Airport Guide17 min readUpdated September 13, 2026
DFW Airport Terminal Guide 2026
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport has five terminals: A through E. American Airlines uses Terminals A through D, while Terminal E handles non-American carriers. The free Skylink train connects every terminal after security. The DART Orange Line departs from Terminal A for downtown Dallas, approximately 20 miles from the airport.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is American Airlines' global headquarters hub and one of the largest airports in the world by land area. DFW has five terminals (A, B, C, D, E) connected by the free Skylink train. Terminals A–D are American Airlines; Terminal E handles all other carriers and international arrivals. This guide covers every terminal, lounges, the Skylink system, DART train to Dallas, and car service pricing throughout the DFW metroplex.
Flying in or out of Dallas? Our Dallas airport transfers and black car service in Dallas pages cover vehicles, all-in pricing and how pickups work.
4th
Busiest US Airport
~70%
American Airlines flights
300+
Destinations served
Which terminal does each airline use at DFW?
American Airlines (Terminals A–D)
American Airlines domesticTerminals A, B, C
American Airlines internationalTerminal D
American Eagle (regional)Terminal A, B
Other Carriers (Terminal E)
United AirlinesTerminal E
Delta Air LinesTerminal E
Southwest AirlinesTerminal E
Spirit AirlinesTerminal E
Frontier AirlinesTerminal E
Alaska AirlinesTerminal E
All international arrivalsTerminal D/E
How does Skylink connect the DFW terminals?
DFW's Skylink is the world's longest automated people mover, completing a full loop of all five terminals. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with trains every 3–4 minutes. Skylink operates on a continuous loop — one direction takes about 8 minutes terminal-to-terminal; the full loop is about 15 minutes.
Important: Skylink runs airside (post-security only). You cannot use Skylink to move between terminals while in the public/landside area — for that, you must exit security, move to another terminal, and re-clear. Only use Skylink for airside connections.
Terminal A — American Airlines + DART Station
Gates A1–A39 · American Airlines domestic · DART Orange Line
Terminal A is the entry point from DART (the Dallas light rail), making it the recommended terminal for passengers arriving from Dallas by train. American Airlines domestic flights and American Eagle regional jets operate from Terminal A. The Admirals Club is accessible post-security. Pre-booked DFW car service also meets arrivals at Terminal A baggage claim, a fixed-rate alternative to DART's 5 AM–midnight schedule.
DART Orange Line at Terminal A
The DART Orange Line station is at Terminal A lower level. Trains run to downtown Dallas (Union Station) in about 45 minutes and to downtown Plano in 55 minutes. Fare: $2.50. Runs 5 AM–midnight on weekdays; 6 AM–midnight on weekends. Service is not 24/7 — very early or very late flights require a different transportation option.
Terminals B & C — American Airlines Domestic
Terminal B: Gates B1–B49 · Terminal C: Gates C1–C39
Terminals B and C are additional American Airlines domestic hubs at DFW. They handle the overflow from DFW's massive domestic operation — American flies approximately 700–900 daily departures from DFW, requiring all of Terminals A, B, C, and D. Both terminals have Admirals Club lounges accessible post-security.
Terminal D — American Airlines International Hub
Gates D1–D40 · American International · Flagship Lounge · Centurion Lounge
Terminal D is the jewel of DFW — American Airlines' international terminal and the home of its premium international lounges. The Flagship Lounge and Flagship First Dining in Terminal D are American's top lounge products. The Centurion Lounge by Amex opened in Terminal D in 2019 and is one of the most popular in the country.
International Airlines in Terminal D
- • British Airways (London LHR, LGW)
- • Air France (Paris CDG)
- • KLM (Amsterdam AMS)
- • Lufthansa (Frankfurt)
- • Iberia (Madrid)
- • Qatar Airways (Doha)
- • Finnair (Helsinki)
- • Aeromexico (Mexico City)
- • Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
- • Korean Air (Seoul)
- • Japan Airlines (Tokyo)
- • WestJet (Canada)
Terminal D Lounges
Flagship Lounge — Terminal D
International business/first class. Full dining, premium bar. Considered among AA's best lounges.
Flagship First Dining
First class international passengers only. Restaurant-quality dining.
The Centurion Lounge (Amex)
Amex Platinum/Centurion card access. Excellent food and design. Often crowded — expect a wait during peak hours.
Admirals Club — Terminal D
Standard AA Admirals Club access.
Terminal E — All Non-American Carriers
United · Delta · Southwest · Spirit · Frontier · International Arrivals
Terminal E is DFW's catch-all for non-American carriers. United Airlines, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier all operate from Terminal E. International arrivals from some non-AA carriers also process through Terminal E.
Airlines in Terminal E
- • United Airlines
- • Delta Air Lines
- • Southwest Airlines
- • Spirit Airlines
- • Frontier Airlines
- • Alaska Airlines
- • Air Canada
- • Sun Country Airlines
Terminal E Lounges
United Club — Terminal E
United Club membership or qualifying Polaris ticket.
Delta Sky Club — Terminal E
Delta Sky Club access for members or eligible tickets.
How do you get from DFW to Dallas or Fort Worth?
Whether you're headed to Uptown, Legacy West, or Fort Worth, pre-booked Dallas car service keeps a fixed fare in place even when Cowboys game-day traffic backs up I-35E.
| Option | Cost | Time to Downtown Dallas | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Car Service (Business Sedan) | $240 all-in | 25–40 min | Meet at baggage claim, no surge |
| Black Car Service (First Class SUV) | $290 all-in | 25–40 min | Best for groups |
| DART Orange Line | $2.50 | ~45 min to Union Station | From Terminal A only. Runs 5AM–midnight. |
| Uber/Lyft | $35–$65 | 25–45 min | Surge during Cowboys games, concerts |
| Yellow Cab | $45–$75 + tip | 25–45 min | Taxi stand lower level each terminal |
| Shared shuttle | $25–$40/person | 60–90 min | Multiple stops |
How much is black car service from DFW to downtown Dallas?
| Destination | Sedan | SUV | Sprinter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Dallas, approximately 20 miles | $240 all-in | $290 all-in | $700 all-in |
All-in estimates: gratuity, tax and card processing included, rounded to the nearest $10.
Book Black Car Service at DFW
Meet-and-greet at baggage claim. All 5 terminals. Flight tracking. No surge pricing.
Available 24/7 · (888) 420-0177
DFW Airport FAQs
Which terminal is American Airlines at DFW?
American Airlines operates from all four terminals A, B, C, and D at DFW. Domestic flights use Terminals A, B, and C. International flights depart from Terminal D. The Flagship Lounge, Flagship First Dining, and Centurion Lounge are all in Terminal D. American runs approximately 700–900 daily departures from DFW — its global hub.
How do I get between terminals at DFW?
Use the Skylink train — it's free, runs 24/7, and connects all five terminals airside (post-security). A full loop takes about 15 minutes; terminal-to-terminal is typically 4–8 minutes. Note: Skylink only works once you're past security. For landside terminal transfers (e.g., to check in at a different terminal), you need to exit and re-enter security.
Is there a train from DFW to downtown Dallas?
Yes — the DART Orange Line light rail connects DFW (from Terminal A) to downtown Dallas (Union Station) in about 45 minutes for $2.50. Service runs approximately 5 AM to midnight on weekdays. For very early morning or late-night flights, DART doesn't run, so black car service or rideshare is the only option.
How far is DFW from Dallas Love Field (DAL)?
DFW and Dallas Love Field (DAL) are approximately 17 miles apart. By car via I-635 or Hwy 183, the drive takes 20–30 minutes. Love Field primarily serves Southwest Airlines. A Business Sedan estimate between the airports is $220 all-in.
What is the Centurion Lounge at DFW?
The Centurion Lounge by American Express at DFW is located in Terminal D. It's accessible to Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion (Black) card holders and their guests. The DFW Centurion Lounge is one of the busiest in the country — waits are common during peak travel hours. The lounge features a full bar, hot food service, shower suites, and conference rooms.
How large is DFW airport?
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is the second-largest airport in the world by land area (after King Fahd International in Saudi Arabia), covering 17,207 acres — roughly the size of Manhattan. Despite its size, the Skylink train system makes connections manageable. The airport serves over 75 million passengers per year, making it the 4th busiest in the US.
Where does black car service pick up at DFW?
Black car service pickups at DFW are at the Ground Transportation curb on the lower level (arrivals) of each terminal. Detailed Drivers chauffeurs meet you inside at baggage claim with a name sign, then escort you to the vehicle in the Ground Transportation area. Pre-arranged car service uses designated commercial vehicle lanes separate from rideshare queues.