Call Icon

Airport Car Service

A Guide to Dallas Fort Worth
International Airport (DFW)

Est. Reading Time: 14 mins 14 sec
21 Nov 2024

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is the third-busiest airport in the entire world in terms of aircraft movement. It is also the second-busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic, as reported by the Airports Council International. An airport that big and busy will no doubt be confusing to navigate, but that’s why you have this guide to walk you through it!

A Brief Introduction to DFW Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, or DFW for short, is the primary airport in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex in the state of Texas. It is also the largest airline hub for American Airlines, headquartered near the airport. Interestingly, this is the second-largest airline hub you will find in the entire world, the first one being Delta Airline’s hub in Atlanta. DFW Airport also serves as a hub for Spirit Airlines, Southern Airways Express, and UPS Airlines among many others.

In terms of size, DFW Airport covers more than 26.9 square miles, and it showcases a total of 5 terminals and 171 gates. If we talk about customers, DFW sees more than 73 million people every year! Additionally, customers can choose from 193 domestic and 67 international flight destinations. Overall, it is no surprise that DFW easily brings over $37 billion in economic impact year after year via business and leisure travel.

Terminals at DFW

As we mentioned above, DFW has 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, and E), three of which are used by American Airlines, while the other two are used for international flights or domestic ones, too. Once you understand each terminal, you will find it easy to navigate and find the correct terminal and gate for your flights.

Terminal A
Terminal A is primarily used by American Airlines and has 26 gates. It is located on the east side of the airport, and it lies opposite Terminal B, and just next to Terminal C. You can actually walk between these terminals, going from Terminal A to Terminal B or C via post-security walkways. You can find the moving walkway opposite gate A39 and up the escalator/elevator to go to Terminal B. For Terminal C, you can find the walkway next to gate A39 on the same floor.
If you want to use the Skylink train to travel between terminals, then you will find Terminal A stations between gates A13 and A16 and also between A29 and A34 taking the escalator/elevator.

Terminal B
Terminal B is primarily used by American Eagle, which is an affiliate of American Airlines. It has 45 gates in total. 35 out of these 45 gates are located in the main terminal, while the leftover 10 are located in a satellite building. You will find this terminal on the west side of the airport, opposite to Terminal A and next to Terminal D.
In order to reach Terminal A via walkways, just take the escalator/elevator near gate B4 and go to level 3. You can then use the walkways and go to Terminal A. To get to Terminal D, go around the corner of gate B4, and you will get to a walkway after passing gates B1 and B3. If you want to get to Terminal C from Terminal B, simply use the connector bridge to Terminal A and then take a right at gate A39 to get to the walkway for Terminal C.
To get to the Skylink train stations, you will find them between gates B9 and B12, and between gates B28 and B31. Here, you can take the escalator/elevator to the 3rd level and that’s it! You can use the Skylink train to get to the other terminals and back.

Terminal C
Terminal C is also primarily used by American Airlines and has 29 gates. It is located on the east side of the airport, opposite Terminal D and between Terminal A and Terminal E. You can easily get from Terminal C to Terminal A by getting on the walkway to the right after gate C2. To get to Terminal D, take the escalator/elevator near gate C2 to the 3rd level and use the walkway. Terminal C is not connected to Terminal E via walkways.
You can find the Skylink train stations between gates C8 and C12, and also between gates C27 and C32. You can use the Skylink to connect to all the terminals from Terminal C, including Terminal E.

Terminal D
Terminal D is primarily used for international flights and has 33 gates. Some of the flights that use this terminal include Air France, British Airways, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, and more. You will find this terminal located on the west side of the airport and it lies opposite to Terminal C and next to Terminal B.
To go to Terminal B from this terminal, go straight past gate D40 and onto the walkway, which will go around the hallway between the 2 terminals. If you want to get there via Skylink train, you will find the station between gates D11 and D20, and between D24 and D34 as well.

Terminal E
Terminal E is used for domestic and international flights, and it has 41 gates. 26 of the 41 gates are located in the main terminal, while the remaining 15 are located in a satellite building. Some of the flights that use this terminal include Air China, Air New Zealand, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and more.
This terminal is located on the east side of the airport, and it is the only terminal that does not connect to any other terminal via walkways. You can connect get to Terminal E via the Skylink train, and the stations are located between gates E8 and E11 and between E31 and E32.

Now that you know a bit about the terminals and gates, let’s move on and look at how you can navigate between terminals. In total, there are 3 options for getting from one terminal to another:

The Skylink train is a free rail train that connects all the terminals and could be the quickest route to your next stop. Since it operates 24 hours a day, and arrives every 2 minutes, you don’t have to worry about waiting for too long and getting to use the service at specific times.

What’s more, is that your ride time on the Skylink train is only an average of 5 minutes and if you have the farthest spot, it will be at most 9 minutes. Another benefit of using this mode of travel for terminals is that you get easy access to shops and restaurants in other terminals without any tickets or passes needed!

The second option is the Terminal Link shuttle bus which is a van shuttle service that runs every 10 minutes for all terminals. These vans are bright orange, so they are hard to miss, and their operation time is from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. If you need to use this service during after hours, you will have to place a call to 972.574.LINK (5465).

To use the shuttle service, you will have to follow the signs for Terminal Link to either the upper level (Terminal A, B, C, E) or lower level (Terminal D) to the nearest pick/drop area. All shuttles are wheelchair accessible, and you don’t need a ticket or pass to use it. Additionally, you can track the shuttle’s arrival time by scanning the QR code on the stop.

The last option is simple and efficient if you need to travel a short distance and have minimal luggage. You will find moving walkways between terminals, which will help you reach your destination faster and without having to wait for the train or shuttle.

Travel Lounges at DFW

Airport lounges are a lifesaver for people who have connecting flights or those who come to the airport quite early and need a place to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, you will find plenty of lounges at DFW, and they are listed below:

American Airlines Admirals Club

American Airlines Admirals Club
You can enjoy a comfortable lounge with basic amenities like premium food, snacks, Wi-fi, showers, and drinks.
  • Time: 4:00 am to 10:15 pm daily
  • Cost: $79/person for a one-day pass, $550/year for membership.
  • Accessibility: You need to present your boarding pass for the same-day flight on either American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or any of Oneworld Airlines, American Airlines members.
  • Location(s):
  • Terminal A – A24
  • Terminal B – B3
  • Terminal C – C20
  • Terminal D – D24
  • Terminal E – Satellite, Mezzanine Level

USO Center

If you are an active military member, you can enjoy this lounge with your family before your flight. You will get the basic amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks, and even a kid’s play area with table games plus video games.
  • Time: 8:00 am to 10:30 pm Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays
  • Cost: Free of charge for active US military members and their dependents.
  • Accessibility: Provide identification of being an active US military member.
  • Location(s): Near gate B47

    Capital One Lounge

    The Capital One lounge is perfect for anyone who wishes to relax and recharge while waiting for a flight. The lounge features prayer rooms, nursing rooms, and washrooms. You even get access to power outlets to charge your devices and then get snacks and drinks along with Wi-Fi.
    • Time: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily
    • Cost: $65/day for a one-day pass.
    • Accessibility: Venture X cardholder, Venture or Spark Miles cardholder (2 visits/year), travelers with the one-day pass. You must present your boarding pass for the same-day flight.
    • Location(s): Near gate D22

      The Centurion Lounge

      The Centurion Lounge has a very unique yet comforting atmosphere as it is inspired by quiet workplaces and oasis-like spas. It is perfect for travelers to come and relax, making use of the various amenities offered there such as showers, snacks, Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines.
      • Time: 5:30 am to 10:00 pm daily
      • Cost: $50/adult and $30/child for cardholders
      • Accessibility: Present your card and a boarding pass for the same-day flight. You must be either:
      • Platinum Card, Business Platinum Card, Corporate Platinum Cardholders
      • Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Cardholders
      • Centurion Cardholders
      • Location(s): Near gate D18 on Mezzanine floor

      The Club DFW

      This lounge is perfect for multiple travelers with diverse needs as it is divided into 5 different zones: Privacy Zone, Replenish Zone, Productivity Zone, Relax Zone, and Refresh Zone. From cocoon chairs to a hot and cold buffet to restroom and shower facilities, you will find it all here as indicated by each and every zone’s name.
      • Time: 4:00 am to 10:30 pm daily
      • Cost: $50/day for a one-day pass (sales dependent on space availability).
      • Accessibility: Any traveler from any airline can purchase and present a one-day pass for this lounge, access to the lounge is permitted 3 hours before flight departure only.
      • Accessibility: Any traveler from any airline can purchase and present a one-day pass for this lounge, access to the lounge is permitted 3 hours before flight departure only.
      • Location(s): Between gate D21 and D22

        Plaza Premium Lounge

        The Plaza Premium Lounge is the perfect lounge for travelers who are looking for a place with comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, international and local cuisines, and a selection of locally crafted beers, liquors, wines, and cocktails.
        • Time: 6:00 am to 8:00 pm daily
        • Cost: $45/day for a one-day pass.
        • Accessibility: Platinum Cardholders of American Express enjoy complimentary access and travelers with the one-day pass.
          • Location(s): Near gate E31

          Delta Sky Club

          This lounge is the perfect peaceful respite where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, and use the Wi-Fi to get some work done.
          • Time: 4:15 am to 7:30 pm Sunday to Friday, 4:15 am to 6:00 pm Saturdays
          • Cost: $545 for an Individual membership, and $845 for an Executive membership.
          • Accessibility: You must have a Delta Sky Club membership.
            • Location(s): Between gates E10 and E11

            Hotels and Accommodations

            Traveling for long hours or long distances can be quite tiring so, getting a hotel to rest can be your only option. At DFW Airport, you get the luxury of finding and booking a hotel without even leaving the hotel terminal!

            Grand Hyatt DFW

            Located within Terminal D of the DFW Airport, this 4-star hotel offers all the luxuries you would get in a regular 4-star hotel anywhere. A rooftop fitness center, a spa, a saltwater pool, flexible meeting rooms, clean and spacious rooms, you get the whole deal! The best part: You don’t have to worry about transportation to get picked up or dropped off at the hotel from the airport and vice versa!

            Hyatt Regency DFW

            Another hotel located on the airport grounds, adjacent to Terminal C, the Hyatt Regency DFW offers a sleek and contemporary look along with many other facilities. From restaurants and bars to the gym and pool, you can stop in between flights, just to relax and rejuvenate! If you have some virtual meetings to attend or need to complete your work, you can simply ask for a guest room that is on the same floor as the meeting rooms for your convenience.

            Transportation to and from DFW

            There are a couple of transportation options for you when you land at DFW Airport, so let’s go through these and see which is the best one for you.

            Private Car Services

            If you don’t want to use public transport or rent a car or even go via taxi or rideshare, you can opt for a better and fancier option, perfect especially for people traveling for business. Booking a private car service or a black car service is the best solution for people who want value for their money and a comfortable ride home, to the hotel, to the office, wherever they need. For this option, you can look into services by Prestige Ride, a premium car service that offers a luxury experience to the customer. If you want to know how this is different from a rideshare or taxi service, it’s simple. Prestige Ride offers a special service like chauffeur service, which you can use for an elevated and professional ride.

            Moreover, that’s not all. You can even get services like a city tour for the city of Dallas or the sprawling metropolis of Dallas-Forth Worth and truly enjoy the experience with a guide and all. But, if you just need a ride for a Dallas airport transfer, that can be arranged as well!

            Airport Parking for Pick-ups

            DFW offers plenty of parking space for people who have family and friends waiting to pick them up. Depending on your preference, you can choose between several parking types like Terminal and Valet parking. These are both paid for, so if you want to save a few extra bucks and have extra time, you can park by yourself at the Express parking or the Remote South parking lot. The Express parking will cost you $6 a day and you can book a parking spot via DFW mobile app.

            Rental Car Service

            For those of you looking for a rental car service, DFW has a rental car center with plenty of rental car companies. Since it is a 24-hour rental car center, you can drop by anytime and rent a car. You can find this center near the south entrance of the airport, which falls nearest to Terminal E.

            Public Transport

            If you would rather take public transport than rent a car, you have some options there as well, depending on your stop.

            Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

            The Dallas Area Rapid Transit connects the airport to Dallas. You can find the station near gate A10 in Terminal A and the charges for a mid-day pass are $2 and for the entire day are $6.

            TEXRail

            The TexRail connects the airport to Fort Worth and tickets are $2.50 for a single ride and $5 for a whole day. You can find the station for this train in Terminal B near gate B30.

            Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

            The Trinity Railway Express goes between Fort Worth and Dallas making multiple stops along the way. This shuttle is located in Terminal B near gate B47, and the tickets start at $2.50.

            Taxis and Rideshare Services

            Taking the train or shuttle can be a hassle, especially if your stop does not fall within their route, hence, you can just opt for a taxi or rideshare service. If you choose to take the taxi, you will find the taxi service readily available on the lower levels of Terminals A to E. You can choose from 16 different companies, and you don’t even have to worry about the timing as they are always available.

            Alternatively, if you want to book a rideshare service, you can find them at the upper-level curbside for each terminal. This is also where you can be dropped off by the rideshare services.

            Conclusion

            No doubt airport trips can be very stress-inducing and messy, especially if you don’t know the layout of the airport and you’re in a new place. However, it only takes a bit of planning, and you can turn that stressful experience into a pleasant one. Airport guides like this surely help a lot in that bit of planning. We hope that this guide will help you plan ahead for the next trip, so you can sit back and relax when it is finally time to fly!

            If there is something more that you need help with, you can always contact DFW Airport’s customer service at +1-972-973-3112.