If you are planning a trip to Texas, you might see the airport code DFW while searching for flights. Many travelers ask questions like what airport is DFW, where is DFW Airport and how big is DFW Airport. Texas has several major airports therefore first-time visitors often get confused about which airport is best suited to them.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It connects travelers to hundreds of cities across the United States and many international destinations. The airport is known for its massive size, modern facilities, and large number of airlines. This guide explains everything travelers need to know about DFW Airport including its location, parking, terminals, hotels, airlines and transportation options.
What Airport is DFW?
DFW is the airport code for Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. It is the main commercial airport serving the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex in Texas and one of the busiest airports in the entire world. This airport serves tens of millions of passengers every year.
American Airlines uses DFW as its largest hub therefore this airport connects the Dallas Fort Worth area to hundreds of destinations across the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and beyond.
DFW is not just a Texas airport. It is one of the top airports in the world for connecting flights, which means passengers from all over the world pass through this airport on the way to their final destinations.
Where is DFW Airport Located?
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, therefore its name contains the names of both cities. The airport is located approximately 16 miles northwest of Downtown Dallas and 20 miles northeast of Downtown Fort Worth.
The specific address is 2400 Aviation Drive, DFW Airport, TX 75261. In terms of county, DFW Airport is located in Tarrant County and some portions extend into Dallas County.
| City | Distance from DFW | Drive Time Off-Peak |
| Downtown Dallas | Approximately 16 miles | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Downtown Fort Worth | Approximately 20 miles | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Arlington | Approximately 15 miles | 18 to 25 minutes |
| Plano | Approximately 25 miles | 30 to 40 minutes |
| Irving | Approximately 5 miles | 8 to 15 minutes |
What City Is DFW Airport In?
DFW Airport occupies its own jurisdiction. It is technically located within the city limits of both Dallas and Fort Worth but the airport itself operates as a special district rather than belonging to any single city. People associate DFW with the greater Dallas Fort Worth metroplex as a whole. When booking flights, the airport appears as Dallas, TX or Dallas Fort Worth, TX in most booking systems.
What County Is DFW Airport In?
DFW Airport spans two counties. The majority of the airport property is located within Tarrant County but some of its portions also extend into Dallas County. Due to this cross-county location it serves both Dallas and Fort Worth equally.
When Was DFW Airport Built?
Planning of this airport and land acquisition for a regional airport began in the 1960s in Dallas and Fort Worth. These counties had separate and small airports and needed larger aviation facilities. Construction of this airport began in 1969 after years of planning and negotiation between the two cities.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport officially opened on January 13, 1974. It was one of the largest airport construction projects in American history at the time. This airport has been extended multiple times since 1974, with new terminals, additional runways and updated facilities.
How Big Is DFW Airport? Is It Bigger Than Manhattan?
DFW Airport covers approximately 17,000 acres of land. That is roughly 26.5 square miles of airport property. Most people ask this question if DFW is bigger than Manhattan. The answer is yes, DFW Airport is bigger than Manhattan. The island of Manhattan in New York City covers approximately 13,000 acres or about 20 square miles. DFW Airport covers more land than Manhattan by a large margin.
| Size Comparison | Area |
| DFW Airport | Approximately 17,207 acres |
| Manhattan, New York City | Approximately 13,000 acres |
| San Francisco, CA | Approximately 30,000 acres |
| Orlando International Airport | Approximately 11,000 acres |
A common question asked by people is: How many acres is DFW Airport? The figure is approximately 17,207 acres, which has made it famous as one of the largest airports in the world by land area.
The airport has 5 terminals labeled Terminal A, B, C, D and E. All these terminals are connected by the Skylink which runs inside the secured area.
| Feature | Information |
| Airport Size | 17,207 acres |
| Opened | 1974 |
| Terminals | 5 |
| Gates | More than 170 |
| Annual Travelers | More than 80 million |
What Airlines Fly Out of DFW Airport?
A wide range of airlines fly out of DFW Airport for international and domestic flights. American Airlines is dominant in DFW and its operations are spread across four of the five terminals. Terminal D handles mostly international airline flights. Terminal E handles the other domestic carriers including Delta, United and Spirit.
| Airline | Terminal |
| American Airlines | Terminals A, B, C and D |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal E |
| United Airlines | Terminal E |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal E |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal D |
| British Airways | Terminal D |
| Lufthansa | Terminal D |
| Qatar Airways | Terminal D |
| Emirates | Terminal D |
| Air France | Terminal D |
| Korean Air | Terminal D |
Does Southwest Airlines Fly to DFW Airport?
No. Southwest Airlines does not fly to DFW Airport. Southwest operates out of Dallas Love Field Airport, which is a separate airport. This is one of the most common confusions for Texas travelers. If you are flying Southwest Airlines to or from the Dallas area, your airport is Love Field, not DFW. Love Field uses the airport code DAL.
How Far Is Dallas Love Field Airport from DFW?
Dallas Love Field Airport is approximately 17 to 18 miles northeast of DFW Airport. The drive between these two airports takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes at off peak time via Highway 183 or I-635. During rush hours or weekdays the same journey can take 40 to 60 minutes.
| Route | Distance | Off-Peak Drive Time |
| DFW to Love Field | 17 to 18 miles | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Love Field to DFW | 17 to 18 miles | 20 to 30 minutes |
What Terminal Is Delta at DFW Airport?
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal E at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. If you are flying Delta, check in and proceed through security at Terminal E. It is the same terminal where you will find United Airlines, Spirit Airlines and other non American Airlines for domestic flights. Always confirm your terminal on your Delta boarding pass or in the Delta app before your flight because gate assignments and terminal designations can change.
What Terminal Is Spirit Airlines at DFW Airport?
Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal E at DFW Airport. Spirit passengers should check in at Terminal E and proceed through security there. Terminal E is on the eastern side of the airport and is accessible via International Parkway from Highway 183.
What Time Does DFW Airport Open?
DFW Airport operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Flights arrive and depart at all hours and the terminal remains open around the clock. However, the experience inside the terminal changes based on the time of day. Early evening and late night dining and retail options are closed.
TSA security checkpoints at DFW typically begin opening between 4 AM and 4:30 AM for early morning departures. The exact timing changes by terminal and checkpoint, so those travelers who have very early morning flights should check their airline’s recommendations about arrival times.
Is DFW Airport Open Right Now?
If you want to get the real-time information about current airport operations, flight delays, security wait times or any current incidents at DFW, the best sources are the official DFW Airport website and app, your airline’s mobile app and flight tracking services like FlightAware or FlightRadar24.
Weather related disruptions, traffic incidents or operational changes are usually communicated fastest through official DFW Airport social media channels and airlines’ apps.
How Much Is Parking at DFW Airport?
| Parking Option | Approximate Daily Rate |
| Terminal Parking | $20 to $30 per day |
| Express Parking | $20 to $25 per day |
| Remote Parking | $10 to $14 per day |
| Economy Parking | $9 to $12 per day |
| Valet Parking | $35 to $50 per day |
Is there a Hotel in DFW Airport?
Yes. The Grand Hyatt DFW is a hotel that is located inside DFW Airport and connected to International Terminal D. You can access the hotel without going through security or leaving the building.
The Grand Hyatt DFW is a full service luxury hotel with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, a pool and meeting facilities. It is perfect for international travelers who have long layovers or early morning departures from Terminal D.
Many other hotels are located outside the airport in the surrounding DFW area. They offer free shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. The Irving and Las Colinas areas have many hotel options within a 10 to 20 minute shuttle ride of the airport.
DFW Airport Transportation with AA Limousine and Sedan
Knowing about an airport is not all you should do before your flight. A comfortable ride to and from the airport is also necessary to make your airport experience smooth and stress free. Flight schedules are fixed and arriving at the airport with reliable transportation that you know will get you there on time is important. Similarly most flights are long and tiring, so having a comfortable ride waiting for you after arrival is a good way to get to your destination without too much hassle. In short, airport travel needs transportation that is comfortable, reliable and punctual.
AA Limousine and Sedan offers professional airport transportation services throughout Dallas, Fort Worth and nearby Texas communities. Our chauffeurs monitor flights in real time and know about all traffic patterns here. They plan the route taken on each ride before pickup. We also provide meet and greet service at DFW Airport, in which our chauffeur comes inside the terminal at baggage claim and receives you from there.
Whether you need transportation for business meetings, family vacations or special occasions, our black car and limo services deliver comfort, privacy and luxury with each ride in Texas.
Reserve your DFW airport transportation with AA Limousine and Sedan and enjoy a smooth travel experience from start to finish.
FAQs
What does DFW airport stand for?
DFW stands for Dallas Fort Worth, which shows the airport’s location between the two major Texas cities it was built to serve. The airport’s full name is Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
How many acres is DFW airport?
DFW Airport covers approximately 17,207 acres, which makes it one of the largest airports in the world by land area and larger than the island of Manhattan.
Is DFW airport bigger than Manhattan?
Yes. DFW Airport covers approximately 17,207 acres and Manhattan’s approximately 13,000 acres. The airport is notably larger than Manhattan by land area.
Does Southwest Airlines fly to DFW?
No. Southwest Airlines operates from Dallas Love Field Airport, which uses the code DAL, not DFW. If you are flying Southwest to or from Dallas, your airport is Love Field.
What terminal is Delta at DFW airport?
Delta Air Lines operates from Terminal E at DFW Airport.
What terminal is Spirit Airlines at DFW airport?
Spirit Airlines operates from Terminal E at DFW Airport.
Is there a hotel in DFW airport?
Yes. The Grand Hyatt DFW is located inside International Terminal D with direct access inside the airport.
How much does parking cost at DFW?
Economy and remote parking at DFW costs approximately $9 to $12 per day. Terminal parking costs $20 to $30 per day. Valet parking costs $35 to $50 per day.
