Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the world’s busiest airports and a major gateway to North Texas. As American Airlines’ largest hub, DFW connects travelers to hundreds of destinations across the U.S. and around the world.
Despite its size, DFW is easy to navigate. All five terminals are connected by Skylink beyond airport security, helping travelers get where they need to go whether they’re starting their trip in North Texas or making a connection.
From Texas barbecue and locally inspired shopping to public art and easy terminal connections, here’s what to know to make the most of your time at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport connects travelers to more than 250 destinations worldwide, with nonstop service across the United States and to destinations throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
Located between Dallas and Fort Worth, DFW also puts travelers within reach of two of Texas’ largest cities—whether you’re visiting for business, a weekend away, or a longer trip through North Texas.
Did You Know? DFW spans nearly 27 square miles, making the airport larger than the island of Manhattan. It even has its own ZIP code.
For millions of travelers, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is their first introduction to Texas. From iconic restaurants and locally rooted businesses to the welcoming spirit of North Texas, DFW offers a taste of the region before you even leave the airport.
Barbecue, Tex-Mex, Gulf Coast seafood, and burgers all have a place at the North Texas table—and DFW brings plenty of local favorites together across its terminals.
Our CLEAR Ambassadors recommend Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen in Terminals A and C for Gulf Coast seafood and Cajun-inspired favorites.
Looking for more Texas favorites? Start in Terminal A with Pappasito’s Cantina for Tex-Mex or Twisted Root Burger Co. for creative burgers from a Dallas-born favorite. In Terminal B, Cousins Bar-B-Q serves slow-smoked Texas barbecue. Pappasito’s also has a second location in Terminal C, while Whataburger brings one of Texas’ most recognizable burger brands to Terminals D and E.
North Texas is home to local makers, artists, and brands that reflect the region’s creative spirit. Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful gift or something to remember your trip, DFW offers several ways to bring a piece of Dallas–Fort Worth home.
Start with Lone Chimney Mercantile in Terminal D, featuring handcrafted goods, artwork, and vintage-inspired finds from local makers. Also in Terminal D, Texas General Store is another place to browse Texas-inspired gifts and regional products before your flight.
Whether you have some time before boarding or a window between flights, DFW offers plenty of ways to experience North Texas without going far.
If you're in Terminal D, stretch your legs along DFW's seven-tenths-mile walking path between Gates D6 and D40. The route follows 12 floor medallions from the airport's Public Art Program, giving you an easy way to discover some of DFW's art before your flight.
Hop aboard Skylink, DFW's complimentary train connecting all five terminals beyond airport security. Trains arrive about every two minutes, making it easy to explore another terminal for a Texas favorite, browse local shops, or discover more of the airport's public art before returning to your gate.
Have several hours between flights?
If you have enough time to leave the airport, Historic Downtown Grapevine is just minutes from DFW, with locally owned restaurants, winery tasting rooms, shops, and historic attractions.
Aviation enthusiasts can also visit Founders' Plaza at the north end of the airport. The observation area offers close-up views of arriving and departing aircraft, along with telescopes, picnic tables, and a radio broadcasting air traffic control communications from the FAA tower.
If your connection is short, check your departure gate as soon as you land.
Skylink connects all five terminals beyond airport security, with trains arriving about every two minutes. The average ride takes about five minutes, making it easy to move between terminals without leaving the secure area.
If you're short on time, head directly to your next gate before stopping for food or shopping.
Whether you’re departing, arriving, or connecting through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, a little planning can help you enjoy a more seamless travel day. From the CLEAR App to accessibility resources, these tools can help you know what to expect before you go.
Before heading to the airport, download the free CLEAR App to know exactly when to leave based on current traffic, real-time airport conditions, security wait times, and the walk to your gate.
At an airport as large as DFW, knowing where to go can make a big difference. DFW recommends the GoodMaps App for accessible wayfinding throughout the airport, helping travelers navigate to gates, restrooms, dining, and other amenities from their device.
DFW also offers free, accessible transportation between terminals both before and after airport security, along with accessible parking, nursing rooms, accessible restrooms, and service animal relief areas. Travelers with non-visible disabilities can also find additional support through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program.
Explore all accessibility services available at DFW before your trip.
With five terminals across a sprawling airport, knowing how DFW is organized can give you peace-of-mind on your travel day. Here’s what to know about terminals, connections, and airport security before you go.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has five terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. American Airlines operates throughout Terminals A, B, C, and D, with Terminal D serving as DFW’s primary international terminal. Terminal D is also home to many international carriers, including British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways. Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines operate from Terminal E. Check DFW’s airline directory for current terminal information.
All five terminals connect beyond airport security, so you can reach any departure gate without leaving the secure area. Because airline and gate assignments can change, confirm your terminal and departure gate with your airline before arriving at DFW.
DFW offers two complimentary transportation options, depending on whether you’ve already cleared airport security.
Skylink connects all five terminals beyond airport security and operates 24 hours a day. Trains arrive about every two minutes, with an average ride of five minutes and a maximum ride of about nine minutes between the farthest points.
Outside airport security, Terminal Link shuttle buses connect all five terminals. If you’re making a connection and are already beyond airport security, stay there and use Skylink to reach your next terminal.
Traveler Tip: Skylink and Terminal Link may sound similar, but there’s an easy way to remember the difference: Skylink operates beyond airport security, while Terminal Link operates outside the secure area.
CLEAR+ Lanes at DFW are available at Terminal E, helping Members speed through airport security in seconds on the way to their gate.
Since all five DFW terminals connect beyond airport security, you can access the CLEAR+ Lane in Terminal E and take Skylink to your departure terminal and gate.
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