Layover in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
Plan my Dallas-Fort Worth layover
About Dallas-Fort Worth
The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex is a large area in the Prairies and Lakes region of Texas. With an estimated population of 8.5 million as of 2024, it is the most populous metropolitan area in Texas and the South and the fourth most populous in the United States. Anchored on the east by the city of Dallas and on the west by Fort Worth, the Metroplex offers an entertaining array of Texana featuring everything from modern skyscrapers to old-fashioned cattle yards and everything in between. It is home to many corporations, almost a dozen professional sports teams, a wide variety of nightlife, and a burgeoning arts community. The Metroplex is also the location of two award-winning zoos, a world-class aquarium, and several historically significant locations and museums.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 2h 57m in the city | Stay at the airport |
| 8 hours | About 4h 57m in the city | About 3h 22m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 8h 57m in the city | About 7h 22m in the city |
Getting into Dallas-Fort Worth
About 44m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center, roughly 32 km (20 mi). This is an estimate based on distance; the planner checks real transit times for your exact flight.
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Dallas-Fort Worth?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Dallas-Fort Worth and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 7 hours or more.
How do I get from DFW to central Dallas-Fort Worth?
Allow about 44m each way by train, bus or taxi to the center; the center is about 32 km (20 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to DFW?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.