Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or are just quickly passing through, our Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.
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DFW Airport no longer provides cots. The airport has switched to eco-friendly biodegradable blankets and pillows, which can be provided to travelers after 10PM. – an airport employee (May 2019)
DFW Airport Overview
To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.
What to Expect
Dallas-Fort Worth Airport (Code: DFW) comprises five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) linked by a SkyLink train. Terminals A – D are also connected by walkways, while Terminal E is a satellite and can only be reached from the other terminals by Skylink. All five terminals contain plenty of airside dining, shopping and service options, with Terminal D (international) offering the most extensive selection. Exploring airside terminals is not a problem, but accessing airside late at night may be impossible if security checkpoints are closed. The airport offers free WiFi and contains plenty of charging stations. Economy class passengers can find comfort in one of many airport lounges by purchasing a lounge pass or membership.
Sleeping in DFW Airport
There is plenty of seating throughout the airport, but it varies in each terminal. For instance, parts of Terminal C and the Terminal E extension area have fewer seating options than other areas.
Many benches at gates are equipped with armrests, making it harder to stretch out, but seeking out designated rest or lounge areas often turns up comfy chairs you can push together or actual couches and armrest-free benches – which means you probably won’t have to sleep on the floor.
Here are good spots that travellers have reported for sleeping:
Terminal B
- A lounge area near Gate B10 has six comfy chairs with footstools
- There is a rest lounge at B-29 with a limited number of chairs.
- A lounge area near Gates B41 and B42 has 12 chairs and two couches with several ottomans.
Terminal C
- Designated travel lounge at Gates C8
- Gates 12 offers chairs with downward-slanted footrests
- A lounge near Gate C20, behind Starbucks, has armchairs with footstools and two couches
Terminal D
- Two lounge areas at Gate D22, upstairs from the Duty-Free area
- A small, dark room in Terminal E near IHOP, next to the windows
Terminal E
- Airside at Terminal E’s check-in desk 31 has couches
- A designated lounge area between Gates E7 and E8, with a few leather chairs and couches
Those seeking uninterrupted sleep can choose from several on-site hotels and numerous other hotels within easy shuttle distance. There are also private suites with daybeds in Terminals A and D, with the Terminal D location offering showers. See the Airport Hotels section below for locations.
Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Dallas Airport Guide.
To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.
In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.
Airport Hours
The airport is open 24 hours; however, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- If you are on a flight arriving at night connecting to a morning flight, you may be asked to go out into the public area for the night.
- If you have a morning flight, you cannot pass through security the night before. You need to stay in the public section (landside). TSA, airline check-in, and baggage drop hours vary according to the flight schedule. Check these hours with your airline. If you are in the public area (landside), you cannot get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning. The TSA security screening checkpoint hours vary according to boarding area:
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- Terminal A: A12 (4:30 AM – 8:00 PM) • A21 (3:00 AM – 10:30 PM) • A35 (4:30 AM – 8:00 PM)
- Terminal B: B9 (4:30 AM – 9:00 PM) • B30 (4:30 AM – 10:45 PM)
- Terminal C: C11 (4:30 AM – 10:45 PM) • C20 (3:30 AM – 10:30 PM)
- Terminal D: D18 (4:00 AM – 10:30 PM) • D22 (5:00 AM – 9:00 PM) • D30 (3:30 AM – 11:30 PM)
- Terminal E: E8 (3:45 AM – 8:45 PM) • E18 (3:45 AM – 11:30 PM) • E33 (4:00 AM – 8:30 PM)
As of 07 Jan 2025. Times are subject to change. Visit the airport website for current security times.
Rest & Relaxation Zones
Relax and recharge in DFW’s complimentary Travel Lounges, offering a cozy atmosphere with lounge chairs and workstation seating. Power outlets are available at every seat. Locations: Gates B28, C8, C26, and E8.
A theatre area in Terminal D offers comfortable media chairs and ten viewing screens.
Take precautions even when sleeping in the rest zones. In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them. Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.
Cots
DFW no longer provides cots as of 2019, instead offering eco-friendly biodegradable blankets and pillows during mass cancellations. These are typically available after 10:00 PM upon request from airline staff or via courtesy phones (confirmed by airport policy updates in 2024). Distribution occurs primarily in Terminals A and D near gate areas during weather-related disruptions; supplies may be limited. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.
Airport Hotels & Sleep Pods
Quick Facts
- Nearest Hotel: Inside the Airport
- Sleep Cabins or Pods: Yes
- Day Rooms: Yes
- Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes
When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair gives you nightmares, there is good news for those looking to sleep at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport in comfort. If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there are two micro hotel locations on the airside offering both short-term and overnight rates. On the landside (public area), two hotels are connected to Terminals C and D and many nearby hotels that provide airport shuttles.
Hotel inside DFW Airport
Travellers in the secure area of the terminal do not need to pass through immigration/security to access one of the two Minute Suites locations:
Minute Suites – Locations: Terminal A (near Gate A39) • Terminal D (near Gate D23). Minute Suites provides private suites for travellers needing to relax, work, or sleep during a layover or flight delay. Each suite has a daybed that sleeps two, fresh pillows and blankets, smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. Here are the rates as of February 2025: US$ 65 per hour. US$ 215 (overnight – eight hours, after 9:00PM til midnight). Showers are $20 for 30 mins (added on to a minimum 1 hour stay) or $30 for 30 mins without a suite rental.
Showers are available at the D23 location only. Discounted rates for military/1st responder, crew, and more.
Hotels at the airport
Transit passengers will need to pass through immigration/security to access one of these hotels:
- Grand Hyatt DFW – Located inside the airport in Terminal D. Free access via SkyLink and Terminal Link from all terminals. » Check Rates
- Hyatt Regency DFW – Located adjacent to Terminal C. Free 24-hour shuttle service to all DFW terminals. Day-use rooms are also available. Courtesy phones that could be used for airport pick-up, used to be located in the baggage claim area. » Check Rates
Hotels near the airport
- Clarion Inn & Suites DFW North » Check Rates
- Comfort Suites » Check Rates
- Dallas/Fort Worth Airport Marriott » Check Rates
- Extended Stay America DFW Airport North » Check Rates
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Irving / DFW Airport North » Check Rates
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Irving » Check Rates
- Hyatt Place DFW » Check Rates
- La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Dallas DFW Airport North » Check Rates
- Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel » Check Rates
- Super 8 by Wyndham Grapevine/DFW Airport Northwest » Check Rates
- TownePlace Suites Dallas DFW Airport North/Irving » Check Rates
- Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near DFW Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.
Airport Lounges
Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships
Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and learn how to gain access with just an economy class ticket!
- American Airlines Admirals Club – Multiple Locations – Terminal A, A 24 • Terminal B, B3 • Terminal C, C20 • Terminal D, D24 • Terminal E, E22. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of American Airlines ticket • Lounge membership program.
- Centurion Lounge – Location: Terminal D, Airside, Mezzanine Level, opposite Gate D12. Showers are available. Hours: 5:30AM – 10:00PM. Lounge Access: American Express® Card Members • Lounge membership programs.
- The Club at DFW – This lounge is available to all travellers regardless of class of service or airline. Showers are available. Hours: 4:00AM – 10:30PM. Location: Terminal D – airside, across from Gate 27. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal E, Airside, near Gate E31. Hours: 6:00AM – 8:00PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
- United Club – Location: Terminal E, airside, between Gates E6 and E7. Hours: 4:30AM – 7:45PM. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door with proof of United Airlines ticket • United Club Membership.
Airline Lounges (members only)
If you are a First or Business Class traveller, you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.
British Airways (Location: Terminal D, near Gate D24) • Delta Sky Club (Location: Terminal E, near Gate E10) • Emirates (Location: Terminal E, near Gate E31) • Korean Air (Terminal D, near Gate D36) • Lufthansa Lounge (Location: Terminal D, near Gate D36) • QANTAS (Terminal D, near Gate D24).
Military Lounges
USO Lounge – The USO offers a free lounge to active members of the US military and their families. Location: Terminal B, Airside, Gate 47.
Related Pages: Dallas Fort-Worth Airport Lounges
Drinking Water
Free water refill stations are available:
- Landside – Car Rental Center, Level 1 • Car Rental Center, Level 2
- Airside – Gates A11 • A23 • A37 • B9 • B33 • B41 • C27 • D12 • D23 • D31 • E14 • E21 • E38.
Food & Drinks
Food concessions throughout the terminals operate with varying schedules. At the time of our February 2025 update, we were able to find only three eateries open 24-hours: Panera Bread (Terminal 1, near gate A34 – open 24 hours Mon – Fri) • Subway (Terminal B, near B24).
There are also three 7-Eleven stores located in Terminal C and D. Vending machines are also available.
Luggage Storage & Lockers
Unavailable.
Mobile Charging
Charge your laptops and other electronic devices at seated power stations throughout the airport. These stations offer a computer with internet access for travellers who may be travelling without a laptop. USB ports are available at every station.
Showers
If you want to freshen up, showers are available for a fee at these locations:
- Minute Suites – Terminal D, Airside, Gate D23.
- DFW Lounge – Terminal D, airside, between Gate 21 and Gate 22.
- Centurion Lounge – Terminal D, Airside, Mezzanine Level, opposite Gate D12.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal E, Airside, near Gate E31.
WiFi / Internet
Free unlimited WiFi at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Connect to the “DFW Airport Free WiFi” network.
Security & Safety
At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Dallas Fort Worth Airport. However, there are reports of minor safety concerns such as pickpocketing in crowded landside areas (e.g., Terminal A check-in) during peak hours. Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay sharp, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
More Airport Information
Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available throughout the airport.
Chapel – Find your inner peace at one of the airport’s Interfaith Chapels at these locations: Terminal A, Landside, Level 2, Check-in A23 • Terminal B, Airside, near Gate B25 • Terminal C, Landside, near Baggage Claim C15 • Terminal D, Airside, near Gate D40 • Terminal E, Airside, near Gate E4.
Cots – see “Cots” above.
Currency Exchange – Travelex offers currency exchange and travel insurance at these locations: Landside – D22. Airside – A29 • D11 • D24 • D36 • International Recheck.
Drinking Water – see “Drinking Water” above.
Duty-Free & Shopping – 3Sixty Duty free offers duty-free shopping airside near Gate A23, Gate C10, Gate D22 and Gate D27. In addition, various retail shops and newsstands are available throughout the terminals, including 10+ convenience shops for any last-minute items.
Family Services
- Baby Care Facilities – Feed and change your baby in privacy and comfort in one of the airport’s Nursing Rooms. For the access code, call 972-973-3112. Location: Airside at Gates A18 • B40 • C13/14 • C36 • D2 • D36 • E14 • E26. Alternatively, mothers can reserve a 30-minute stay in a Minute Suites location to nurse their child or pump at no cost. Their suites are cleaned after every guest and are engineered to be a quiet and restful place to retreat away from the airport terminals. Locations: Airside, Gate A39 – Airside, Gate D23
- Children’s Play Area – Let your little ones burn off steam before a flight at the McDonald’s play area, which includes soft seating and charging outlets for parents! Locations: Gate D8.
Food & Drink – see “Food & Drinks” above.
Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
Information Desk – Have any questions? Multiple information desks are located in each terminal to provide assistance.
Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
Luggage Storage & Lockers –
Massage Chairs – Massage chairs used to be located near the following gates: A15 • A20 • A29 • B20 • B24 • B37 • C6 • C11 • C15 • C17 • C20 • C24 • C27 • D22 • E14 • E32.
Mobile Charging – see “Mobile Charging” above.
Pets
- Pet Hotel – Fur babies rejoice! Your cat or dog can enjoy a vacation at Paradise 4 Paws Pet Resort. Boarding, grooming, and daycare are just some of the services offered. Location: Near the airport’s north entrance. Hours: Open 24 hours.
- Pet Relief Areas – Designated pet relief areas can be found in the following areas:
- Airside – Terminal A, A29 • Terminal B, B28 • Terminal D, D18 • Terminal E, E31.
- Landside – Terminal A, A8 • Terminal C, C2 & C39 • Terminal D, D15 & D29 • Terminal E, E2 & E38.
Pharmacy – Not available.
Postal Services – Drop your package in one of the many FedEx Drop Boxes in the terminals and get it delivered at your chosen address without any person-to-person contact. Boxes can welcome packages with a maximum size of 20″x 12″ x 6″. Locations: Terminal A, near Gate A13 • Terminal C, near Gate C2 • Terminal D, near Gate D23. At one point, mailboxes were located in all terminals.
Rest Zones – see “Rest & Relaxation Zones” above.
Showers – see “Showers” above.
SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
Spa & Salon Services – Pamper yourself before or after your flight at the following airport spas:
- Be Relax – Offers beauty and massage treatments, with the Terminal D location also offering hair styling services. Locations: Airiside, B28 • Airside, D21.
- Spa Here – Provides passengers with a luxurious spa experience without having to leave the airport! Location: Airside, C12.
- XpresSpa – For the passenger in a rush, XpresSpa offers quick massages, manicures and pedicures. Locations: Airside, A24.
Things to do & see
- Art in the Airport – Paintings, terrazzo floors, and an outdoor sculpture garden are some of the more than 30 beautiful works of art displayed throughout the airport. Travelling passengers can enjoy art installations both airside and landside (connecting passengers must have valid ID and boarding pass to get back over to the airside). At one point non-travelling visitors to the airport could see airside works of art by taking an art tour offered by the DFW Art Program (valid ID and reservation required).
- Observation Area – Enjoy a view of airplanes as they land and depart from DFW! Along with the exhilarating vista, the Founders’ Plaza offers picnic tables, telescopes, and radio broadcasts of air traffic control communications. Location: At the north end of the airport (1700 N Airfield Dr.) Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
Traveller’s Aid – Traveller’s Aid is a non-profit organization that assists stranded and distressed passengers. Volunteers help passengers with general airport and destination queries to assist with transportation assistance, lost or stolen money, wiring money, and emergency housing. Special services include: Meet and Assist escort service (staff person will meet passengers at one gate and escort to another – $50 fee), car seat rental (infant and toddler), translations, notary and fax services, military assistance, Western Union, Caseworker available for crisis intervention/emergency travel assistance, lost and found, area and airport information. Locations: Terminal E, E14 Baggage Claim. Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Mon – Fri) • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Sat – Sun).
Walking Path – When your idea of airport exercise doesn’t include tight connections and frantic running to the next gate, enjoy your time at the airport with a leisurely stroll or power walk along a designated walking path. The DFW Airport walking path measures seven-tenths of a mile and is aligned with the DFW Art Program floor medallions in International Terminal D. If you are looking for an additional challenge, you can add in the two 55-foot high staircases that lead up to the Skylink stations. Location: D6 – D40.
Yoga Room – Relax or stretch between flights at the airport’s yoga room. Location: Terminal E, near Gate E31.
WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.
Car Rentals
On-site car rentals are handled at the Rental Car Center near the airport’s south entrance. Free shuttles operate 24 hours a day between the Rental Car Center and designated pick-up areas outside on the lower level of the airport terminal. The following car rental agencies serve the Rental Car Center: Advantage • Alamo • Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Payless • Sixt • Thrifty.
Hotel Shuttles
Several hotels near Dallas Airport offer shuttle service: Days Inn Irving Grapevine DFW Airport North • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-DFW North • Hyatt Regency DFW • La Quinta Inn & Suites Dallas DFW Airport North • Red Roof Inn Dallas – DFW Airport North • Sheraton DFW Airport Hotel • The Westin Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
See also Airport Hotels above.
Inter-Terminal Transportation
Airside – DFW Airport offers Skylink, a free 24-hour automated train service that travels airside, transporting post-security passengers between the airport terminals. Trains run in 2-5 minute intervals, with a total trip time of nine minutes for passengers travelling between the two furthest points.
Landside – Terminal Link is a free landside bus service that transports airport visitors and pre-security passengers between the terminals. Terminal Link’s orange-coloured vans run every ten minutes from 5:00 AM – 12:00 AM and are fully wheelchair-accessible. Terminal Link service is also available after hours by phone request.
Ride Sharing
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Texas. A ride to Downtown Dallas will cost you about $25 – $40.
Shared Ride Vans
Yellow Checker Shuttle is an authorised shared ride service provider offering door-to-door shared ride or exclusive ride service between the airport and destinations within the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Taxi
Taxi stands are located on the lower levels of Terminals A, B, C, D and E. An Airport Guest Assistant is available on-site from 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM. Taxis are metered, with some offering a flat rate to Dallas and Fort Worth central business districts. Location: Lower Level, curbside.
Train
DART Orange Line trains run from DFW Airport Station (Terminal A, Level 0, South End)) to stops in downtown Dallas, where connections to other DART lines are available. DART trains run daily from 4:00AM – 1:00AM. DFW Airport Station is connected to entry A10 at the lower level of Terminal A via walkway. Fare is $3, one way. Visit the DART website for information regarding fares.
TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) are commuter trains that run between the airport (Terminal B) to Fort Worth (60 minutes). The fare is $2.50, one way. TRE Service is not available on Sundays. For access info, rates and more, visit the TexRail and TRE websites.
Last updated: 2025-02-24
This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.
