Arriving in Dallas

Dallas Airport Guide

DFW International is one of the largest airports in the world. Here's everything you need to get from the plane to your hotel without stress — terminals, immigration, DART, SIM cards, and more.

Primary Airport

Dallas Fort Worth International (DFW)

IATA Code
DFW
Distance to Dallas
~25 km (16 miles) northwest of downtown Dallas
Distance to Stadium
~20 km (12 miles) to AT&T Stadium, Arlington
International Terminal
Terminal D — all international arrivals and most long-haul departures
Terminals
A, B, C, D, E — connected by the free Skylink train
Open 24/7
Yes — restaurants and shops vary by terminal

When You Land

01
Immigration & Customs (Terminal D)
Allow 60–90 minutes. US citizens use APC kiosks (faster). International visitors use staffed lanes. Have your ESTA or visa, passport, and return flight details ready. Customs declaration forms are done digitally on arrival.
02
Get a US SIM Card
AT&T and T-Mobile stores are in Terminal D arrivals hall — open from 6am. Prepaid SIMs from $20–40 for 30 days of unlimited data. Much cheaper than roaming. Buy before leaving the terminal. Alternatively, activate an eSIM (Airalo, Google Fi) before you fly.
03
Take the Skylink to Your Terminal
If you have a connecting domestic flight, take the free Skylink automated train between terminals. It runs 24/7 every 2–5 minutes. Terminals are far apart — allow 30+ minutes for connections.
04
DART Orange Line to Downtown Dallas
The DART Orange Line runs from Terminal A (South) at DFW directly to downtown Dallas in ~45 minutes. Download the GoPass app and buy your ticket before boarding. Trains run every 20–30 minutes, 5am–midnight. $2.50 per trip. Do not take a taxi or Uber from the airport to downtown — DART is faster and 10× cheaper.
05
Getting to Arlington (Stadium)
On match days: TRE train from DFW (CentrePort station, adjacent to the airport) direct to CentrePort/DFW station — then FREE FIFA shuttle to AT&T Stadium. No match day? Rent a car or Uber (~$35–50). Arlington has no direct transit from the airport.

Terminal Guide

Which Terminal Are You In?

Terminal A
American Airlines
Domestic US flights. DART Orange Line station is at Terminal A South — the quickest route to downtown Dallas.
Terminal B
American Airlines
Domestic US flights. Good food options including local Texas brands. Skylink to all other terminals.
Terminal C
American Airlines
Domestic and some international. Skylink connects to Terminal D for international arrivals and customs.
Terminal D ★
International — Most visitors land here
All international arrivals. Immigration, customs, SIM stores, currency exchange, and ground transport. If flying from Europe, South America, Asia, or the Middle East — you land here.
Terminal E
Multiple Airlines
Spirit, Frontier, United, and others. Ground transport to TRE and rental cars. Skylink to all terminals.

Secondary Airport

Dallas Love Field (DAL)

IATA Code
DAL
Airlines
Southwest Airlines (primary), Delta, United (limited)
Distance
8 km from downtown Dallas — much closer than DFW
Transit
DART Orange/Blue Line (Inwood/Love Field station) — 15 min to downtown

Love Field is domestic only — no international flights. If you're connecting from a US city, you might land here. It's actually more convenient than DFW for downtown Dallas hotels. Southwest Airlines dominates this airport. The DART light rail stop is a short walk or free shuttle ride from the terminal.

Essential Tips

Don't Make These Mistakes

Don't take a taxi from DFW
Taxis from DFW to downtown Dallas cost $50–80. The DART Orange Line does the same journey in 45 minutes for $2.50. Use the train.
Allow time for immigration
During the World Cup, DFW will be at peak international capacity. Budget 90 minutes minimum for immigration and customs on arrival. Do not book tight connections on entry day.
Sort your ESTA before you fly
Visitors from visa-waiver countries need ESTA approval. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. It costs $21 and is valid for 2 years. Airlines won't let you board without it.
Download GoPass before arriving
The DART GoPass app lets you buy transit tickets on your phone. Download and set it up before you land so you can tap and go straight to the DART platform without queuing.
DFW is enormous — allow connection time
DFW has 5 terminals spread across a huge area. The Skylink train between terminals takes 5–10 minutes, but walking between gates within a terminal can take another 15. Never book under 90 minutes for a connection at DFW.
Currency — get USD before you arrive
Airport currency exchange has terrible rates. Get USD at your home bank before travelling. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere. Contactless payments work in most Dallas venues.

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→Getting to AT&T Stadium→Where to Stay in Dallas→Dallas Survival Guide→Dallas Budget Guide