Dallas Fort Worth Airport commonly referred to as “DFW,” is located between Dallas and Fort Worth. This massive airport is assigned its own zip code, and police, fire, and emergency medical services. DFW is the busiest airport in Texas and the fourth busiest in the United States. The airport is huge, with seven runways and five terminals. It’s easy to get around, though, thanks to the DFW Skylink, an automated people mover that connects all the terminals. The airport is also home to an observation deck, which offers stunning views of the runways and the Dallas skyline. There are plenty of things to do at DFW Airport. There are several restaurants and bars, as well as shops, a spa, and a golf course. The airport also offers free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected even while you’re on the go. This DFW airport guide will provide you with everything you need to know and what to expect when traveling at DFW airport including DFW airport parking options.
Reminders for Before You Leave
To make your life easier when you get to DFW Airport, follow these few tips before you head out!
- Make sure the name on your plane ticket matches the name on your driver’s license or any other form of government identification you may be using when traveling.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight traveling within the US and three hours for international travel.
- Check the weight of your luggage to avoid any extra fees at the airport and pack larger quantities of liquids and gels in your checked luggage to avoid any hold-ups at security.
- Know what items you can and cannot bring on the plane, refer to the TSA list of prohibited items.
- Have an airport parking plan
Where to Eat and Drink at DFW Airport
There are many options at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, so how do you make the right decision when choosing where to eat from the myriad of restaurants?
Whether you need a quick snack or want to enjoy a sit-down meal, there is plenty of DFW Airport food options!
Here are a few restaurants coveted as the “best restaurants” at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport:
- Hickory by Kent Rathbun: This is a good spot to stop if you want to grab a delicious burger, bbq, or have a casual drink. This restaurant is located near gate B25.
- Bahn Shop: Stop here for Asian bowls, and Vietnamese-inspired sandwiches, and they also offer breakfast options! This restaurant is located in Terminal C.
- Pappasito’s Cantina: This spot offers some great Tex-Mex options like Baja fish tacos or delicious matador nachos!
Here is a list of some more of the top spots to grub based on their location. There is an automated train known as the DFW Skylink which can transport you to other terminals if you are interested in trying one of the restaurants outside of your terminal and interactive maps available on the airport's website to help guide you to the different restaurants.
Hotel Options near Dallas Fort Worth Airport
The DFW airport does not have any inter-terminal hotel options. The closest hotel to the airport is the Grand Hyatt DFW Airport hotel and the Hyatt Regency DFW hotel which are located within walking distance to Terminal C. There are other options available as well that often times offer a shuttle service to and from the airport. A few other hotel options that you can consider are TownePlace Suites by Marriott DFW Airport North/Irving, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Irving/DFW Airport North, and Homewood Suite by Hilton Irving-DFW Airport.
There is a Minute Suites within the Dallas Fort Worth airport. Minute Suites are post-security rooms that offer space to rest or have personal space while in the airport. The Minute Suites in the DFW airport are located in Terminal D near Gate D23. The suites have DirecTV, Netflix, Wifi, and a mini-bar stocked with drinks and snacks. These are great options if you have late-night layovers or unexpected flight cancellations. You can book a suite online through their website.
Public Transportation Options to Dallas Fort Worth Airport
If you will not be parking at the DFW Aiport, public transportation is available. The DART Rail Orange Line is a form of public transportation to the DFW airport. This train system runs seven days a week to and from terminal A in the airport. The hours of operation for arrivals are 3:50 a.m. - 1:20 a.m. on weekdays and 3:50 a.m. - 1:19 a.m. on weekends. The hours of operation for departures are 4:17 a.m. - 1:27 a.m. on weekdays and 4:05 a.m. - 1:29 a.m. on weekends. The DART local fare is $3 for an AM/PM pass or $6 for a full-day pass. You can learn more about their connecting stations and luggage rules on their site here. Below is a map of their terminal and connections at the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
(Image by DART.org via https://www.dart.org/riding/dfwairport.asp)
Amenities Offered at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
It is important to know what amenities are available at the airport before you head out so you can know what to expect while you wait for your flight. DFW offers a wide variety of amenities for travelers, including restaurants, shops, lounges, and more.
WiFi Access at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth Airport offers free At&T internet access throughout the airport terminals and in the baggage claim areas. The network name is "attwifi" or you could use the network "att-24" for a faster connection. WiFi is available for all passengers which allows access to entertainment or work while waiting for your flight.
Lounges at DFW
There are 17 total lounges available in the DFW airport to keep their passengers entertained while waiting for their flight. Below is a list of the lounges throughout the airport as well as their locations:
- Terminal A:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Minute Suites
- Terminal B:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Gateway Lounge
- USO Lounge
- Terminal C:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Terminal D:
- American Airlines Admirals Club
- Amerian Airlines Flagship Lounge
- Capital One Lounge
- The Centurion Lounge
- The Club at DFW
- Emirates Lounge
- Lufthansa Lounge
- Minute Suites
- Qatar Airways Lounge
- Terminal E:
- Delta Sky Club
- Gameway Lounge
- United Club
You can learn more specifics about these lounges including directions, amenities, hours of operation, and what they offer through this article.
Kid-Friendly Amenities
The airport offers a few family-friendly amenities for those traveling with kids. There is a Mcdonald's Play area with a playscape and seating located in Terminal D at gate D8. There are also multiple nursing rooms for those who want privacy while nursing. These are located post-security at gates A18, B40, C13/14, D36, E14, and E26. You can also download a children's coloring book provided by Texas Commerical Airport Assioticaon for the little passengers to use during their travels.
Traveling with Pets at DFW
Dallas Fort Worth Airport is a pretty pet-friendly airport. There are pet relief areas located throughout all five terminals. All of the pet relief areas are located post-security, so ensure that you take care of your pet's needs before going through security. There are both indoor and outdoor options for your pet. The indoor pet areas do not require you to exit the airport. They are located at Gate A29, B28, D18, and E31. The outdoor areas are located on the lower levels of the terminals and require your ID and boarding pass to enter and exit. They are located at Gate A8, Gate C2 and D29, Gate D15 and D29, and Gate E2 and E28.
If you have to stay overnight at the DFW airport or need overnight care for your pet while you are away there is a "pet resort" located near the airport called Paradise 4 Paws. This facility is open 24 hours so you can pick up or drop off your pet any time of the day. They offer overnight accommodations, doggie daycare, spa and grooming, veterinary needs, and even airport shuttles. If you are interested in this pet boarding option near the airport, you can learn more here.
(Image by dfwairport.com via https://www.dfwairport.com/explore/pettravel/)
International Travel at DFW Airport
The Dallas Fort Worth airport has developed a unique customs clearance area in order to reduce wait times while traveling to international destinations. If you are an international passenger at DFW airport you will be assigned a color that will determine your status and how customs clearance will work for you. You can utilize DFW airport parking to make your international travel easier. They break up passengers between Orange, Purple, Gray, and Blue which describes your status and which kiosk/line you will go through to get to your destination. You can learn more about this customs clearance system here.
Know your Dallas Fort Worth Airport Parking Options
Some short-term parking options at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport include:
Hourly and Daily Parking at DFW Airport
Daily and hourly airport parking options are available at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, all within walking distance of the airport terminals.
For on-site airport parking, you can reserve a spot online here. After choosing a check-in and check-out time and date you will be given a list of parking options and their related fees. There are a few different garage options at the Dallas Fort Worth airport. They have terminal parking, express parking, and valet parking. These options are great for passengers who are going on short-term trips and will only be gone for one or two days. After passing a few days, the fees at these lots tend to become very expensive and it is more economical to use off-site airport parking options.
The Parking Spot is another lot near Dallas Fort Worth International Airport that also offers daily and long-term airport parking.
- Airport shuttles are available 24/7 to provide transportation to and from the airport
All short-term parking reservations can be made on their website. Long-term airport parking at DFW can be made through STOW IT.
Long-Term Parking Options at DFW
STOW IT IT’s partnership with The Parking Spot allows customers to access long-term parking, storage, and shuttle services from the airport. With STOW IT's long-term airport parking at DFW, you will pay about $5.85 per day at the monthly rate. This is a great option for long-term travelers who need monthly or yearly parking. Common customers who use this long-term program include business travelers, second homeowners, or those who go on long-term vacations. Other options like DFW’s parking garages charge high rates that are simply unaffordable for long-term parking. STOW IT’s airport parking option allows you to conveniently drive yourself to the airport and leaves your car safe and secure while you are away. The cost of parking and convenience make this a no-brainer!
Ultimately, there are many ways to make your stop at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport as easy as possible. Whether it comes to knowing the best spot to eat at or reserving a long-term parking spot through STOW IT this DFW airport guide will help make your next trip to the DFW airport a breeze.