Traveling through Dallas Fort Worth International Airport does not have to be stressful. This guide covers everything you need before you arrive, at security, around the terminals, and when it is time to head home.
CLEAR is a biometric screening program that uses your fingerprints or eye scan to verify your identity. It lets you skip the ID check line and move straight to the TSA screening belt.
CLEAR at DFW is located in Terminal E at three checkpoints:
| Checkpoint | Location | Typical Hours |
|---|---|---|
| E8 | Terminal E security area | 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| E16 | Terminal E security area | 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM |
| E18 | Terminal E security area | 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM |
CLEAR is only available at Terminal E. If your flight departs from Terminal A, B, C, or D, CLEAR is not an option at those checkpoints.
CLEAR opens at 4:00 AM at Terminal E. Checkpoint E18 stays open the latest at 7:30 PM. Hours may shift on weekends or holidays so check the CLEAR app before you travel.
CLEAR requires a paid membership. You can enroll at checkpoints E8, E16, or E18, or sign up in advance at clearme.com. A free trial is sometimes available for first-time members.
Planning a DFW trip? Book your airport taxi in advance. Mile-based pricing with no surge charges.
The DFW Fast Pass is a free program that moves you to the front of the security line. It is available at Terminal D, Checkpoint D18.
The Fast Pass runs during peak travel hours, primarily Monday through Friday mornings. Check the signup page before your trip to confirm current availability.
| Program | Cost | Terminal | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| DFW Fast Pass | Free | Terminal D only | Pre-register. Escort moves you to front of standard TSA line |
| CLEAR | Paid membership | Terminal E only | Biometric ID. Skip directly to TSA belt |
| TSA PreCheck | Paid enrollment | All 5 terminals | Dedicated lane. Shoes on, laptop packed |
TSA PreCheck is available at all five DFW terminals. With PreCheck, you keep your shoes on, your laptop in your bag, and your liquids packed. Lines move significantly faster than standard screening.
| Terminal | PreCheck Checkpoint | CLEAR Available? | Best Fast Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal A | Checkpoint A20 | No | TSA PreCheck at A20 |
| Terminal B | Dedicated PreCheck lane | No | TSA PreCheck at Terminal B |
| Terminal C | Checkpoint C20 | No | TSA PreCheck at C20 |
| Terminal D | D18, D22, D30 | No | TSA PreCheck at D18, D22 or D30 |
| Terminal E | Checkpoint E18 | Yes, at E8, E16, E18 | CLEAR or TSA PreCheck at E18 |
The enrollment center is in the pre-security area of Terminal D, next to the Gate D30 checkpoint. You can enroll in person here without an appointment on most days.
Automated Screening Lanes are available at Checkpoints A21, D18, D22, D30, and E18. These use automated bins and belt systems to keep the line moving faster for all travelers, with or without PreCheck.
A little preparation goes a long way at a busy airport like DFW.
DFW Fast Taxi • Honest mile-based pricing • Available 24/7 • Cash accepted • No surge pricing
DFW offers several parking options depending on your budget and how long you are staying.
For shorter trips, a taxi from DFW Fast Taxi can work out cheaper than several days of airport parking. See DFW taxi rates by mile.
DFW Airport has five terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. Getting between them is easy with two free options.
The Skylink automated train connects all five terminals inside the secure zone. Trains run every 2 minutes. Maximum travel time between the furthest terminals is about 9 minutes.
The Terminal Link is a free shuttle bus that runs outside the security zone. It connects all five terminals and operates every 5 to 10 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight. After-hours service is available on request.
DFW has more than 160 gates across five terminals. Each terminal has its own dining, shopping, and lounge options.
American Airlines is the primary carrier across Terminals A, B, and C. Gates run from A8 to A39, B1 to B49, and C2 to C39.
Terminal D is the main international terminal. Airlines include AeroMexico, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, QANTAS, Sun Country Airlines, Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and American Airlines.
Terminal E serves Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
If you have a long layover, DFW has plenty to keep you comfortable. Most terminals have restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores. Many airline lounges offer day passes to non-members for a fee.
For layovers of 4 hours or more, nearby attractions are worth a short trip out:
DFW Fast Taxi offers short-notice rides to local destinations. Fares are based on miles traveled with no surge pricing. View service areas.
DFW is accessible from State Highway 183 on the south side and State Highway 114 or Interstate 635 on the north side. International Parkway runs the full length of the airport and connects all terminals, parking areas, and on-site hotels.
For a full overview of DFW airport transportation options, getting a taxi at DFW is simple. Follow these steps after you collect your bags:
Pre-booking is always faster. During peak hours, the taxi stand can have a short wait. Pre-booking with DFW Fast Taxi means your driver is already waiting when you walk out.
DFW Fast Taxi • All 5 Terminals • Mile-Based Pricing • 24/7 • Cash and Card Accepted
DFW Fast Taxi operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pickup is at the Lower Level Roadway on the Arrivals level under each terminal. Fares are calculated by the mile with no surge pricing. Cash and card accepted.
If you are heading into Dallas from DFW Airport, our Dallas taxi service provides flat rate rides to Downtown, Uptown, Deep Ellum, and every major neighborhood. Your driver can meet you at the Lower Level arrivals curb of any terminal.Uber and Lyft operate at DFW with designated pickup and drop-off zones at each terminal on the lower arrival level. Rideshare prices surge during peak hours and after large events. With DFW Fast Taxi you pay by the mile with no surge pricing, so your fare stays predictable.
The DFW Rental Car Center is near the south entrance. Major companies including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, and National all operate here. A free shuttle connects the Rental Car Center to all terminals every 5 to 10 minutes.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Orange Line connects DFW Airport directly to downtown Dallas. The DFW Airport Station is at Terminal A. From there, the Skylink train connects you to any other terminal.
The Trinity Railway Express connects Dallas and Fort Worth with a stop at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station. A shuttle bus then brings you to the airport terminals.
Serving riders across the full DFW metro: