Traveling via plane is fun — jet-setting over beautiful blue waters or rolling hills, taking in cloud formations, and landing in a completely different location in a matter of hours is unlike anything else. The whole navigating the airport part? Less exciting, and sometimes pretty stressful.
To help make your time at DFW International Airport as smooth as possible, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from terminals and parking to details for the second busiest airport in the world — serving 73 million customers every year.
What to know
- TSA | According to DFW Airport, it takes ~10 minutes to get through security during off-peak hours and 30+ minutes during peak hours. Track the real-time lines.
- Map it out | If you’re like us and need to completely visualize a place before you step foot inside, this interactive map of the entire airport will be your saving grace.
- Food and drink | Check out our easy guide for where to eat, broken down by terminal.
- Reminder | By May 7, 2025, you will need a REAL ID to board commercial flights in the US.
- Flight status | While we recommend staying updated via your respective airline, you can also check the airport’s dashboard for your flight status in a pinch.
Airport updates
The DFW Airport recently opened five new gates — C35-39 — that were constructed off-site and installed over the summer and is planning to add another four to Terminal A by 2026.
In a 10-year deal with American Airlines, DFW Airport will add 24 new gates to prepare for future growth and innovation. The Use and Lease agreement includes $4.8 billion in pre-approved capital investments including the construction of a sixth terminal, renovations, and gate expansions.
In the agreement, the airport will invest $2.7 billion for the expansion of the Central Terminal Area — including a “major reimagining” of Terminal C.
New plans will use $1.6 billion to build Terminal F south of Terminal D with a 15-gate concourse, for now. Construction on Phase One is expected to start late next year and wrap up by 2026.
Parking, transit, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. Schedule your parking in advance for a hassle-free travel day and save up to 50% on parking. The price per day is as listed:
- Terminal | $27/day
- Express | $15/day for uncovered or $18/day for covered
- Remote South Lot | $12/day (Note: The Remote North Lot is currently closed.)
- Valet | $40/day
Bonus: City Editor’s Rebecca and Kate recommend the Parking Spot North and South if you’re going to be traveling for several days. the safe and convenient service is just outside the airport’s property and is only $11 per day.
Because DFW Airport is so big, you can hop on the Terminal Link shuttle or Skylink monorail to get where you’re going.
Hate the thought of driving yourself? Try taking a shuttle, rideshare, or taxi service that will take you to and from the terminal. These services are suggested by the DFW Airport:
- TEXRail | Public transit | Head to Terminal B to commute to Fort Worth for under $3.
- TRE | Public transit | Hop on the TRE Link shuttle in Terminal B to catch the commuter rail.
- Uber | Rideshare | Exit your terminal under the rideshare sign near the baggage claim to catch your ride.
- Lyft | Rideshare | Remember to accommodate the amount of luggage in your party.
- 15+ cab companies | Taxi | An airport guest assistant is available 8 a.m.-12 a.m. to help you secure service from one of the DFW Airport-recommended cab companies.
Nonstop flights
DFW offers 260 nonstop routes — 193 domestic flights, plus 67 international flights to 37 countries. Here are 5 new nonstop flights to international destinations.
Pro tip: Remember that flight times and schedules will often change — you should rely on your respective airline for exact timing and to stay updated on any changes.
- Melbourne, Australia | Qantas Airways | Three times per week | Departs 8:50 p.m.
- Auckland, New Zealand | American Airlines | Daily | Departs 10:44 p.m.
- Helsinki, Finland | Finnair | Four times per week | Departs 4:55 p.m.
- Istanbul, Turkey | Turkish Airlines | Four times per week | Departs 8:45 p.m.
- Madrid, Spain | Iberia | Four times per week | Departs at various times
Terminals
Here are the five terminals with popular food and drink options, lounges, and store nearby:
- Terminal A | American Airlines | Nearby services: Kick back at the Dallas Cowboys Club for elevated Tex-Mex or level up your travel experience in the American Airlines Admiral Club. Bonus: grab a Cowboys t-shirt at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop.
- Terminal B | American Eagle | Nearby services: Stop by the USO Lounge or load up on Cousin’s BBQ. Headed somewhere chilly? Pick up a pullover from Eddie Bauer.
- Terminal C | American Airlines | Nearby services: Rest at the connected Hyatt Regency Hotel and grab a breakfast pastry from Whisk and Bowl on your way to an early flight. Don’t forget to satisfy your sweet tooth at Sugarphoria.
- Terminal D | International flights | Nearby services: Grab your hometown favorite Whataburger or stop into one of the eight global lounges on your way out of the country. Plus, travel in style after a quick shopping spree at the many luxury stores.
- Terminal E | Air Canada, Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Spirit, United, and Westjet | Nearby services: Grab a quick bite at chef Tim Love’s Love Shack or four premium lounges. Pick up a “Don’t Mess with Texas” souvenir from Texas Marketplace.
