Dallas Fort Worth International Airport [DFW]: Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the world’s largest airports, with 5 terminals and a wide range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and lounges.
• There are 16 lounges at DFW, and 11 typically offer a day pass.
• The Skylink train connects all terminals, departing every 2 minutes.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is the third-busiest airport in the world, transporting 87.8 million passengers in 2025.

It’s a huge airport, covering almost 27 square miles — larger than Manhattan. Its relatively central location means every major U.S. city can be reached within 4 hours by flight.

Quick Information

Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Terminals: 5, including terminals A, B, C, D, and E
Airport Address: 2400 Aviation Dr., DFW Airport, TX 75261
Distance from Dallas: 20 miles (32 kilometers)
Distance from Fort Worth: 24 miles (38 kilometers)
Website: dfwairport.com
Phone Number: 972-973-3112
Destinations Served: 187 domestic, 51 international
Flight Information: Departure and arrival information can be viewed online

DFW Terminal Map

Airlines Operating from DFW

Terminal A: American Airlines

Terminal B: American Airlines

Terminal C: American Airlines

Terminal D: Aeromexico, Air France, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sun Country Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris

Terminal E: Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines

DFW Airport Terminals

DFW consists of a series of opposing semicircular terminals, with the International Parkway and other roadways running between them. Each semicircle terminal surrounds a parking lot. Terminals C and D also have airport hotels.

Ground transportation is available from the inner, landside (presecurity) areas of each terminal, with the airside departure gates (postsecurity) on the outside of each semicircle. The gates are numbered by terminal. For example, A28 is in Terminal A, and D18 is in Terminal D.

The convenient Skylink light rail service connects all terminals postsecurity, running on the outskirts of the semicircles. Walking airside is also possible between all but 1 terminal (Terminal E).

Terminal A

Terminal A has 21 gates, numbered A8 to A11, A13, A17 to A25, A28, A29, and A33 to A39, and is used exclusively by American Airlines. Terminal A is connected to terminals B and C with airside walkways.

To reach Terminal B on foot, take the escalator or lift opposite gate A39 to the Skylink walkway. To reach Terminal C, take the walkway just past gate A39, on the same level as departures. Both options have moving walkways.

Terminal B

Terminal B has 45 gates, numbered B1 to B11, B12a, B12b, B14, B16 to B19, B21, B22, B24 to B44, and B46 to B49. American Airlines operates exclusively from this terminal for domestic routes. If you’re looking to walk to your connecting flight, Terminal B is connected to terminals A and D via airside walkways.

To reach Terminal A from B, continue past gate B4 and take the elevator or lift to the Skylink walkway, where there are moving walkways to Terminal A.

To connect to Terminal D, continue walking through the terminal past gate B1 and the chapel, where it curves around to the right into Terminal D. There are no moving walkways on this route.

Terminal C

Terminal C is the third terminal used exclusively by American Airlines and has 29 gates, numbered C2, C4, C6 to C8, C10 to C12, C14 to C17, C19 to C22, C24, C26, C27, C33, and C35 to C39. Terminal C connects to Terminal A via an airside walkway that is accessible just past gate C2 on the departures level.

For Terminal D connections, take the elevator or escalator just past gate C2 up to level 3 for the Skylink walkway, where moving walkways take you across to Terminal D.

Terminal D

Terminal D is DFW’s international terminal, with a variety of airlines operating from its 32 gates, numbered D2, D4 to D8, D10 to D12, D14 to D18, D20 to D25, D27 to D31, D33, D34, D36 to D38, and D40. The terminal also serves some domestic arrivals and departures.

Terminals B and C are accessible airside from Terminal D by walking past gate D40 and around the corner on the same level until you reach Terminal B, or by taking the escalator or elevator to the Skylink connector bridge to reach Terminal C.

Terminal E

Terminal E has 29 gates, numbered E2, E4 to E18, E20, E21, 22A, 22B, 23A, 23B, 24A, 24B, E25 to E27, E27B, E28, E30 to E34, E35A, E36, E37A, and E38B, serving flights across the U.S. and Canada. As it’s the only terminal not directly connected to another terminal, all connections to and from Terminal E must be made via the Skylink to maintain airside access, or by riding the landside Terminal Link shuttle service bus and reclearing security at your connecting terminal.

Interterminal Transportation

Airside Transport Postsecurity

The free Skylink light rail connects passengers between terminals while remaining within the secure area (if your flight arrival permits, depending on customs and immigration requirements).

The train operates 24/7 and departs every 2 minutes from 2 stations within every terminal. With trains running clockwise and counterclockwise, the maximum ride time between the farthest points is only 9 minutes.

Skylink stations are at:

Terminal A

• Between A13 and A17
• Between A28 and A35

Terminal B

• Between B8 and B14
• Between B28 and B42

Terminal C

• Between C7 and C14
• Between C27 and C35

Terminal D

• Between D11 and D21
• Between D24 and D34

Terminal E

• Between E7 and E12
• Between E21 and E34

All terminals except E are connected to 2 other terminals. Details of these connecting walkways can be found above for each applicable terminal.

Hot Tip:

Need help navigating DFW? We’ve written up a guide to help you get between terminals at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

Landside Transportation Presecurity

If you need to connect outside the secure area, you can ride the free orange Terminal Link shuttle buses, which stop at every terminal between 5 a.m. and 1 a.m. (call 972-574-5465 for after-hours service).

The shuttle stops are on the upper level of all terminals, excluding Terminal D, where they are on the lower level. Stops can be found at:

Terminal A (departures level)

• Outside door A10 for gates A8 to A13 and DFW Airport DART Rail Station
• Outside door A16 for gates A17 to A39

Terminal B (departures level)

• Outside door B14 for gates B1 to B25
• Outside door B43 for gates B26 to B49 and DFW Airport TEXRail Station

Terminal C (arrivals level)

• At the north end of the arrivals curb serving all gates

Terminal D (arrivals level)

• Outside door D17 serving gates D1 to D21
• Outside door D29 serving gates D23 to D40

Terminal E (departures level)

• Outside door E14 serving gates E2 to E18
• Outside door E35 serving gates E20 to E38

Security and Customs at DFW

DFW has a total of 14 security checkpoints: 3 in each terminal, except Terminal B, which has 2. Since passengers can move between terminals airside via the Skylink train, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on which security checkpoint has the shortest lines.

You need a valid boarding card for the day of travel to pass through any of the security checkpoints, so if you don’t need to check any luggage or your airline has check-in desks within multiple terminals, you can pick your checkpoint by wait time.

By downloading the MyTSA app or visiting the airport website, you can check estimated security wait times across all terminals.

All international arrivals must clear customs and immigration, but there are generally smaller airside checkpoints, so you may not need to reclear security at the main checkpoints if traveling on a valid onward connection.

The checkpoints are open during these hours:

• Terminal A:
  • Checkpoint A12: 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Checkpoint A21: 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Checkpoint A45: 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Terminal B:
  • Checkpoint B9: 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Checkpoint B30: 4:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
• Terminal C:
  • Checkpoint C10: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. (currently closed)
  • Checkpoint C11: 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint C20: 3:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Terminal D:
  • Checkpoint D18: 4 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint D22: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Checkpoint D30: 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. (currently closed)
• Terminal E:
  • Checkpoint E8: 3:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint E18: 3 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Checkpoint E33: 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

TSA PreCheck

DFW has TSA PreCheck lanes in all terminals. Dedicated lanes are available at the checkpoints below. If you’re passing through a checkpoint without dedicated lanes, show your boarding card for expedited screening.

• Terminal A:
  • Checkpoint A21: 3 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Terminal B:
  • Checkpoint B9: 4:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Checkpoint B30: 4:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
• Terminal C:
  • Checkpoint C10: 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Checkpoint C11: 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint C20: 3:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Terminal D:
  • Checkpoint D30: 3:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Terminal E:
  • Checkpoint E8: 3:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint E16: 4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Checkpoint E18: 3 a.m. to 11 p.m.

You may use TSA PreCheck once you have applied online and attended an enrollment center appointment.

TSA PreCheck enrollment is through CLEAR+, available at Terminal E, checkpoint E18. Enrollment is available daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Global Entry

There are Global Entry kiosks at DFW (indicated by a blue sign) for expedited clearance of international passengers.

A Global Entry enrollment center is at DFW in Terminal D arrivals, and the airport also participates in Enrollment on Arrival for conditionally approved applicants. Enrollment on Arrival interviews are conducted at Customs and Border Protection booths 35 or 36 in the passport control arrivals hall.

Mobile Passport

DFW has Mobile Passport Control express lanes indicated by a white sign.

To use these lanes, you must answer the required questions within the app on arrival and present the instant receipt and your passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR+

There are CLEAR+ lanes at DFW Terminal E, checkpoints E8 and E18, for approved participants. CLEAR+ enrollment is also available at the same locations during these hours:

• Checkpoint E8: Sunday to Friday from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 4 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Checkpoint E18: Sunday to Friday from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 4 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

DFW Airport Lounges

There are 16 lounges at DFW, many of which offer day passes for purchase. The Delta Sky Club and the Centurion Lounge are exclusively for premium cabin passengers, eligible frequent flyers, and applicable credit cardholders.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day pass for any passenger. Lounges marked as n/a only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

To avoid lounge entry fees, check out our article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at DFW and Plaza Premium Lounges accept Priority Pass members, in addition to the following locations (based on membership eligibility):

• Be Relax Spa for a choice of 1 free service from a list of options (Terminal B and Terminal D)
• The Chiroport in Terminal A
• Gameway for a 1-hour session at a game station, including a soft drink and 2 snacks (terminals B and E)
• Minute Suites for 1 hour (terminals A and D)
• XpresSpa
• Drew Pearson’s Sports 88

Find out how to become a Priority Pass member by reading our Priority Pass guide.

Dining and Drinks at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

DFW has over 100 restaurants, cafes, and bars across its 5 terminals. These are mostly airside near the departure gates, but Terminal D has the best selection landside if you’re too early to check in for your flight.

If you want to plan ahead, you can see the dining available in each terminal on the airport website.

DFW Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Public Wi-Fi is available in all terminals and within the parking lots. To connect, select “DFW Public 5G Wi-Fi” or “DFW Public 6E Wi-Fi,” log in, and accept the terms and conditions.

Power charging stations with USB ports can be found throughout the terminals and at most gates.

DFW Airport Lost and Found

DFW has 2 lost and found centers. One is in Terminal E on level 1 near baggage claim E4, and the other is operated by American Airlines in Terminal C near gate C2. Alternatively, you can call 972-973-4420 or file a report online.

If something is lost on an airplane, you must contact the airline to assist with retrieving the item.

Additional Airport Information

Information services: Airport information kiosks and desks are found throughout the airport. These are in the gate areas and baggage claim. Airport customer experience members are also available throughout the airport and identifiable by their orange shirts.

Children’s play areas: There is a children’s play area in Terminal D, near gate D8. This play area, provided by McDonald’s, includes charging outlets and seating for adults. Despite this play area, DFW didn’t make it onto our list of the most kid-friendly U.S. airports.

Baby facilities: Nursing rooms are at gates A18, B40, C14, C36, D2, D36, E14, and E26.

Pet relief areas: There is a pet relief area in each terminal of DFW. These are at:

Outside the secure area (on the lower level)

• Terminal A: Near door A8
• Terminal C: In the parking garage near door C17
• Terminal D: Near doors D15 and D29
• Terminal E: Near doors E2 and E38

Inside the secure area

• Terminal A: Near gate A29
• Terminal B: Near gate B28
• Terminal D: Near gate D18
• Terminal E: Near gate E31

Duty free: Duty-free shops are near gates A23, C10, D22, and D27.

Smoking areas: Smoking is permitted in designated smoking areas outside of the terminals.

Interesting features: DFW has over 30 art exhibits throughout the airport, including mosaics, sculptures, installations, and paintings.

Prayer: Interfaith chapels are in every terminal, near gates A23, B1, B28, and E4. In Terminal C, the prayer room is halfway down the check-in area.

Money: DFW has ATMs in every terminal, both inside and outside the secure area. ATMs are located near:

• Terminal A: Check-in area near doors A12, A19, A24, and near gate A34
• Terminal B: Check-in area near doors B9 and B25, and near gate B29
• Terminal C: Check-in area near door C12 and near gate C21
• Terminal D: Check-in area near doors D28 and D30, near gate D25, and in baggage claim
• Terminal E: Check-in area near doors E15, E20, and E35, and near gate E14

Currency exchanges are near gates A29, D12, and D24.

Luggage: There is no luggage storage at DFW Airport.

Important Phone Numbers

General inquiries: 972-973-4968

Passenger paging: 972-973-3112

Parking: 972-973-4840

Ground =transportation: 972-973-4060

Lost and found: 972-973-4420

Travel to and From DFW

Transportation

• Train: 
  • Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART): The DFW Airport DART Rail Station is at Terminal A on the lower level, with entry via door A-10. Take the Orange Line to West End Station for downtown Dallas (50 minutes). The service operates daily and costs $3 for a 3-hour pass or $6 for a day pass.
  • Trinity Metro TEX Rail: This connects Fort Worth to DFW. Ride the train from T&P Station or Fort Worth ITC to Terminal B on the lower level. The service operates daily and costs $2 for a single ride or from $4 for a day pass.
  • Trinity Railway Express (TRE): The TRE is an additional service connecting Fort Worth, DFW (CentrePort), and downtown Dallas. From the CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, a courtesy shuttle bus transports you to the terminals. This train service operates Monday to Saturday only and costs $2.50 for a single ride.
• Bus:
  • TRE Link: The TRE Link bus connects CentrePort Station to DFW Airport terminals, running frequently and enabling easy transfers from Trinity Railway Express trains.
  • Charter bus: Charter buses are available for pickup and drop-off at each terminal’s lower-level curbside. A list of contacts can be viewed on the airport’s website.
• Shuttle: 
  • Shared-ride shuttles: These are available at each terminal from the lower-level curbside.
  • Courtesy shuttles: There is a car rental shuttle that departs every 10 to 15 minutes from all terminals at the lower level curbside. Many hotels around the airport also provide a courtesy shuttle service, so it’s worth checking with them before making alternative arrangements.
• Taxi: Pick up a taxi from the lower level of terminals A, B, C, D, and E, where a DFW guest assistant can help you from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• Transportation networks: Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are available for pickup and drop-off on the upper level of each terminal.

Directions by Car

From Dallas

Take I-35 E northbound toward Denton, then keep left onto TX-183 W toward DFW Airport. Keep right at the next fork, remaining on TX-183 W, and then right again at the following fork, continuing on TX-97 Spur. Exit toward DFW using any of the right 3 lanes and merge onto International Parkway, where you have access to the airport facilities.

From Fort Worth

Take TX-121 N continuing onto Texas 183 TEXpress (toll road) until you reach International Parkway.

From Denton

Take I-35 E southbound until exit 448B, where you keep right to merge onto TX-121 S (Sam Rayburn Tollway). Take the exit toward TX-114/DFW Airport, leading on to International Parkway.

Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

DFW offers plentiful parking, including terminal garages, express parking, remote lots, and valet services, with shuttle buses and discounted rates when you book in advance online. The south section of the Terminal C lot is currently closed for construction.

Short-Term Terminal Parking

DFW has over 20,000 short-term covered parking spaces outside the terminals. Due to the proximity to the terminals, these parking lots are the most expensive, offering the following rates:

• 0 to 8 minutes: Free
• 8 to 30 minutes: $2
• 30 minutes to 2 hours: $3
• 2 to 4 hours: $10
• 4 to 6 hours: $12
• 6 to 24 hours: $32

Long-Term Parking

For long-term parking, save by utilizing the Express Parking Lot or the 2 Remote Parking Lots.

Express Parking

The Express North Parking Lot offers covered and uncovered parking at the airport’s north entry/exit point. Shuttle buses operate from the parking lot to the departures and arrivals levels of all terminals. Parking rates are:

• 0 minutes to 2 hours: $3
• 2 to 4 hours: $4
• 4 to 6 hours: $5
• 6 to 24 hours: $18
• Covered parking: $21 per day

Remote Parking 

The remote parking lots are a little farther from the other parking, which is reflected in the cost. There are 4,800 uncovered spaces available between the lots, accessible by courtesy shuttle bus from each terminal. The rates are:

• 0 minutes to 2 hours: $2
• 2 to 4 hours: $3
• 4 to 6 hours: $4
• 6 to 24 hours: $14

Valet Parking

Valet parking is available in all terminals from the 1-hour parking zones, on the arrivals level for Terminals A, B, C, and E, and from the departures level at Terminal D.

This service does not require prebooking and costs $45 per day.

Cell Phone Parking

Friends or family picking up passengers may use cell phone parking lots at the north and south ends of the airport. The lots allow free waiting for up to 2 hours until the passenger calls to say they are ready for curbside pickup.

The cell phone parking lots are open 24/7, and vehicles must not be left unattended at any time.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

For the best deal on short-term and long-term parking, hotels and off-site parking lots are great. Even though they are farther from the airport, they offer free shuttle service to and from it.

At airportparkingreservations.com, off-site parking starts at just $5 per day, and you can filter your search by distance from the airport, covered or uncovered parking, and customer rating.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

Accessible parking is available in all airport parking lots, with designated spaces in the terminal parking lots on both the upper and lower levels.

Wheelchair-accessible shuttle vans are available upon request using the courtesy phones in each terminal and parking garage.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 972-973-4840

Parking rate information: 972-973-7275

Car Rental at DFW

DFW’s rental car center is at the south entrance of the airport, with dedicated shuttle buses transporting passengers to and from every terminal. Buses depart every 10 to 15 minutes, and the journey takes around 10 minutes. There are 12 rental car companies:

Hot Tip:

Avoid paying for unnecessary insurance through the rental company by learning about the best credit cards that offer rental car insurance as a benefit.

Airport Hotels

DFW has 2 on-site airport hotels: the Grand Hyatt DFW, inside Terminal D, and the Hyatt Regency, near Terminal C. Most other hotels are 2 to 3 miles from the airport and suitable for a range of budgets.

The closest hotels are listed below in order of distance, and we’ve included contact information for easy direct booking.

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Grand Hyatt DFW is considered by many to be the best hotel near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. No airport transfer is needed here, as the Grand Hyatt DFW is attached to Terminal D. The hotel offers great dining, a fitness center, meeting facilities, and runway views. The Grand Hyatt DFW is a category 5 hotel, bookable from 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Marriott DFW Airport South is a few miles from DFW and offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. The hotel features an indoor pool, fitness center, and meeting spaces for business travelers. Platinum+ members have complimentary access to the Club Lounge and free breakfast. Award nights start at 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

While the Hyatt Regency DFW isn’t as upscale as the Grand Hyatt DFW, it is still a solid find for travelers. At Terminal C, it’s convenient for an early-morning flight or long layover. Not only do guests have shuttle access to all terminals, but they can also ride the free shuttle to Grapevine Mills mall, Main Street Historic District, and Harvest Hall food court. The Hyatt Regency DFW features great dining and an executive conference level with rooms for private business meetings. Award nights at the category 3 Hyatt Regency DFW start at 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Final Thoughts

Despite its size, DFW is an easy airport to navigate, with frequent Skylink service and interconnecting terminals (except Terminal E).

The International Parkway, running from north to south of the airport, conveniently connects major interstates to the terminals, remote parking lots, and other airport services. The airport is also well connected for public transport to Dallas, Fort Worth, and beyond, with DART and TRE stations connecting directly from 2 terminals.

Over the last several years, the terminals have undergone modernization as part of the airport’s $1.9 billion terminal renewal and improvement program, making DFW a convenient and efficient hub for connecting to the rest of the U.S.