romantic sailing experience with excellent food and drink, ideal for romantic getaways. Located at 2500 Fairway Dr, Grapevine, TX 76051, United States, the place is 3.6 miles from DFW Airport.  

DFW Airport Fun Areas for Kids and Teens    

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has a Children’s play area at: 

  • McDonald’s Play Area: At Terminal D, near Gate D8 
  • Video Arcade (Game Way): At Terminal B, near Gate B42, and Terminal E, near Gate E16. 

Accessible DFW Airport Facilities 

  • Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: For the convenience of passengers with hidden disabilities like anxiety, PTSD, autism, or hearing loss, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport issues a lanyard or an ID card for them. This ID card will help them get extra help or support when they need it.
  • Wheelchair Service: Mentioning the need for a wheelchair at the time of booking the ticket would get you a quick and easy process. You can also request one upon your arrival at the ticket counter. In the event of bringing your wheelchair, you must inform your airline authorities regarding its dimensions, including size, weight, and type, at the time of reservation.
  • Skylink Train: The Skylink train, which connects the terminals at DFW, is ADA-compliant.
  • Other Facilities: All facilities, including restrooms, elevators, parking, and ground transportation such as taxis, limousines, shared-ride shuttles, hotel shuttles, and off-airport parking shuttles, are ADA accessible.

Security at DFW Airport

DFW Terminal D Security Check Point Photo i025 by Grant Wickes 

The airport has twelve security checkpoints. Terminals and the number of security checkpoints are below: 

  • Two security checkpoints at Terminal B
  • Three security checkpoints at Terminal C
  • Three security checkpoints at Terminal D
  • Four security checkpoints at Terminal E

Customs and Immigration 

Customs and immigration are in Terminal D at DFW. The airport uses a color-coded system for the convenience of passengers. These colors represent: 

  • Orange: U.S. or Canadian citizens 
  • Purple: For passengers with Visa waiver/ESTA and B1/B2 visas. 
  • Gray: Foreign travelers with non-qualifying visas 
  • Blue: Passengers on Global Entry program. 

TSA PreCheck  

TSA PreCheck lanes are available at all five DFW terminals. The TSA PreCheck Enrolment Center at DFW Airport is in Terminal D, next to the Gate D30 checkpoint (pre-security). Lanes are open from Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 5 PM.  

Global Entry 

The enrollment center is in Terminal D on the lower-level hallway, towards the south of international arrivals.

  • Hours of operation: Monday-Thursday: 8 AM-11:45 AM and 1 PM-2:15 PM.
  • The center is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and other holidays. 

Mobile Passport 

Mobile passport-eligible passengers can show their travel documents and customs declaration information through an MPC app on their mobile devices to the customs authorities. 

CLEAR  

 CLEAR lanes are located at the following locations: 

  • TSA PreCheck eligible passengers: Terminal E, Checkpoint E16. It is open from 4 AM to 3 PM  
  • Standard Security: Terminal E, Checkpoint 18. It is open between 4 AM and 7:30 PM 
  • CLEAR Lane for both Standard and TSA PreCheck travelers: Terminal E, Checkpoint E8. It is Open from 4 AM to 7 PM. 

Wi-Fi and Charging Stations at DFW 

  • Wi-Fi: The airport offers passengers free and unlimited Wi-Fi. To connect to Wi-Fi, select the network “DFW Airport Complimentary WiFi.” 
  • Charging Stations: Mobile and laptop charging stations are available throughout the five terminals. 

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport FAQs 

Where is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)? 

DFW Airport is between Dallas and Fort Worth, and it is also part of cities including Grapevine, Irving, Euless, and Coppell. 

How big is Dallas Fort Worth Airport?  

DFW International Airport is the third largest in the world, with an area of 17,183 acres (26.9 square miles). The airport consists of five terminals and 171 gates.  

How early should I arrive at DFW? 

Dallas Airport recommends that you arrive at least two hours before your departure. 

What is the average TSA wait time at DFW Airport?  

The average TSA wait time at Dallas International Airport is about 10 to 20 minutes. However, the wait time will vary, depending on the passenger traffic, and you must expect a longer wait time during the peak seasons and holidays. 

How many runways does Dallas Airport have?  

DFW consists of 7 runways, and most of the runways are 13,400 feet long. 

How is the DFW Airport weather?  

Dallas experiences humid and hot summers and mild winters, with rare snow. Though thunderstorms occur all year round, they are more frequent in the spring. Occasionally, DFW sees heavy rainfall. 

How many airports serve Dallas? 

Dallas has two major airports: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), which serves both Dallas and Fort Worth, and Dallas Love Field, which serves Dallas and is seven miles north of downtown Dallas. 

What airlines fly into DFW? 

DFW International Airport is the hub for American Airlines. AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air France, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Frontier Airlines, Jet Blue, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southern Airways Express, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines are some of the airlines that operate at Dallas Airport. 

What is DFW Airport? 

DFW is the IATA code for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. It is the third-largest airport in the world and the second-busiest airport by passenger volume. 

Fanny Dorris

Meet Fanny Dorris! She's been writing about her love for cars, travel, and lifestyle for over 5 years. Fanny's adventurous spirit takes her to new and exciting places all around the globe, where she enjoys exploring different cultures and trying out new cuisines. When she's not out and about, you can find Fanny whipping up some delicious treats in her kitchen, filling her home with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods.

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