Dallas/Fort Worth DFW Airport Guide: Terminals, Skylink and Tips
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth, United States: terminals, getting to the city, security, lounges and connections.
Quick answer: DFW has five open terminals, A, B, C, D and E. American Airlines uses all of them, and Terminal D is the main international terminal. Skylink, a free train behind security, connects every terminal with trains about every two minutes, so most connections need no second security check. Terminal F is under construction and expected to open in 2027. DART and TEXRail trains run from the airport to Dallas, Fort Worth and Plano.
Facts checked November 2026. Schedules and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline and the official government site before you travel.
DFW at a glance
| Open terminals | A, B, C, D and E (as of November 2026); Terminal F under construction |
|---|---|
| International terminal | Terminal D, with the main customs and immigration hall |
| Between terminals | Skylink, free, behind security, trains about every two minutes |
| American Airlines | Uses all terminals; A, B and C are mostly American, D carries its long-haul flights |
| Rail | DART Orange Line to Dallas, DART Silver Line to Plano, TEXRail to Fort Worth |
| Construction | Terminal C rebuild under way, Terminal F expected in 2027 |
Which airlines use which DFW terminal
DFW is American Airlines' largest hub, and American and American Eagle fly from every terminal. Terminals A, B and C are almost entirely American. Terminal B is used mainly for American Eagle regional flights.
Terminal D is the international terminal. American's long-haul flights to Europe, Asia and South America leave from it, along with foreign airlines such as British Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas and Emirates.
Terminal E is where most other US airlines are, including Delta, United, Alaska, JetBlue and Frontier. Some of these airlines can be assigned D gates at times.
Check the terminal on your boarding pass or the airline app before you leave home. The terminals are spread along a central spine road, and arriving at the wrong one means a drive or a Skylink ride.
Skylink: moving between terminals
Skylink is DFW's train between terminals, and it runs behind security. You do not need to leave the secure area or go through screening again to change terminals, which is why most DFW connections are easier than they look on a map.
Trains come about every two minutes and run in both directions, so take whichever train comes first. A ride between neighboring terminals takes a few minutes; the longest trips take longer. On some nights in 2026, a section of Skylink track between Terminals D and E closed for Terminal F construction, with all stations staying open, so allow extra time if the airport announces more of these nights.
For nearby gates, walking can be faster, and Terminals A, B, C and D are also linked on foot behind security. Each terminal has Skylink stations at more than one point, so check the signs for the station nearest your gate.
What is changing: Terminal C and Terminal F
Terminal C is being rebuilt in stages while it stays open. By June 2026, DFW and American had opened nine gates there, five rebuilt and four new. The rest of the work runs over the next several years, so expect walkway changes and temporary signs in Terminal C.
Terminal F, DFW's sixth terminal, is being built next to Terminal E. As of November 2026 its first gates are expected to open in 2027, and in November 2026 DFW finished lifting the prefabricated modules for its Skylink station into place. Until it opens, nothing is assigned to Terminal F.
Getting to Dallas and Fort Worth
DFW sits between the two cities, so the airport is roughly the same distance from downtown Dallas and downtown Fort Worth.
The DART Orange Line light rail runs from a station at Terminal A to downtown Dallas, with stops in Irving and Las Colinas. The ride to downtown Dallas takes about an hour.
TEXRail runs from the station at Terminal B to downtown Fort Worth. DART's Silver Line, which opened in October 2025, also starts at Terminal B and runs east to Plano, with stops in Addison, Carrollton and Richardson.
Taxis and rideshare pick up at marked areas outside each terminal. A drive to downtown Dallas usually takes about 25 to 40 minutes, longer at rush hour. If you are picking someone up, the airport has free waiting lots so you do not have to circle.
Connecting at DFW
Domestic connections are usually simple: you stay behind security and take Skylink if your next flight is in another terminal. American's minimum connection times at DFW are set with this in mind, but a gate change at the far end of the airport still takes time.
Arriving from abroad, you clear immigration and customs in Terminal D, collect your bags, hand them back at the connection bag drop and go through security again before taking Skylink to your next gate. Global Entry and the Mobile Passport Control app can shorten the immigration line for US citizens.
Summer thunderstorms in North Texas can stop ground operations at DFW for a while. On a tight connection in a storm season afternoon, keep the airline app open for gate and time changes.
Lounges by terminal
American runs Admirals Clubs in several terminals, and a Flagship Lounge in Terminal D for eligible long-haul and premium passengers.
Terminal D also has the American Express Centurion Lounge, the Capital One Lounge, and newer Plaza Premium and Chase Sapphire lounges that opened in 2026. Delta has a Sky Club in Terminal E.
Entry rules depend on your ticket, status or card. Because Skylink stays behind security, you can visit a lounge in another terminal before your flight, as long as you leave time to get back.
Route guides from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Dallas to Brussels flights
- Dallas to Budapest flights
- Dallas to Buenos Aires flights
- Dallas to Cairo flights
- Dallas to Dubai flights
- Dallas to Edinburgh flights
- Dallas to Frankfurt flights
- Dallas to Helsinki flights
- Dallas to Johannesburg flights
- Dallas to Lima flights
- Dallas to London flights
- Dallas to Mexico City flights
- Dallas to Milan flights
- Dallas to Paris flights
- Dallas to Prague flights
- Dallas to Santiago flights
- Dallas to Sao Paulo flights
- Dallas to Tel Aviv flights
- Dallas to Warsaw flights
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to go through security again to change terminals at DFW?
No, not on a domestic connection. Skylink runs behind security and links all five terminals. After an international arrival you clear customs in Terminal D and then security once.
How often does Skylink run at DFW?
About every two minutes, in both directions. On some nights in 2026, part of the line closed for Terminal F construction, with stations staying open.
Which terminal is international at DFW?
Terminal D is the main international terminal, with the customs hall. American's long-haul flights and most foreign airlines use it.
Which terminal is Delta or United at DFW?
Terminal E, along with most other non-American US airlines. Check your boarding pass, since some flights can use D gates.
When does DFW Terminal F open?
As of November 2026 its first gates are expected to open in 2027. Until then, DFW uses Terminals A to E.
Is there a train from DFW to downtown Dallas?
Yes. The DART Orange Line runs from Terminal A to downtown Dallas in about an hour. TEXRail runs from Terminal B to downtown Fort Worth.
How long do I need to connect at DFW?
A domestic connection on one ticket is usually manageable within the airline's minimum time thanks to Skylink. After an international arrival, allow more time for customs, the bag recheck and security.
