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

BY 

Amar Hussain

- UPDATED: June 21, 2021   |    6

1. Travel  / 
2. Airports

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Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the United States, transporting 69 million passengers in 2018.

It’s a huge airport, covering almost 27 miles – that’s larger than Manhattan! With its relatively central position, every major continental U.S. city can be accessed within a 4-hour flight.

Quick Information

Airport: Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW) Airport

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 km)

Distance from Fort Worth: 24 miles (38 km)

Website: dfwairport.com

Phone Number: 972-973-3112

Destinations Served: 187 domestic, 62 international

Flight Information: Departures and arrival information can be viewed here.

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, Interjet, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Sun Country Airlines, 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 road systems running in between. On the inside of each semicircle terminal is a parking lot. Terminals C and D also have airport hotels.

Ground transportation is accessible from the inner, landside (pre-security) areas of each terminal with the airside departure gates (post-security) located on the outside of each semicircle. The gates are numbered in accordance with the terminal—for example, A28 is in Terminal A and D18 is located in Terminal D.

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

Terminal A

Terminal A has 26 gates and is used exclusively by American Airlines. Terminal A is connected to Terminals B and C with airside walkways.

To reach Terminal B by foot, take the escalator or lift opposite gate 39 to the Skylink walkway. To reach Terminal C, the walkway is located just past gate 39 on the same level as departures. Both options have moving walkways.

Terminal B

Terminal B has 45 gates and also exclusively serves American Airlines flights for domestic routes only. If you’re looking to travel by foot for your flight connection, Terminal B is connected to Terminals A and B via airside walkways.

To reach Terminal A from B, continue past gate B4 and take the elevator or lift up 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 yoga studio where it will curve 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 28 gates. 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 will take you across to Terminal D.

Terminal D

Terminal D is DFW’s international terminal, with a variety of airlines operating from its 28 gates. 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 28 gates, serving flights across the United States and Canada. As the only terminal not directly connected to another with any walkways, 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 re-clearing security at your connecting terminal.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Airside Transport Post-Security

The free Skylink light rail enables passengers to connect 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 two stations within every terminal. With trains running clockwise and counter-clockwise, the maximum ride time between the furthest points is only 9 minutes. Skylink stations are located at:

Terminal A

• Between A13 and A16
• Between A29 and A34

Terminal B

• Between B9 and B12
• Between B28 and B31

Terminal C

• Between C8 and C12
• Between C27 and C32

Terminal D

• Between D11 and D20
• Between D24 and D34

Terminal E

• Between E8 and E11
• Between E31 and E32

If you’ve got some time to burn or fancy the exercise, then all terminals apart from 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 airport!

Landside Transport Pre-Security

If you need to connect outside of the secure area, you can ride the free green or orange Terminal Link shuttle buses that call at every terminal between 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (call 972-574-5465 for after-hours service).

There are 2 shuttle stops at each terminal with some terminals operating from the departures level and some from the arrivals level:

Terminal A (departures level)

• Entry A10 for gates A1-A20 and DFW Airport DART Rail Station
• Entry A29 for gates A21-A39

Terminal B (departures level)

• Entry B14 for gates B1-B25
• Entry B43 for gates B26-B49 and DFW Airport TEXRail Station

Terminal C (departures level)

• Entry C4 for gates C1-C20
• Entry C30 for gates C21-C39

Terminal D (arrivals level)

• Entry at lower level D17 serving Gates D1-D22
• Entry at lower level D29 serving Gates D23-D40

Terminal E (departures level)

• Entry E14 serving Gates E2-E18
• Entry E35 serving Gates E20-38

Security and Customs at DFW

DFW has a total of 15 security checkpoints — 3 in every terminal. As passengers can seamlessly move between terminals airside by riding 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-and-choose your checkpoint depending on the wait times.

By downloading the MyTSA app, passengers can check estimated security wait times across all terminals.

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

TSA PreCheck

DFW has TSA PreCheck lanes at 4 of its 5 terminals. Dedicated lanes can be found at the checkpoints below; however, if you’re passing through a checkpoint without dedicated lanes, show your boarding card for expedited screening.

• Terminal A: checkpoint A21
• Terminal C: checkpoint C21
• Terminal D: checkpoint D30
• Terminal E: checkpoint E16

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

DFW has a TSA PreCheck enrollment center within the check-in area of Terminal D, allowing you to arrange your appointment the next time you’re passing through the airport.

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 located 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 CBP 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 will need to have answered the required questions within the app on arrival and present the instant receipt and your passport to a CBP agent.

CLEAR

There is a CLEAR lane at DFW in Terminal E at the E16 checkpoint that is valid for approved participants. DFW also has a Clear enrollment center in the check-in area of Terminal E for those passengers looking to conduct their interview and submit their biometric data.

DFW Airport Lounges

There are 9 lounges at DFW with many available to purchase day passes. The Delta Sky Club® and The Centurion® Lounge are exclusively for premium cabin passengers, eligible frequent flyers, or applicable credit cardholders.

*At the time this article was written, the American Airlines Admiral Club in Terminal D was closed for renovation and American states that day passes are not accepted at airports when one of their lounges is undergoing renovation.

*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 Personal and Business Credit Cards for Complimentary Lounge Access.

Priority Pass Access

The Club at DFW accepts Priority Pass members, in addition to the following locations:

• Minute Suites: for 1 hour (Terminals A and D)
• Gameway: for a 2-hour session at a game station, including a soft drink and 2 snacks (Terminals B and E)

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

Dining and Drinks at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

DFW has over 100 restaurants, cafes, and bars across its 5 terminals. These are mostly located 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 options 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 Airport Complimentary WiFi”, log in, and accept the terms and conditions.

Power charging stations are located at:

• Terminal A: A8, A9, A10, A11, A13, A15, A17, A18, A19, A20, A21, A22, A23, A24, A25, A28, A29, A34, A35, A37, and A39
• Terminal B: B1, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B9, B11, B19, B21, B22, B25, B27, B28, B29, B30, B31, B36, B37, B40, B42, B43, B44, B46, B47, and B48
• Terminal C: C2, C4, C10, C11, C17, C19, C21, C26, C27, C28, C29, C35, and C37
• Terminal D: D6, D7, D8, D10, D11, D12, D20, D21, D25, D28, D31, D34, D37, and D38
• Terminal E: E14, E15, E16, E17, E18, E20, E21, E31, E32, E34, E35, E36, and E37

DFW Airport Lost and Found

DFW has 2 lost and found centers for property lost anywhere at the airport, apart from on an airplane. One is located in Terminal E and the other is operated by American Airlines in Terminal C.

The Terminal E lost and found is located on level 1 near baggage claim E4, or you can call 972-973-4420. Terminal C lost and found is located inside the secure area near gate C2.

If something is lost on an airplane, you must contact the airline for assistance in retrieving the item.

Additional Airport Information

Information Services: There are airport information kiosks and desks located throughout the airport. These are located in the gate areas and baggage claim.

Travelers Aid: A Travelers Aid center is located in Terminal E outside of security, near baggage claim E4. Assistance is provided with lost and found items, guest services, and translation services.

Children’s Play Areas: There is a children’s play area in Terminal D, near gate D8. This play area is provided by McDonald’s and has charging outlets and seating for adults.

Baby Facilities: DFW has 4 nursing rooms located at gates A18, B40, and E14.

Pet Relief Areas: There is a pet relief area in each terminal of DFW. These are located curbside (outside of the secure area) in Terminals B and C, and airside (inside the secure area) at gates A28, B28, D18, and E31.

Duty Free: Duty-free shops are available in Terminal D only (the international terminal). These can be found near gates D14, D22, D23, and D27.

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

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

To relax and unwind before a flight, there are 2 yoga studios at DFW where mats are provided. These are located in the walkway between Terminals B and D and near gate E31.

Prayer: Interfaith chapels can be found near gates A23, B25, C15 (baggage claim), D40, and E4.

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

• Terminal A: A11, A22, A34, and outside of security at A23 and A24
• Terminal B: B8, B21, and B29
• Terminal C: C8, C15, C21, C28, and outside of security at C12
• Terminal D: D12, D18, D25, D33, D36, and outside of security at D15, D30, and international arrivals
• Terminal E: E14, E20, E33, and outside of security at E14 and E37

Currency exchange can be found in Terminal A near gate A29 and in Terminal D near gates D11, D22, D24, and D36

Luggage: There are no luggage storage facilities at DFW Airport.

Important Phone Numbers

General Inquiries: 972-973-4968

Parking: 972-973-4840

Ground Transportation: 972-973-4060

Lost and Found: 972-973-4420

Travel To and From DFW

Transport Options

• Train:
  – Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART): The DFW Airport DART Rail Station is located at Terminal A lower level, with entry via A-10. Take the Orange Line to West End Station for Downtown Dallas (50 minutes). The service operates daily and costs $2 for a midday pass or $6 for a day pass.
  – Trinity Metro TEX Rail: Connecting 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 $2.50 for a 1 hour pass or $5 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 will transport you to the terminals. This train service operates Monday-Saturday only and costs $2.50 for a 2-hour pass.
• Bus:
  – DART: Ride bus 408 from the DFW Remote South Parking Lot to Medical District/Parkland Station and connect to DART Rail to Downtown Dallas. The cost is $2.50 for a single ride or purchase a day pass for $6. The Remote South Parking Lot is accessible by taking the courtesy shuttle bus from the airport terminals.
  * A day pass is valid for unlimited use on DART Rail, all DART buses, and TRE trains between CentrePort/DFW and Union Station.
  – Charter Bus: Charter buses are available to book for pick-up and drop-off services from each terminal 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 10-15 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 Terminals A, B, C, and E upper level or Terminal D lower level where a DFW guest assistant is available to help you.
• Transportation Networks: Uber, Lyft, and Wingz are available for pick-up and drop-off on the upper level of each terminal.

Directions By Car

From Dallas

Take I-35 E northbound for Denton, keeping left on TX-183 W towards DFW Airport. Keep right at the next fork, remaining on TX-183 W and then right again at the following fork, continuing on TX-114 W. Exit towards 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 towards TX-114/DFW Airport, leading on to International Parkway.

Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

DFW has 4 options for official airport parking, color-coded in the map above:

• Terminal Parking: orange
• Express Parking: blue
• Remote Parking: yellow
• Valet Parking: white and orange “valet”

Short-term Terminal Parking

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

• 0-8 minutes: $4
• 8-30 minutes: $2
• 30 minutes-2 hours: $3
• 2-4 hours: $9
• 4-6 hours: $10
• 6-24 hours: $24

Long-Term Parking

For long-term parking, save by utilizing one of two Express Parking Lots or two Remove Parking Lots.

Express Parking

The Express North Parking Lot offers covered and uncovered parking, while the Express South Parking Lot only provides uncovered parking. These lots combined offer 7,000 parking spaces and are accessible by courtesy shuttle bus from outside each terminal. The rates are:

• 0 minutes-2 hours: $2
• 2-4 hours: $3
• 4-6 hours: $4
• 6-24 hours: $12
• Covered parking: $15 per day

Remote Parking

The Remote Parking Lots are located a little further out than the other parking options which is reflected in the cost. North and South combined, there are 4,800 uncovered spaces available, and the lots are accessible by courtesy shuttle bus from each terminal. The rates are:

• 0 minutes-2 hours: $1
• 2-4 hours: $2
• 4-6 hours: $3
• 6-24 hours: $10

Hot Tip: You can save up to 50% by pre-booking your parking online. Find out more information here.

Valet Parking

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

This service does not require pre-booking and costs $31 per day (plus tax).

Cell Phone Parking

Friends or family picking up passengers may choose to use the Cell Phone Parking Lot, situated at the north end of the airport. The lot allows free waiting of up to 2 hours until the passenger calls to say that they are ready for curbside pick-up.

The Cell Phone Parking Lot is 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 a great option. Even though they are located further from the airport, they offer free shuttle services to and from the airport.

At airportparkingreservations.com, off-site parking starts at just $4 per day, and you can filter your search by distance from the airport, covered/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 by request by using the courtesy phones located within 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 located at the south entrance of the airport, with dedicated shuttle buses transporting passengers to and from every terminal. Buses depart every 10-15 minutes and the journey takes around 10 minutes. There are 12 rental car companies to choose from:

Advantage: 800-777-5500
Alamo: 800-327-9633
Avis: 800-331-1212
Budget: 800-527-0700
Dollar: 866-434-2226
Enterprise: 972-586-1100
EZ Rent-A-Car: 972-574-3360
Hertz: 800-654-3131
National Car Rental: 800-227-3876
Payless: 972-456-7939
Sixt: 888-749-8227
Thrifty: 972-456-5980

Hot Tip: Avoid paying for unnecessary insurance through the rental company by reading about which credit cards include car rental insurance as a benefit!

Airport Hotels

DFW has 2 on-site airport hotels — the Grand Hyatt DFW, located inside Terminal D, and the Hyatt Regency, near Terminal C. Most other hotels are located 2-3 miles from the airport and are 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.

Airport Hotels

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Grand Hyatt DFW is considered by many to be the best hotel near the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. No airport transfer needed here as the Grand Hyatt DFW is actually attached to Terminal D at DFW. The hotel offers great dining options, along with a spa, rooftop fitness center/pool, and views of the runway for all the aviation fanatics out there. The Grand Hyatt DFW is a category 5 hotel, bookable for 20,000 Hyatt points per night.

The DFW Marriott Airport South not only offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport but also to the Trinity Railway System (TRE) that connects you to both Dallas and Fort Worth. The hotel also features a pool, fitness center, and meeting spaces for business travelers. Award nights start at just 20,000 Marriott points on off-peak nights, 25,000 points on standard nights, and 30,000 points on peak nights.

While the Hyatt Regency DFW certainly can’t be mistaken for the Grand Hyatt DFW, it is still a stellar option for travelers. Like many airport hotels, you’ll have access to their airport shuttle, along with amenities like a pool and fitness center. The Hyatt Regency DFW features great dining options and an Executive Conference level, offering private business meetings. Award nights at the Hyatt Regency DFW start at just 8,000 Hyatt points per night.

Final Thoughts

Despite its size, DFW is an easy airport to move around, with the frequent Skytrain and interconnecting terminals (apart from 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 7 plus years, the terminals have undergone modernization as part of the airport’s $1.9 billion terminal renewal and improvement program, so DFW is a convenient and efficient hub to connect to the rest of the United States.