The Guide to Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (DFW)

When visiting the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, it helps to have a DFW airport map — after all, it’s one of the largest and busiest airports in the U.S. It services more than 73 million travelers per year, flying nonstop to 193 domestic and 67 international destinations. This airport guide includes a DFW terminal map, information about restaurants, shopping and lounges in each terminal, ground transportation options and more.

Dallas-Fort Worth airport quick facts

• Terminals: Five terminals (A, B, C, D and E) and 168 gates.

• Destinations served: 193 domestic and 67 international.

• Airlines: American Airlines hub; serves 28 different airlines.

• Airport address: 2400 Aviation Dr., DFW Airport, TX 75261.

• Website: dfwairport.com.

• Phone number: (972) 973-3112.

• Distance from Dallas: 18.5 miles.

• Distance from Fort Worth: 21.6 miles.

• Ground transportation options: Rental cars, taxis, rideshare, DART, TEXRail and TRE.

DFW airport map

The airport began operations in January 1974 and has grown to more than 26.9 square miles with seven runways. DFW is so large that it has its own zip code, and it’s serviced by its own police department and medical, fire and emergency services.

Its five terminals — plus a parking area — are laid out in semi-circles that form two columns.

The DFW website offers an interactive map where you can search for dining, shops, lounges and more in each terminal.

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Airlines that service DFW

There are currently 28 airlines that passengers can use to fly to or from Dallas-Fort Worth airport. With such an abundance of companies to choose from, travelers can reach almost any destination around the world from DFW. Plus, having so many airlines increases competition, which can help keep ticket prices more affordable.

With a hub at Dallas-Fort Worth airport, American Airlines has the largest passenger volume of any airline at DFW. In 2022, American Airlines served 61.7 million (84%) of the 73.3 million total passengers that flew through this airport.

Additionally, 22 cargo airlines provide worldwide freight service to and from DFW.

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DFW airport terminals

DFW has 168 gates spread across five terminals: Terminals A, B, C, D and E. Most airlines are concentrated in single terminals, which makes it easier for passengers and flight crew to make connecting flights. However, American Airlines has gates in all five terminals.

DFW Terminal A

One of the primary American Airlines terminals at DFW is Terminal A, with gates A8 through A39 reserved for the airline.

Terminal A lounges

• American Airlines Admirals Club, near Gate A24.

• The Bubble presented by Coca-Cola, near Gate A13.

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DFW Terminal B

Terminal B is also dominated by American Airlines, with its passengers using gates B1 through B49.

Terminal B lounges

• American Airlines Admirals Club, near Gate B3.

• Be Relax Spa (Priority Pass), near Gate B28.

• Gameway (Priority Pass), near Gate B42.

• USO Center, near Gate B47.

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DFW Terminal C

Terminal C at DFW is also heavily used by American Airlines and its passengers. Gates C2 through C39 are reserved for the airline.

Terminal C lounges

• American Airlines Admirals Club, near Gate C20.

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DFW Terminal D

Although American Airlines uses some gates in Terminal D, this terminal also hosts a variety of international airlines, including AeroMexico, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qantas and Qatar Airways.

Terminal D also features a 0.7-mile walking path and a collection of 30 pieces of art from local, national and international artists.

» Learn more: An overview of DFW Priority Pass options

DFW Terminal E

American Airlines shares DFW Terminal E with a variety of North American airlines, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Spirit Airlines and United Airlines.

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DFW airport transportation

Travelers flying in or out of DFW have numerous transportation choices, which include renting a car, using public transportation or ordering a taxi or rideshare. We’ll go over each of these in detail, as well as how transportation works inside the airport and what self-parking options are available.

Skylink and Terminal Link

Skylink connects passengers among all five terminals within the airport security zone. This free light rail train arrives every two minutes and doesn’t require any tickets. It has a maximum ride time of nine minutes between the farthest points in the airport.

Terminal Link is a free airport shuttle operating outside of airport security which stops at all terminals. Its orange vans leave every 10 minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight. It’s located on the upper level in Terminals A, B, C and E or the lower level in Terminal D. Follow the Terminal Link signs at the airport or consult the DFW airport map.

Airport parking at DFW

DFW airport offers five parking lot options, depending on your budget and convenience preference. The most convenient parking options are Terminal and Valet parking. Travelers who want to save money and have extra time before departure should consider parking at Express or Remote South Lot. Remote North Lot is currently closed.

Book your parking spot through the DFW mobile app to save time. Through the app, Express parking is available for just $6 a day. The app also enables travelers to adjust their reservations and make last-minute changes, including extending their stay.

If you're coming to DFW to pick someone up, there's also a cell phone lot. You can wait here for free until your passengers arrive and are ready to be picked up.

DFW rental car center

Renting a car at DFW provides flexibility to travel throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and beyond. DFW airport has a 24-hour rental car center with 11 rental car company options.

The rental facility is on-site near the south entrance of the airport. According to the airport map for Dallas-FortWorth airport, the rental car center is nearest to Terminal E. However, you cannot walk between the airport and the rental car center. Catch the rental car shuttle, which runs every 10 to 15 minutes, 24 hours a day.

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Public transportation options

There are three primary public transportation options out of DFW airport. Which one you take depends on where you're headed. Use the Dallas-Fort Worth airport map to find these public transit services from your departure or arrival gate.

• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is rail service that connects the airport to Dallas. It is located near Gate A10 in Terminal A. If you're traveling through a different terminal, take the Terminal Link Shuttle. DART is $2 for a mid-day pass or $6 for the entire day.

• The TEXRail connects Fort Worth with the airport. It is located in Terminal B near Gate B30. Tickets are $2.50 for a single ride or $5 for the whole day.

• The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) travels between Dallas and Fort Worth and makes stops along the way. TRE LINK shuttles take passengers between DFW airport and TRE CentrePort station. You'll find the shuttle pick-up near Gate B47 in Terminal B. Single-ride tickets start at $2.50 each.

Taxis and rideshare at DFW

Need to hail a cab? DFW airport offers taxi service on the lower level of Terminals A, B, C, D and E. There are 16 different taxi companies to choose from. Plus, a DFW Airport Guest Assistant is available from 8 a.m. to midnight to help travelers find a taxi.

If you prefer rideshare services over taxis, arriving passengers will find them on the upper-level curbside of each terminal. Rideshare services also drop off departing passengers at their terminals.

» Learn more: Safety tips for taking taxis when traveling

Airport hotels at DFW

While there are numerous hotels close to DFW airport, three hotels operate directly on airport property. Additionally, travelers can book Minute Suites for naps, quiet places to work and privacy. Before booking a room, use the Dallas airport map to determine which hotel is closest to your gate.

• The Grand Hyatt DFW is located inside Terminal D and is accessible from any terminal by Skylink or Terminal Link.

• Hyatt Regency DFW offers a 24-hour complimentary shuttle between the hotel and all airport gates. It is located inside the airport, adjacent to Terminal C.

• Hyatt Place DFW is close to all of the airport terminals and is located near the rental car facility. It features an indoor pool with an outdoor sundeck. The hotel offers complimentary transportation between the hotel and the airport from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.

• Minute Suites is located in Terminals A (Gate A38) and D (Gate D23). Guests can book one of ten private suites or shower rooms during their stay. Premier suites with larger square footage and connecting suites for families or groups are also available. Each suite features a daybed sofa, sliding trundle bed and computer with a 32" screen. It also has complimentary access to high-speed internet, flight tracking information and DirecTV.

Airport security at DFW

Getting through airport security queues can be time-consuming, but at DFW, departing travelers can use an interactive airport map to see current wait times at each security lane. These wait times are further broken down by general screening, priority screening and TSA PreCheck. The map is color-coded so you can easily tell which lanes are closed or have longer wait times for each of the three lane choices.

• Gray: Closed.

• Green: 0 to 10 minute wait.

• Yellow: 11 to 30 minute wait.

• Red: 31+ minute wait.

In this example for a passenger with TSA PreCheck, it’s easy to see which security checkpoints are closed, and that the queue near A21 has a longer wait than other checkpoints:

TSA PreCheck is available in all five terminals. However, Clear is only available in Terminal E, near gate E18. DFW airport also features Automated Screening Lanes at checkpoints A21, D18, D22, D30 and E18. This system increases efficiency while enhancing airport security.

Travelers can also enroll in TSA PreCheck in Terminal D next to the D30 checkpoint. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Customs at DFW

As an international airport, you may be arriving at DFW from a foreign country. DFW airport uses a color-coded system to expedite customs by directing travelers to specific customs officers. These colors are:

• Orange: U.S. or Canadian citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

• Purple: Visa waiver/ESTA and B1/B2 visas.

• Gray: Foreign visitors with non-qualifying visas.

• Blue: Global Entry program members.

Global Entry members use the Blue customs line by scanning their passports, using their fingertips or face for recognition and making a customs declaration. As they exit, they present their receipt to the customs officer.

DFW airport guide recapped

As one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, DFW airport is larger than many cities.

Not only does it have its own zip code, but it also has its own public services, like police, fire and medical. With five terminals and 168 gates, it’s easy to get lost without a map. The interactive DFW airport map is essential to finding your gate and surrounding amenities, like shops, restaurants and lounges.