The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) opened on January 13, 1974, and became one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 85 million passengers in 2025. Also being one of the largest airports in the United States in terms of land area, your first visit may seem confusing. The good news is that despite its complicated look, the layout is quite easy to understand. Five semi-circular terminals – from A to E – are situated around International Parkway, and a free train called Skylink connects them all past security checks. In addition, construction of Terminal F is currently underway. In this article, you will find out about the DFW airport map, terminals, their connection, and how to get to the airport by road or rail.
Overview of DFW Airport
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Airport code | DFW |
| Location | 2400 Aviation Dr., DFW Airport, TX 75261 |
| Date of opening | January 13, 1974 |
| Number of terminals | 5 (A, B, C, D, E), open 24 hours |
| Terminal under construction | Terminal F (expected 2027) |
| Primary airline | American Airlines (hub) |
| Inter-terminal train | Skylink (free, inside security) |
| Landside shuttle | Terminal Link (free, outside security) |
Layout Of The Map Of DFW Airport
The map shows how the airport has been designed using opposing semicircular terminals, with the International Parkway and other highways separating them. The International Parkway forms the main axis of the airport. Terminals A, B, and C form one set of terminals, while D and E form another set. Skylink follows the periphery of the semicircle.
The terminals have been designed in such a way that they follow the horseshoe design. The gates form the curved section of the terminal, with security and check-in at the center. The gate numbers on the map indicate the section of the curve from which you will board your flight.
Terminal By Terminal Breakdown
As the construction progresses, the number of gates changes. For up-to-date gate numbers, consult the official DFW map.
- Terminal A: Domestic terminal operated by American Airlines. The DFW Airport DART Rail Station is located at door A10. If you arrive by train, Terminal A is a good choice.
- Terminal B: Another American Airlines and American Eagle domestic terminal. The TEXRail station is at door B43. There is also the DART Silver Line stopping at this terminal.
- Terminal C: The most frequently served terminal of American with mainline departures. It is currently under reconstruction, with nine new gates already open. Some construction may be expected.
- Terminal D: The international terminal, serving flights to destinations across the globe. This is where most international passengers embark and disembark.
- Terminal E: Serving various other airlines. To get to Terminal E from other terminals, you will have to use Skylink.
Transport Between Terminals
Skylink (inside security)
Skylink is the major link on the map of DFW Airport. Skylink service is provided for free, operates around the clock inside the secured zone, has two stops per terminal, and operates in 5-9 minutes from one terminal to another. Trains arrive every few minutes, so you will not have to wait long for it.
Walking Connections
You can walk from Terminals A, B, C, and D after going through security, but Terminal E needs Skylink. When you need a short connection from two close terminals, walking will do. However, in the case of E, use the train.
Terminal Link (Outside Security)
In case you have already exited the security zone, take the free Terminal Link Shuttle. It picks up and drops off at every terminal outside of the security zone, operating from 5:00 am to midnight. At any other time, use the Skylink after security or other forms of ground transportation.
How To Get To/From DFW
- Train: Orange Line of DART services Terminal A. Terminal B is served by TEXRail and DART Silver Line Train. Check the timetable and fares provided by DART and TEXRail before your journey.
- Rental cars: The Rental Car Center is a giant shared facility south of the terminals. Shuttle buses operate from the terminals.
- Driving: International Parkway connects all terminal roads, and there are various parking lots at the airport. There may be some construction going on, so make sure you check the latest advisories before you head out.
- Rideshare and taxis: They can be picked up and dropped off at designated locations in front of each terminal. Just follow the directions for your terminal.
Construction and Terminal F
DFW is undergoing one of its major DFW Forward capital improvements programs. As per the description by the airport, this would cost them $12 billion. It involves reconstructing Terminal C and building a new Terminal F.
Terminal F will connect to the airport using a new Skylink station. Check-in will be done at Terminal E, and the passengers will move to Terminal F using the Skylink train. This terminal is expected to be operational by 2027, so keep changing airport maps handy.
DFW has also operated modified overnight Skylink operations during Terminal F construction. If that’s the case, then DFW advises all passengers to make sure they plan extra time.
Practical Tips for Using the DFW Map
The following are some practical tips that the experts recommend for using the DFW map
- Locate your gate before boarding or departure. It saves time if you know your terminal and gate numbers.
- Plan the connection time. If your connection is tight, it helps to know what terminal you depart from and where you land. Going from Terminal A to Terminal B or C to D is easier compared to any other combination, including Terminal E.
- Use the official app. An interactive map of the terminals is provided in the DFW Airport app and dfwairport.com/map.
- Look for security wait time information. There are several security checkpoints at each terminal. You may need to go through the nearest, but not necessarily the one you check in.
- Be aware of construction signs. The airport is currently under major construction.
Conclusion
The DFW airport map might appear intricate, but it has a very easy pattern: five horseshoe terminals around International Parkway, linked by a free train within security and a free bus outside security. Know your terminal, take Skylink for connections, and use the airport app. Changes are happening at the airport as well. Terminal C is currently undergoing a redevelopment project, and Terminal F will soon be opened, so make sure to use the official airport map before traveling. If you plan, you’ll get through the airport with ease even if you’re visiting for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
DFW Airport has five terminals: A, B, C, D, and E. There is a sixth one currently under construction, and its name is Terminal F. It is supposed to be completed in 2027.
Yes. SkyLink is a free connection between all terminals after passing security.
You can walk between Terminals A, B, C, and D after you have cleared security. Terminal E does not have an airside walkway; hence, you will need to use Skylink to reach it.
The free Terminal Link shuttle will take you between terminals if you are out of security.
Yes, DART’s Orange Line connects to Terminal A, while TEXRail and DART Silver Line connect to Terminal B.