Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

Understand

The airport was designed in the 1960s to allow for people to park next to their gate and make a short walk to their plane. However, modern security requirements and the hub-and-spoke system have made its long narrow semi-circular terminals somewhat inefficient. Recent improvements including a people-mover tram system (inside security) and renovated terminals have overcome this challenge to make DFW a great connecting airport. Also, the terminal layout with 4 semi-circular terminals and 1 squared one means that the airport has multiple security checkpoints and shorter lines. The largest selection of restaurants and shops are in Terminal D, while A, B, C, and E have a few decent restaurants spread throughout. An ongoing renovation of the older terminals will improve the selection. Part of A has been completed.

Getting around

In all terminals, gate numbers ascend as you go right. Gates in Terminal E between E21 and E31 are in a satellite tunnel to access these gates.

On foot It is possible to walk between Terminals A, B, C, and D inside security. The distances can be great though, so it is best to use the Skylink to travel between terminals. There are sidewalks outside of security, but these are outside and not really designed for easy transit by passengers carrying lots of luggage. Terminal E is also accessible but you will need to use to Skylink to go there (see below)

By Skylink Skylink is an automated people mover system operating airside (secured side) between all DFW terminals. This system allows passengers simply changing planes at DFW along with originating passengers who have already gone through security to move between terminals without having to be re-screened. Skylink has 2 stops at each terminal with trains running in both directions. A train stops every 2 minutes with average rides of 5 minutes and the longest ride between most distant stops being 9 minutes. Signs are posted to guide you to the closest Skylink stop. There is a table below to see the stops, in order in either direction.

By Terminal Link Terminal Link is a free shuttle van system operating landside (unsecured side) between all DFW terminals. The shuttles are painted in orange and can accommodate luggage. Service operates every 10 minutes between 5AM and midnight. Between midnight and 5AM, passengers must call in advance (+1 972 574-5465) to request pick-up.

Buy

Duty Free International-bound passengers are free to shop at the two duty free shopping shops in Terminal D.

Buckaroo Duty Free, Gate D14 & D27. Two shops sell alcohol, tobacco, jewelry, and perfume without taxes or other fees.

Sleep

There are 3 hotels and an hourly hotel service inside the airport. There are more hotels in the surrounding areas outside the airport grounds. Most of the hotels in the nearby areas have shuttles to the airport and long-term parking services.

Minute Suites, Terminal D, Inside security at D23 & Terminal A at A38, ☏ +1 972 973-4235. Small private rooms and showers rented by the half hour, hour, or night. All suites have a couch that turns into a bed, fresh pillows and blankets, a computer with a 32" screen connected to the internet and DirectTV. Suites start at $34 for 1 hour, $8.50 every 15 minutes extra, 30 minute showers are $25, or $15 with a suite rental, or $125 for a suite overnight (11PM-7AM). 1 Grand Hyatt DFW, 2337 South International Parkway (Inside Terminal D), ☏ +1 972 973-1234, [email protected]. 298 room hotel, with sound-proofed glass was built at the same time as Terminal D. Guest have access to the secure side of the airport to use the shops and restaurants. From $250. 2 Hyatt Place DFW, 2350 Global Dr (Next to Rental Car Center & Airport Admin Bldg.), ☏ +1 972 574 1234, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. From $150. 3 Hyatt Regency DFW, 2334 North International Parkway (adjacent to Terminal C), ☏ +1 972 453-1234. 811-room hotel that was extensively upgraded in 2011. Has soundproof windows and a 24 hour gym. From $150. (updated Jun 2020)