Layover in Dallas

Transiting through Dallas Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is one of the largest airports in the U.S., so it’s understandable that you’ll want to have your layover planned out before you fly. Passengers can move freely between the six domestic and international terminals (Terminals A-E), with direct public and private transportation options to the city center, for those who wish to explore.

The airport is modern and spacious, and features plenty of creature comforts such as water fountains, charging stations, kids’ play areas, premium lounges, and quiet zones, ensuring that your layover in Dallas passes by without a hitch. 

Things to do on a layover in Dallas Airport

Finding things to do during your Dallas Airport layover couldn’t be easier. While the majority of restaurants and stores are located in Terminals D and E, you’ll still find plenty of places to eat and shop in Terminals A-C, including sports bars, duty-free stores, and food outlets like California Pizza Kitchen and Pinkberry.

If you have a 5-hour layover in Dallas or less, children will love the Coca-Cola World Experience and McDonald’s Play Area at Terminal D (Gate D8). Or, get the whole family moving by following the nearly mile-long walking path in Terminal D, which weaves through twelve art installations, perfect for burning off some energy and stretching your legs before your next flight.

Lastly, if you’re in need of some pampering, head to the Be Relax Spa in Terminal B or D, or spend some time in the yoga studio in Terminal E.

Dallas Airport transit hotels and lounges

Having somewhere you can rest your head or catch up on a proper night’s sleep can be a game-changer for long-haul flights. When you transit through Dallas Airport, you can do just that in the Minute Suite’s private rooms, available in Terminal A and D, which offer a quiet space for rest and work.

If you have an overnight layover in Dallas, traveling to a nearby hotel might be more comfortable and convenient. Several hotels, such as the Hyatt Place Hotel and Hyatt Regency DFW, are either within walking distance of the terminal or offer a free shuttle bus service to and from the airport.

Not enough time to sleep? Passengers with a 6-hour layover in Dallas or less, who prefer to stay closer to their departure gate, can still relax and unwind at one of the several business and airline lounges available in each terminal. While the majority of lounges are located in Terminals D and E, American Airlines lounges can be enjoyed in every terminal.

With amenities including buffet and a la carte dining, complimentary beverages, private workstations, TVs and magazines, runway views, and in some cases, showers, meeting rooms, and nap areas, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a mini holiday en route to your final destination. For more details on the lounge facilities on offer, refer to our Dallas Airport Guide.

Last but not least, the free-to-use rest areas near Gates B28, C8, C26, and E8 provide comfortable lounge chairs with charging outlets, where you can curl up and get some rest.

What to do in Dallas during a layover?

Famous for its Dallas Cowboys football team and Tex-Mex food scene, if you find yourself with a 7-hour layover in Dallas, it’s worth venturing into the city center to check out some of the city’s main attractions.

Reaching Downtown is easy and takes 1 hour if you choose to catch the DART Rail, the most affordable option, or just 25 minutes if you take a Dallas Airport taxi from the rank, or pre-book a Dallas Airport transfer. 

From the Arkard or St Paul Station, it’s a leisurely stroll to one of Dallas’ most unique sights (pun intended) – a giant fiberglass eyeball sculpture. You’ll then be in the heart of the historic district, which features Founder’s Plaza and several other prominent buildings like the Old Red Museum and Courthouse. Afterwards, you can check out the popular Sixth Floor Museum, a dedication to President John F. Kennedy, and finish your walking tour with a bird’s-eye view of the city from Reunion Tower. 

Of course, a visit to Dallas wouldn’t be complete without some barbecue, and some of the best places to try this Texan delicacy are Smokey John’s Bar-B-Que and Cattleack Barbeque. For those with an overnight layover in Dallas, it’s worth stopping off for a nightcap at a local live music hotspot like The Balcony Club, the House of Blues Dallas, or Adair’s Saloon to listen to some jazz and blues. 

Note: Always plan accordingly based on your layover times.

Tips for a Short Layover at Dallas Airport

• Use the Skylink train service to hop from one terminal to the next to maximize the number of shops and restaurants you can visit.
• For terminal transfers and connecting flights, scan the QR code at the Terminal Link bus stop to track when the next service will arrive.
• Rest and relax in the designated rest areas near Gates B28, C8, C26, and E8, or book into an airport lounge.
• Use the free Wi-Fi to check flight updates, download entertainment, or plan your onward travel. 
• Download and print out the Dallas Airport coloring book to keep the kids entertained. 

Tips for a Long Layover in Dallas

• Get a good view of the runway and planes taking off and landing at Founder’s Plaza.
• Book a pod at Minute Suites or head to a nearby hotel to catch up on some sleep.
• If you’ve got at least 7-8 hours, you can easily reach Downtown using the DART Rail or a Dallas Airport taxi. Make the most of your time by purchasing entrance tickets to attractions online in advance.
• For stress-free travel around some of Dallas’ most famous sights, you can book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups for up to 12 people and hop from A to B with ease.
• If you plan on leaving the terminal, keep in mind that luggage storage isn’t available at Dallas Airport.

Flight connections

Visa Required: An ESTA or Transit Visa is required for international arrivals. 

Average Flight Connection Time: Travel time ranges from 5-10 minutes between gates and terminals beyond security; allow at least 1 hour to make a connection. Travel time between terminals outside security is 20 minutes; allow 3 hours for baggage claim and check-in.

Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 7-8 hours

Connecting to an onward flight at Dallas Airport is super easy thanks to the Skylink train. After landing, regardless of which terminal you are arriving and departing from, simply board the next free train service to your next gate or terminal. Trains depart every couple of minutes, and the maximum journey time is 10 minutes.

Keep in mind that the Skylink service operates on the passenger-only side of each terminal, which makes it ideal for connections. However, if your luggage isn’t checked all the way through to your final destination, you will need to exit the secure area to collect your bags and then follow standard Dallas Airport Departures procedures. 

In this instance, you’ll want to ensure you have at least a 3-hour layover in Dallas Airport, as you may need to travel to another terminal using the orange Terminal Link buses. Buses depart every 10 minutes between 05:00 and midnight from the upper level of Terminals A-E, and the lower level of Terminal D.

All passengers arriving in Dallas on an international flight will need to collect their luggage and check in again, even if they are only transiting. To leave the secure area, a visa may be required. Passengers who fall under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), while other nationalities will require a Transit Visa.