With eight million people calling Dallas home, it is no wonder that one airport is not enough.
The major Dallas airport, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Dallas Love Field (DAL), each have its own advantages. As a native Dallasite, I created this guide exploring the differences to help you decide which one is best for you.
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is strategically located between North Texas’s two largest cities – Dallas and Fort Worth. Approximately 20 miles from both downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth, DFW is a convenient access to major city centers and suburbs. Its location is ideal for those looking to reach either city quickly.
How to get there?
To reach DFW from Dallas, you have several transportation options. The most direct public transit option and my favorite is the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) Orange Line, which takes you right into Terminal A. The ride is just under an hour from downtown Dallas, so make sure to allow plenty of time. Once at the airport, you can take the airport’s free Skylink or Terminal Link shuttle buses to your designated terminal.
From Fort Worth, you can take the TEXRail, which travels from downtown Fort Worth directly to Terminal B at the airport. If driving is more your style, the route via TX-121 north is the most direct. It eventually merges with TX-183 East to reach the airport. Parking options at DFW are plentiful. They range from premium valet service, to close-in terminal parking, to budget-friendly remote lots.
Terminals
DFW has 168 gates divided into five terminals. While the airport is massive – technically bigger than the island of Manhattan – the security lines move quickly. Rarely I wait more than 15 minutes in normal security line and more than five minutes in TSA Precheck. Once you are inside the terminal, the airport’s high-speed train, Skylink, runs every two minutes, which is helpful when you have connecting flights.
- Terminal A: DFW is the largest hub for American Airlines. When I fly out of Terminal A, I always arrive early enough to browse the football jerseys for my nephew at the Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop.
- Terminal B: This terminal caters almost exclusively to American Airlines’ regional affiliate, American Eagle. You can find all the basics of an airport terminal, including comfortable lounges, quick dining options, and shops catering to last-minute travel needs.
- Terminal C: Similar to Terminals A and B, Terminal C is also almost exclusively for American Airlines flights. While the terminal has a ton of dining options, my personal favorite for Tex-Mex is Pappasito’s Cantina.
- Terminal D: Terminal D is where it is at. This is DFW’s international terminal. This terminal is the best terminal to kill time between long layovers. Travelers can find a chic wine bar, a two-level draft beer bar, and the American Airlines Flagship Lounge. My favorite part of this terminal is the 0.7-mile walking path that passes by more than 30 pieces of art from national and international artists.
- Terminal E: If you have a long layover and don’t know what to do during your connecting flight and the kids are bored, take them to the Gameway near Gate 16 where nice gaming stations are pre-loaded with the latest PlayStation or Xbox games are sure to keep the occupied during any delays.
Amenities
This Dallas airport makes Dallasites proud with the amount of shopping available including designer racks from the likes of Kate Spade and Michael Kors and unique Texas-themed gifts at local boutiquest.
When it comes to dining, DFW doesn’t hold back. Spread across all five terminals, you can grab anything from a quick snack to a full-blown Texan barbecue feast. Yes, you read that right, every terminal boasts its own BBQ spot, like The Salt Lick in Terminal A or Dickey’s in Terminals C and D, dishing out smoky delights.
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) was the city’s main airport until DFW opened in 1974. While it is no longer the main Dallas airport, it is the closest airport to Dallas sitting just six miles northwest of downtown. The close proximity makes it a prime choice for Dallas travelers who want a nearby airport.
How to get there?
Reaching DAL from downtown Dallas is a breeze. I always choose the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) bus route 524 from Inwood/Love Field Station to connect directly to the airport. If you prefer to drive, the airport is accessible via Mockingbird Lane, directly linked to major highways like I-35E. The journey typically takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic. Parking options at DAL range from garage parking close to the terminal to more economical remote parking.
Terminals
While both Alaska Airlines and Delta use DAL, Southwest Airlines is the big dog at this airport, operating 17 out of the 20 gates. The three airlines all share one main terminal. The terminal has two wings that come off a concessions area. This single-terminal makes it small and easy to navigate. If you are wondering how early to get to the airport, I can tell you it is no need to get there super early in order to make it to your gate on time. DAL also has TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to speed up the security process.
Amenities
The small, but mighty airport is packed with amenities tailored to enhance the travel experience. Travelers can choose from 27 restaurants. Local staples are well-represented with choices like the beloved fast-food chain Whataburger, the Tex-Mex haven Cantina Laredo, and the smoky delights of Dickey’s Barbecue. Because it is Dallas, fashion and cosmetic brands definitely have a store for you to browse while you wait for your plane.
Additional features
For those with some time to spare, the terminal features art installations and historical exhibits. I’m fascinated by the permanent exhibit detailing Love Field’s transformation from a pilot training ground in World War I to an early aviation hub to its modern form. This exhibit not only offers a retrospective look at the airport’s significant milestones but also provides insight into the broader aviation history of Dallas.1
If you need to get some work done, the Flight Deck Conference Center offers state-of-the-art business amenities, meeting rooms, and day offices. The airport makes traveling with families easy. A nursing room is located next to the Sky Cannon restaurant right outside security, there is a children’s play area next to the departure concourse and a pet-relief area outside the baggage claim area and to the left of security.
How to choose which of the Dallas airports is right for you?
The proximity of DAL to the city makes it a gem for residents, offering a hassle-free journey to and from the airport.
DFW is the preferred hub for international travelers because of its expansive network of global flights and comprehensive amenities like extensive lounges, high-end dining, and luxury shopping. While it is not as close to downtown Dallas, it does have public transportation links to both Dallas and Fort Worth making it easy to get to and from this Dallas airport.
I don’t have a favorite between these two Dallas airports. Getting through security is usually a breeze at both of them, they both have enough high-quality restaurant options to keep me from getting hangry, and they both offer plenty of walking space to get some exercise. Typically, my destination determines which airport I depart from.
