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Here's what to know about DFW Airport before you fly, including an airport map and more.
Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure, covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.
Updated on March 16, 2023When it opened in 1974, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) was the biggest airport in the world. Today, it remains one of the busiest, welcoming tens of millions of passengers each year. DFW Airport offers nonstop flights to over 200 domestic and international destinations across its five terminals, so whether you're starting your journey here or stopping en route to your final destination, there are a few key things to know, including information about airport parking, transportation, and hotels, as well as each terminal's services and amenities.
Here's everything you need to know about the airport before you fly, from how to get around, where to find your gate, and how to get to and from Dallas.
The layout of DFW is straightforward, with all terminals located near one another. On the airport's website, you'll find an interactive version of this map. You can connect to the Terminal E satellite via an underground walkway that leads to the smaller gate hub.
Airlines serving DFW include
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DFW has five terminals (A, B, C, D, and E) and over 160 gates where travelers will find dining, shopping, and travel services to make their trip easier and more comfortable. The Skylink is a free light rail train that connects the terminals inside of security and runs 24 hours a day with trains arriving every two minutes. The Terminal Link is a free van shuttle that joins them outside of security. Stops are located at specific gates that can be found on airport's official shuttle map. Here's what to know for each terminal.
American Airlines is the main carrier flying from terminals A, B, and C. Terminal A has several dining options to chose from, including a range of fast-food and table-service eateries like the Dallas Cowboys Club, Panera Bread, Starbucks, and Popeyes, among others. Shops include a duty-free spot, Tumi, Brookstone, 7-Eleven, newsstands, and more. Terminal A also has an American Admirals Club, Minute Suites, The Bubble by Coca-Cola, and an XpresSpa.
Terminal B also has several dining locations, including Panda Express, Starbucks, Smashburger, Cousin's Bar-B-Q, Cantina Laredo, and more. Stores include Eddie Bauer, gift shops, newsstands, and more. Terminal B also has a USO center, American Admirals Club, Be Relax, and Gameway.
Another main terminal for American Airlines, Terminal C has dining options such as Shake Shack, Pappasito's Cantina, Beer Union, Banh Shop, Dickey's Barbecue Pit, and more. Plus, find duty-free spots, cosmetic stores, newsstands, and candy shops here. There's another American Admirals Club in Terminal C, along with a Spa Here for those hoping to relax before their trip.
In addition to American Airlines Sun Country Airlines, Terminal D serves several international carriers, including AeroMexico, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Viva Aeerobus, and Volaris. Artisan Market, Brewed, Cake Bar, Starbucks, and The Italian Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck are among the dining options. Find travel essentials, souvenirs, and more at a duty-free store, Coach, Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop, Longchamp, newsstands, gift shops, and more. This terminal has several lounges, too, including the American Admirals Club, American Flagship Lounge, Centurion Lounge, Club DFW, Emirates Lounge, Korean Air Lounge, Lufthansa Lounge, and Qatar Airways Lounge, plus a Minute Suites.
Airlines flying to and from DFW Terminal E include Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines. Dining options include 2.0 Taco & Tequila Bar, Sonny Bryan's Smokehouse, and Peet's Coffee & Tea, to name a few. Pick up last-minute travel necessities and gifts at the newsstands and shops like InMotion Entertainment, Lone Star Attitude, and more. Terminal E has a Delta Sky Club, Plaza Premium Lounge, and a United Club, too. There's also The Bubble by Coca-Cola and Gameway.
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If you're driving to DFW, there are several parking options to choose from. At $27 for 24 hours, terminal parking is the most expensive option, but it's also the most convenient since it's right next to all five terminals. Express parking is available, with shuttle service to the terminals, and the daily rate is $15 for uncovered parking and $18 for covered parking. Travelers can save money by prepaying for parking online ahead of time. There's also valet parking available for added convenience (the daily rate is $40), and there are free cell phone lots for those waiting to pick travelers up from the airport.
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If you're not driving to the airport, you can take a taxi or rideshare service or use public transportation. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail service connects the city to the airport via the DFW Airport Station at Terminal A (travelers going to other terminals can take the Terminal Link shuttle to their desired stop). TEXRail joins downtown Fort Worth with the airport via a station at Terminal B. Both options are affordable, costing $6 or less for a day pass. Schedules can be found on the DART and TEXRail websites. If you're headed to Fort Worth, you can take the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) after you arrive in Dallas.
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There are three airport hotels ideal for travelers looking for a convenient place to stay — plus a Minute Suites in Terminal D if you just need a quick nap in between flights. If it's a really long layover, you can check into the Grand Hyatt DFW, also located inside terminal D, where you'll find very comfortable rooms with runway views and a rooftop fitness center with steam rooms and a spa. Closer to Terminal C, The Hyatt Regency is another hotel option where you'll have access to a free shuttle that runs all day and night to-and-from the airport. Day use rates are available as well. If you're dropping off a rental car, Hyatt Place is another hotel located in Southgate Plaza and offers amenities like a fitness center, indoor pool, and complimentary transportation to the airport between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Open 24/7, DFW's Rental Car Center gives you the choice of 11 car-rental companies: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, National, Payless, Sixt, and Thrifty. If you're arriving at FW, you can follow the signs at your terminal to complimentary rental car shuttle bus that runs 24 hours a day, departing every 10-15 minutes. When you drop off your car on your return, you'll take same shuttle bus to get back to the airport.
