Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, and many travellers pass through on long layovers or unexpected overnight stays. While it’s designed primarily for moving large numbers of passengers efficiently rather than entertaining them, there are still a few practical ways to pass the time, grab a decent meal, or take a break between flights. This guide highlights realistic things to do at DFW Airport, with a focus on comfort, convenience, and what tired or stranded travellers can reasonably expect during a layover.
1. Enjoy the food
You won’t have any problem finding a good meal at DFW – this is Texas, after all! The airport has 200+ dining options across all terminals — serving barbeque, sandwiches, Southern cooking, fast food, frozen yogurt, Tex-Mex, American classics, and more. You’ll find a mix of national chains and local Texas-rooted eateries that give a taste of the region without leaving the airport.
Local & noteworthy:
- Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen – Cajun-style seafood with generous portions and Texas Gulf Coast flavours.
- Pappasito’s Cantina – Tex-Mex classics (tacos, fajitas, margaritas) from a well-known Texas chain.
- Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse – A Dallas barbecue institution with oak-smoked brisket and pulled pork.
- Hickory by Kent Rathbun – Barbecue and comfort food from a respected local chef.
- Love Shack – Burger and drinks from Fort Worth chef Tim Love.
- Drew Pearson’s Sports 88 – Casual sports bar with burgers and local beers.
- Dallas Cowboys Club – Fans of American football may want to seek out the Dallas Cowboys Club or avoid it altogether, depending on their allegiance.
Reliable, familiar options:
- TGI Fridays – Casual American fare (with local roots in Dallas).
- Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, McDonald’s — quick and familiar staples throughout the terminals.
Staying the night at DFW? Plan ahead, as Subway is the only eatery open 24 hours. [ read more ]
2. Spend time in a lounge
You may be surprised to learn that several airport lounges allow any traveller’s entry, regardless of their airline or flight class. Sure, you’ll have to spend a few bucks, but it may be money well spent to pass your layover in upgraded comfort, with food, WiFi, and other amenities typically included in your entry fee. Gain entry by pre-booking online or using your lounge membership program. See our Dallas Fort Worth Airport Guide for details and locations.
3. Go shopping
Shopping at DFW goes beyond travel basics, with a mix of convenience stores, fashion retailers, and shops selling Texas-themed gifts and regional products. Travellers can browse for souvenirs such as locally branded apparel, cowboy-inspired items, Texas hot sauces, candies, and small gifts that are easy to pack.
You’ll also find bookstores, electronics and travel-accessory shops, and duty-free stores in international terminals. Shop selection varies by terminal, but wandering between gates is an easy way to pass time during a longer layover.
If your layover is long and you’re cleared to leave the airport (with checked bags forwarded), the nearby Grapevine Mills outlet mall has over 200 stores and entertainment — a solid escape if you want a substantial shopping detour.
4. Take a shower
If you want to freshen up, Minute Suites and the DFW Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and Plaza Premium Lounge offer shower facilities, but you’ll need to pay for entry.
5. Unwind at the spa
Travellers looking to relax can find spa and wellness services inside the airport, including XpresSpa locations in Terminals A, D, and E, offering massages, facials, and nail services, and Be Relax Spa in Terminal D, which provides express relaxation and beauty treatments.
6. Stay connected
Stay connected to friends and family, update your social media accounts or surf the internet using the airport’s free WiFi.
7. Browse the art
DFW is one of the few major U.S. airports that treats public art as part of the travel experience, with more than 30 artworks — including murals, sculptures, and design elements — spread throughout the terminals. Some pieces are interactive, others reflect local culture and regional stories, making this an easy, low-effort way to pass time or stretch your legs between flights, especially if you wander through quieter concourses with a coffee in hand.
8. Explore Dallas
Travellers with a long layover (generally 6+ hours) may consider leaving the airport to explore nearby areas — but this option is best suited to passengers whose checked luggage is already tagged through to their final destination. DFW does not offer short-term luggage storage, and exiting the airport with bags can quickly become impractical.
Ground transportation options include ride-shares, taxis, shuttles, and public transit connections, but traffic, distance, and security re-screening time should all be factored in. For many travellers, staying airside is the less stressful choice unless the layover is comfortably long.
You can also head to Fort Worth, but Dallas is closer and more accessible by public transit.
(If you are leaving the airport, know luggage storage isn’t available at DFW, so pack light or plan ahead.)
The DART connects to these Dallas neighbourhoods, so pick one or more to explore, depending on your flight itinerary:
- The Pearl/Arts District is the spot for art and culture aficionados. Pop into the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, or the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Architectural walking tours are a fun and affordable way to explore this neighbourhood.
- The West End District has plenty of shopping and eating establishments. However, it is mainly known for its place in history: Former U.S. President JFK was assassinated at Dealey Plaza here, and the Sixth Floor Museum memorializes the event.
- The Main Street District is the heart of downtown Dallas. Stroll through the gardens and art exhibits at Thanks-Giving Square, or look for live music performers. This is an excellent neighbourhood to explore if you’re not in the mood to head to museums or historic attractions.
- Nearby Grapevine offers a walkable historic Main Street, wineries, and dining, while the Dallas–Fort Worth area is well known for barbecue and Tex-Mex. These short excursions can work for confident travellers with ample time and no checked-bag concerns.
Other options for exploring Dallas include the George W. Bush Presidential Library and the Dallas World Aquarium, but these require even more time. You’ll need to shell out for taxis, too. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Dallas.
9. Enjoy the views
A change of scenery is possible at Founders’ Plaza, an outdoor aircraft-viewing area located just north of the airport. The space offers runway views, seating, and informational displays about DFW’s history and operations. While it requires leaving airport property and arranging transportation, it can be a relaxing option for aviation enthusiasts or travellers looking for fresh air during a very long layover.
10. Catch up on your sleep
Generally, overnight travellers shouldn’t have many issues camping out overnight. The airport is pretty sleep-friendly, but plan to walk a lot if you’re searching for a decent spot to spread out. In Concourse C, seek out the rest zones that tend to be dimly lit. One near Gate C27 and C36 has two large couches plus a few comfortable chairs suitable for a few hours’ rest. Terminal D has a long couch where you can lay down near Gate D22. Terminal E, near Gate E31, has a quiet “yoga’ area, even during the day. No matter where you hang out, bring an extra layer and earplugs to block out airport AC and noise. [ read more ]
As a U.S. transit hub, Dallas-Fort Worth Airport sees large numbers of stranded passengers as a result of mass flight cancellations. In these situations, the airport may provide eco-friendly, biodegradable blankets and pillows to travellers who are stuck overnight due to flight cancellations. [ read more ]
If you would rather spend the cash to ensure better quality sleep? Terminals A and D have a couple of options: Minute Suites, located airside, provide private rooms with a daybed, soundproofing, and a quiet space to rest, work, or nap. They can be rented by the hour and are a popular choice for long layovers or missed connections. Use Promo Code SIASUITES to save 15% off a Suite Rental or Overnight Stay when you book online.
Or head to the Grand Hyatt DFW or Hyatt Regency DFW for a traditional hotel room, with day rooms available. Plenty of hotels are located off airport premises, some with free airport shuttles; see our Dallas Fort Worth Airport Guide for details. [ read more ]
Updated 13 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. Visit our Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Guide for more details on airport services and facilities, including nearby airport hotels, luggage storage, showers, transportation into the city, and more.