Find the ideal Dallas airport for your upcoming journey

With eight million residents in Dallas, it's no surprise that one airport isn't sufficient

The two main airports in Dallas, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), each offer unique benefits. As a lifelong Dallasite, I’ve put together this guide to help you understand the differences and choose the best option for your travel needs.

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is ideally situated between North Texas's two largest cities—Dallas and Fort Worth. Located about 20 miles from both downtown areas, DFW provides convenient access to major urban centers and surrounding suburbs. Its location is perfect for travelers looking to quickly reach either city.

How to get there?

To get to DFW from Dallas, you have multiple transportation options. My top choice is the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) Orange Line, which takes you directly to Terminal A. The journey takes just under an hour from downtown Dallas, so be sure to allocate enough time. Once at the airport, you can use the complimentary Skylink or Terminal Link shuttle buses to reach your terminal.

From Fort Worth, you can take the TEXRail, which connects downtown Fort Worth directly to Terminal B at the airport. If you prefer to drive, the most straightforward route is via TX-121 north, which eventually merges with TX-183 East to access the airport. DFW offers a wide range of parking options, from premium valet services to convenient terminal parking and economical remote lots.

Terminals

DFW boasts 168 gates spread across five terminals. Despite its massive size—larger than Manhattan—the security lines move swiftly. I rarely wait more than 15 minutes in the regular security line and under five minutes with TSA Precheck. Once inside the terminal, the airport's high-speed train, Skylink, operates every two minutes, which is great for connecting flights.

• Terminal A: DFW serves as the primary hub for American Airlines. Whenever I fly from Terminal A, I make sure to arrive early to check out the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop for football jerseys for my nephew.
• Terminal B: This terminal is primarily dedicated to American Airlines' regional partner, American Eagle. It features all the essentials of an airport terminal, including cozy lounges, quick dining spots, and shops for last-minute travel items.
• Terminal C: Like Terminals A and B, Terminal C is largely for American Airlines flights. It offers a plethora of dining choices, with my personal favorite for Tex-Mex being Pappasito’s Cantina.
• Terminal D: Terminal D is the place to be. This is DFW’s international terminal, perfect for passing the time during long layovers. Travelers can enjoy a stylish wine bar, a two-level draft beer bar, and the American Airlines Flagship Lounge. My favorite feature of this terminal is the 0.7-mile walking path that showcases over 30 pieces of art from artists worldwide.
• Terminal E: If you find yourself with a long layover and are unsure how to entertain the kids during your connecting flight, take them to Gameway near Gate 16, where gaming stations loaded with the latest PlayStation or Xbox games will keep them occupied during any delays.

Amenities

This Dallas airport makes locals proud with its wide variety of shopping options, featuring designer brands like Kate Spade and Michael Kors, as well as unique Texas-themed gifts at local boutiques.

When it comes to dining options, DFW goes all out. Located in all five terminals, you can enjoy anything from a quick bite to a hearty Texan barbecue feast. That’s right—each terminal features its own BBQ joint, such as The Salt Lick in Terminal A and Dickey’s in Terminals C and D, serving up delicious smoky flavors.

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) served as the primary airport for the city until the opening of DFW in 1974. Although it’s no longer the main hub, its location just six miles northwest of downtown Dallas makes it an ideal option for travelers seeking convenience.

How to get there?

Getting to DAL from downtown Dallas is simple. I always opt for the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) bus route 524 from Inwood/Love Field Station, which takes you straight to the airport. If you prefer driving, you can access the airport via Mockingbird Lane, which connects to major highways like I-35E. The drive usually takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic, and DAL offers various parking options, from garage parking near the terminal to more budget-friendly remote lots.

Terminals

At DAL, both Alaska Airlines and Delta operate, but Southwest Airlines dominates, managing 17 of the 20 gates. All three airlines share a single terminal, which features two wings branching off from a central concessions area. This compact layout makes it easy to navigate, and there's no need to arrive excessively early to reach your gate on time. Additionally, DAL offers TSA PreCheck and CLEAR for a faster security experience.

Amenities

Though small, this airport is brimming with amenities designed to enhance your travel experience. With 27 restaurants to choose from, local favorites include the iconic Whataburger, the Tex-Mex delight of Cantina Laredo, and the mouthwatering offerings at Dickey’s Barbecue. In true Dallas fashion, you can also find stores featuring fashion and cosmetic brands to explore while you wait for your flight.

Additional features

If you have a bit of time on your hands, the terminal showcases various art installations and historical displays. I find the permanent exhibit highlighting Love Field’s evolution—from a World War I pilot training site to an early aviation center and its current state—particularly intriguing. This exhibit not only chronicles the airport’s key milestones but also sheds light on the broader aviation history of Dallas.

For those needing to get some work done, the Flight Deck Conference Center is equipped with cutting-edge business facilities, meeting rooms, and day offices. Families traveling through the airport will find it convenient as well: there’s a nursing room adjacent to the Sky Cannon restaurant just outside security, a children’s play area near the departure concourse, and a pet-relief zone located outside baggage claim and to the left of security.

How do you decide which Dallas airport is the best fit for you?

The closeness of DAL to the city is a true advantage for locals, providing a smooth journey to and from the airport.

DFW stands out as the preferred choice for international travelers due to its wide array of global flight options and top-notch amenities, including expansive lounges, fine dining, and upscale shopping. Although it's not as conveniently located to downtown Dallas, it offers public transport connections to both Dallas and Fort Worth, making access easy.

I don't play favorites between these two Dallas airports. Security checks are typically quick at both locations, there are plenty of excellent dining choices to satisfy my hunger, and ample walking space for a bit of exercise. Generally, my flight destination influences my choice of departure airport.

The creation of this guide

Having been born and raised in Dallas, my connections to this city run deep, with family ties spanning generations. Throughout countless family vacations and numerous business trips, I've taken over 300 flights through both DFW and DAL—making me a bit of a local authority on navigating these airports. I drew from all that experience to compile this practical guide to assist you in choosing the right airport for your upcoming Texas trip.